Face of Britain by Simon Schama

Face of Britain by Simon Schama (2015)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

Simon Schama explores the history of British portraiture, revealing the stories behind the most compelling images in British art and examining the ways portraiture is used to make a statement.

Network
Scheduleevery Wednesday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

The Face in the Mirror
Season 1Episode 560 min

The Face in the Mirror

In this film, Simon Schama explores the complex motivations behind some of our most intriguing self-portraits, looking at what they say about both the creative minds of the artists who produced them and the human condition. From Tracy Emin's bed, a relic of our confessional age, to Lucien Freud's searing examinations of his ageing body, the film will explore how all self-portraits stand on a knife edge between self-indulgence and self-scrutiny. Schama explores the daring first glimmers of self-portraiture in a 13th-century manuscript and how the incarceration of the artist Gerlach Flicke led to the creation of the first English self-portrait that looks us straight in the eye. He shows how the frustrated potential of artist Isaac Fuller led to a self-portrait of unprecedented poignancy and how the romantic imagination of Samuel Palmer created works of visionary beauty. Laura Knight's use of her own image to defy the male-dominated art establishment and William Orpen's painted search for his own identity during World War I reflect the complex motivations that have driven artists to make themselves the subject of their work. Visiting the hundreds of figures that make up Antony Gormley's monumental sculpture Another Place, Schama reflects on this collective self-portrait that inspires us all to contemplate our place in the world.

Oct 28, 2015

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E05The Face in the MirrorOct 28, 2015
S01E04The Look of LoveOct 21, 2015
S01E03The Face of FameOct 14, 2015
S01E02Faces of the PeopleOct 7, 2015
S01E01The Face of PowerSep 30, 2015
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

Face of Britain by Simon Schama premiere?

The first episode of "Face of Britain by Simon Schama" aired on September 6, 2015.

Who is the host of Face of Britain by Simon Schama?

The host and presenter of "Face of Britain by Simon Schama" is Simon Schama, a British historian and professor of art history and history at Columbia University.

What is the concept of Face of Britain by Simon Schama?

"Face of Britain by Simon Schama" is a documentary television series that explores the history of British portraiture, examining the evolution of art and identity in Britain over the course of 5,000 years.

How many episodes are there in Face of Britain by Simon Schama?

"Face of Britain by Simon Schama" consists of 5 hour-long episodes.

What is the historical timeframe covered in Face of Britain by Simon Schama?

"Face of Britain by Simon Schama" covers the history of British portraiture from the prehistoric era to the present day.

Who are some of the famous artists and works of art featured in Face of Britain by Simon Schama?

"Face of Britain by Simon Schama" features works by famous artists such as William Hogarth, Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable, and J.M.W. Turner, among others.

How are the episodes structured in Face of Britain by Simon Schama?

Each episode of "Face of Britain by Simon Schama" focuses on a particular theme or era in British portraiture and features discussions with experts and interviews with contemporary artists.

What is the significance of portraiture in British history, as highlighted in Face of Britain by Simon Schama?

Portraiture has played an important role in British history, serving as a way to showcase wealth, status, power, and identity. "Face of Britain by Simon Schama" explores the ways in which portraiture has reflected and shaped British society.

Cast

Simon Schama

Simon Schama

plays himself
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Characters

Presenter

Presenter

played by Simon Schama
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