Oxford
In Oxford's Bodleian Library, Dr Bendor Grosvenor spots a finely painted portrait by an unknown artist. Could it be by the greatest portrait painter working in Rome in the 18th century, Pompeo Batoni?
In the Bodleian Library in Oxford, Dr Bendor Grosvenor identifies a portrait of a fellow of Merton College from the 1750s, George Oakley Aldrich. It is not known who painted the picture, but Bendor believes it is by the most famous painter of British grand tourists that ever lived, Italian artist Pompeo Batoni.
Batoni arrived in Rome at the age of 19 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the most talented painters of both religious, and mythical history, subjects. He found himself in huge demand to paint altarpieces for churches and chapels throughout the city, but after a monumental work for an altar in St Peter鈥檚 was rejected by a committee of priests, a furious Batoni turned to portrait painting and was adopted by the British aristocracy.
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Simon Gillespie's cleaning technique
Duration: 01:01
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Duke Humphrey's Library
Duration: 00:57
Music Played
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
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00:26Chamber Orchestra "Renaissance", Leo Korchin, Renaissance Chamber Orchestra
Oboe Concerto In D Minor, S.Z799: I. Allegro Moderato
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Bendor Grosvenor |
| Presenter | Emma Dabiri |
| Series Producer | Spike Geilinger |
| Executive Producer | Harry Bell |