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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.

59 minutes

Last on

Wed 10 Apr 2024 02:30

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Music Played

  • Chamber 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

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