Roads to Rome

In 19th-century Rome, artists sought to capture nature’s truth just as photography began to redefine it. This episode explores the tension between brush and lens, from the meticulous landscapes of Giovanni Battista Bassi to the bold experiments of painters working en plein air. Against the backdrop of a transforming city—its ruins, its light, its living history—we uncover how art shifted from recording reality to expressing perception. As photography rose, painting evolved, proving that truth in art lies not in imitation, but in how we learn to see.

In this episode, we explore the rise of Baroquemania in late 19th and early 20th-century Italy, a period when the once-dismissed Baroque style made a dramatic comeback. We examine how Italy, newly unified and seeking a national identity, turned to Baroque art and architecture as symbols of grandeur and power. This resurgence wasn’t just about aesthetics; it reflected deeper cultural anxieties about modernity and order. Through the works of figures like Bernini and Wilde, we uncover how Baroque art expressed the tensions of the time, resonating with both traditionalists and modernists alike.

In this episode, we dive into the surprising legacy of Fabiola, a 19th-century novel that became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring artists, sculptors, and even entire exhibitions. From Edward von Steinle’s paintings to Stefano Galletti’s neoclassical sculptures, Fabiola ignited a wave of creativity across Europe. We explore how this novel’s themes of faith, martyrdom, and resilience captured the imaginations of artists and why it continues to resonate in the art world. Discover how one book became an artistic movement.

In this episode, we explore a fascinating moment at the 1867 Paris World’s Fair, where Pope Pius IX commissioned a replica of the Roman catacombs. We delve into why the papacy chose to display this morbid yet symbolic exhibit at a time when progress and innovation were on full display. Through the work of archaeologist Giovanni Battista de Rossi, the replica became a statement of resilience, faith, and power. Discover how the past and present collided, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Rome’s Christian heritage amidst a world looking toward the future.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum.” Originally designed as a symbol of Mussolini’s fascist regime, the building has undergone a dramatic transformation over the decades, from a political monument to the headquarters of high fashion brand Fendi. We dive into the building’s controversial history, how it went from propaganda to pop culture, and the ongoing debate about whether architecture can ever truly be separated from its ideological origins. This is a story of art, power, and rebranding.

In this episode, we explore how the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the “Square Colosseum,” has been reimagined in four different films. Once a symbol of Mussolini’s fascist ideology, this imposing structure has since become a versatile canvas for directors like Fellini, Greenaway, Taymor, and Wimmer. Each filmmaker uses the building to reflect on themes like power, control, and history, from playful satire to dystopian futures. Through this exploration, we uncover how architecture can carry deep symbolism, transforming space into a powerful narrative tool across time and genres.

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating rivalry between Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen through the eyes of William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire. Exploring his collection at Chatsworth House, we discover how the Duke’s personal taste and diaries reveal his preference for Canova’s meticulous craftsmanship over Thorvaldsen’s more collaborative approach. We discuss how these two titans of neoclassical sculpture shaped the art world and how Cavendish’s curation tells a deeper story about the intersection of artistic process, collaboration, and personal connection. Reflections on Yarrington's Canova and Thorvaldsen at Chatsworth.

In this episode, we explore the legendary rivalry between two titans of neoclassical sculpture, Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen. Both masters of their craft, they transformed the art of sculpture in the late 18th and early 19th centuries with their contrasting styles—Canova’s sensual, emotional figures versus Thorvaldsen’s cool, precise forms. We dive into their groundbreaking techniques, the mythological inspirations behind their works, and how their rivalry pushed each to new heights. Through their stories, we uncover the drama, ambition, and lasting legacy of these sculptors.

In this episode, we explore the dramatic rebirth of the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le mura after its devastating fire in 1823. From the ancient connection to Saint Paul’s tomb to the architectural debates following the disaster, we uncover the story of how this sacred site was transformed. The episode delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, as architects like Giuseppe Valadier and Luigi Poletti navigated the balance between historical accuracy and innovation. Through this reconstruction, the basilica became a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and the Catholic Church’s enduring influence.

In this episode, we dive into the late 18th-century artistic revolution focused on the pursuit of simplicity and pure lines. Artists and architects sought a clean slate by returning to the minimalism of ancient Greece, using stark forms and clear lines to reimagine the purpose of art. From William Blake’s expressive watercolors to John Flaxman’s outline illustrations, we explore how this simplicity conveyed deep emotion. We also look at how global influences, such as Japanese woodblock prints, shaped this movement, making it a timeless reflection of the power of essential forms in art.

In this episode, we are focusing on how 18th-century Rome’s apartment buildings embodied ideals of simplicity, harmony, and beauty. Architects like Raguzzini approached these structures with a sense of balance and integration, blending them seamlessly into the city’s urban landscape. From the use of curves to create flow and movement to fostering community through thoughtful design, we reveal how these buildings reflect the Arcadian vision of finding elegance and grace in everyday life. Reflections on Debenedetti's article, Middle-Class Rome: From the Baroque City to the European Capital.

