BOTTICELLI’S PRIMAVERA:
A comprehensive film based on meticulous research taking a fresh look at the different mysteries and often conflicting interpretations surrounding it, its rich mythology and allegories, the sumptuous event it was created for, the impact of humanism, classical poetry, Rome, the Medici family and more. Astonishing close-up details of Primavera make this film an inspiring experience.
Year: 2025, IMDB page
Running time: 60 mins
Where to watch: Ideas Roadshow’s App for TV, tablet & phone plus VOD and Amazon Prime – click on the buttons below. A DVD/Blu-Ray will be available soon.
This film has been produced in 4 additional original language versions: French, German, Italian and Spanish.
REVIEWS & PRAISE:
“A lucid, thoughtful and well-reasoned study of a Renaissance masterpiece. Impressive is the combination of high-mindedness and clarity on show here. This is the brainchild of Howard Burton, a theoretical physicist and philosopher who is not an art historian by training, but you wouldn’t really know it.” Full review HERE
“How long do you spend looking at a gallery picture? As little as two seconds, research suggests. Even if you’d like to spend longer, chances are there’s a jostling crowd. That’s why film has become so important. This film gets us uniquely up close and personal with Primavera – it gives us the time and the space to look properly – well done!” – Rachel Campbell Johnston, art critic
“This is a film that melds art history with detective work: Botticelli’s Primavera is a masterclass in analysing Renaissance art: even the smallest detail can offer up clues, if you know what to look for. Burton deploys a huge amount of scholarly detail, but he never loses sight of the fact that he is addressing a non-scholarly audience.” – The Reviews Hub, full review HERE
“This film is the product of meticulous research and I watched it with great admiration and interest. It was most persuasively shown that we need to think of the nine figures as comprising two distinct groups while the redating of the painting from the late 1470s to the Medici marriage in 1482 is very illuminating as well. I appreciated the beautiful close-ups of the contemporary as well as classical features of the painting, especially the Florentine clothing and jewellery on display.” – Quentin Skinner, QMUL
“The film is beautifully made, has a clear structure and is rich in interesting information. I really liked how the film emphasizes that Botticelli was ‘very much his own man’ and did not simply follow instructions from Poliziano.” – Gert Jan van der Sman, The Dutch University Institute for Art History
“This is a very good film, in particular the visuals” – Martin Kemp, Trinity College Oxford
“Definitely a step forward from the standard ‘show the work/show and hear the talking heads’. A very engaging and informative film with a succession of images that keep the watcher engaged and move the story along in close parallel with a lucid and fluent narrative – beautifully done.” – David Essex, National Gallery of Art, Washington
EDUCATIONAL USE, MUSEUM SCREENINGS ETC:
Universities/Colleges: 1-year/ 3-year streaming licenses or permanent access available through our partner Docuseek HERE or use the contact form for additional options.
An educational DVD & Blu-Ray will be released as well.
For screenings in museums and other cultural institutions, please use the contact form to request information.
