Elizabeth I is one of the most iconic figures from British history - her image can be recognised in an instant. But this was no mistake, for Elizabeth’s portraits were an audacious act of spin to cement her image of female majesty. In this documentary Dr Nicola Tallis and Prof Anna Whitelock take a close look at the progression of these portraits in light of surrounding political turmoil. By exploring the portraits in forensic detail, they decode a puzzle of bizarre symbolism and hidden meaning, and shine a surprising light on the Elizabethan era. Why did objects such as moons, pelicans, globes and roses carry so much meaning? How did Elizabeth forge and utilise her apparent virginity to strengthen her position? How, in short, did Elizabeth I become an icon?
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Turner on Tour
Joseph Mallord William Turner is one of Britain's greatest artists. He was the ‘master of light’ who pioneered radical techniques to interpret the changing world around him.
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Dicking About
Penises, they’re everywhere in ancient art and sculpture…But back in Ancient Greece they were artistically embodied a bit differently…why? Size spoke volumes.
Dr Kate Lister and her handy tape measure are on a quest to get the measure of Ancient Greek statues in the Cambridge Museum of Classics...
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War Art of the Western Front
It was the war to end all wars. In 1914, catastrophe struck Europe as great power diplomacy failed and alliance systems mobilised vast armies against one another in a conflict that dragged on in bloody stalemate for four long years. Nations geared their entire economies towards victory and called...
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