In this episode, we explore the 19th-century artistic rediscovery of Rome, focusing on how artists captured the city’s complex layers of history, from its ancient ruins to its Christian heritage. Far from the polished tourist sites we know today, these artists engaged with a Rome that was both decaying and majestic. We discuss how figures like Carl Friedrich Schinkel and Ippolito Caffi saw Rome as a dialogue between the ancient and modern worlds, and how their art reflected the city’s transformation. This episode reveals Rome as an evolving symbol, constantly reinterpreted through the eyes of its admirers.

In this episode, we delve into the world of neoclassicism, exploring its complex and dynamic history. Far beyond Roman columns and Grecian robes, we uncover how neoclassical artists navigated the intersection of tradition, innovation, and moral purpose. Through debates about beauty, power struggles, and movements within movements, we explore how figures like Jacques-Louis David and Antonio Canova shaped the era. We also touch on the rise of Egyptomania and the influence of art academies, highlighting how this artistic period was both global and deeply intellectual, leaving a lasting impact on modern art.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Arcadian Classicism in 18th-century Rome. Far from the typical grand narratives of ruins and gladiators, we uncover how the Accademia dell’Arcadia (Arcadian Academy) sought to harmonize classical ideals with the intellectual spirit of the Enlightenment. Through their pursuit of balance, order, and refined beauty, these artists crafted a new vision for Italian art, defining a national identity rooted in classical ideals. We delve into how Arcadian Classicism shaped the art world and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Europe.

Italian neorealism wasn’t just a film movement—it was a blueprint for a radically different kind of cinema, one grounded in moral conviction rather than spectacle. In this episode, we explore how neorealism’s quiet revolution—its long takes, non-professional actors, and commitment to the everyday—became a framework adopted across the globe. From Bicycle Thieves to Down by Law, from Satyajit Ray’s Bengali villages to Jafar Panahi’s Tehran streets, we trace how filmmakers used neorealism’s human scale to confront social realities with emotional clarity. Drawing on theorists like Siegfried Kracauer and Raymond Williams, we unpack how neorealism prioritised lucidity over neurosis, solidarity over cynicism. This is world cinema not as exotic spectacle, but as ethical encounter.

In this episode, we unpack Eat Pray Love and its picture-perfect vision of Rome. The film presents the Eternal City as a sun-drenched playground for self-discovery, but does it truly capture its essence? We explore how cinematic techniques create an alluring yet curated version of Rome, catering to a tourist gaze that glosses over the city’s complexities. From romanticized food culture to idealized encounters, we examine what is gained—and lost—when Rome becomes a backdrop for personal reinvention rather than a city with its own rich, living history.

Rome’s grandeur is legendary, but what about the unseen forces that shaped its modern landscape? In this episode, we uncover abusivismo, the phenomenon of illegal construction that redefined the city after World War II. From desperate migrants building makeshift homes to powerful developers exploiting legal loopholes, we explore how nearly 20% of Rome’s built environment emerged outside the law. With corruption, politics, and urban struggle intertwined, discover how Rome’s unofficial architecture tells a story of resilience, survival, and contested space.

In this episode, we explore Pier Paolo Pasolini’s complex relationship with Rome, a city he both revered and rejected. Far from romanticized postcards, his Rome was found in the periphery—shanty towns, council housing, and the raw energy of the ragazzi di vita. Through films like Accattone and Hawks and Sparrows, Pasolini mapped an alternative Rome, exposing the tensions between ancient grandeur and modern consumerism. Discover how his art forces us to look beyond the surface, challenging our perceptions of authenticity, progress, and human struggle.

In this episode, we explore how Italian cinema and fashion redefined Rome’s image on the world stage. From the postwar fascination with Hollywood to the rise of La Dolce Vita, Italian filmmakers and designers crafted a distinct vision of glamour—rooted in authenticity, heritage, and effortless elegance. We uncover how stars like Silvana Mangano and designers like the Fontana sisters blended tradition with modern allure, transforming Rome into the epicenter of style and aspiration. Discover how Italian glamour became a global phenomenon, shaping culture far beyond its borders.

How did postwar Rome transform into a global fashion capital, rivaling even Paris? In this episode, we explore the powerful synergy between film, fashion, and the Made in Italy brand. With Cinecittà Studios attracting major Hollywood productions and Italian designers redefining elegance, Rome became a hub of cinematic glamour and high fashion. From artisan craftsmanship to the city’s visual allure, discover how Rome’s postwar reinvention shaped its enduring status as a style icon on the world stage.