In this series Tim Marlow presents a unique insight into the Courtauld Institute and Gallery, one of the finest small museums in the world. Its collection stretches from the early Renaissance into the 20th century and is particularly famous for its array of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.

In his engaging and informative style, Tim will present his pick of the art on display in the galleries, each episode focusing on a number of key works from the Courtauld’s remarkable collection, from the precious golden altarpieces of the early Renaissance painter Bernado Daddi to Edouard Manet’s enigmatic work, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère.  Tim will journey through art history, exploring the imagery and iconography, the technique and the cultural context that inform what are some of the most profound works of Western Art.  Tim will also take an exclusive look at the Courtauld’s ongoing restoration work as well as explore the evolution of the collection itself.

The Courtauld Institute of Art was founded in 1932 by the industrialist and art collector Samuel Courtauld, along with the statesman and collector viscount Lee of Fareham and the lawyer Sir Robert Witt.  The three were brought together by a common wish to improve the understanding of the visual arts in Britain.  Samuel Courtauld’s own exceptional collection of French Impressionist and Post Impressionist painting has been supplimented over the decades by key gifts and bequests, including Count Antoine Seilern’s extrodinary collection of paintings and drawings by Peter Paul Rubens as well as Thomas Gambier Parry’s bequest of early Italian Renaissance painting.

Episode 1
The Courtauld’s collection of Renaissance art is one of the most important in Britain and includes works by the likes of Bernado Daddi, considered by some Giotto’s greatest rival, as well as an enigmatic depiction of the Crucifixion by Sandro Botticelli.

The collection is also strong in northern European art of this period, and the jewel of the early Renaissance displays is the Lamentation Triptych by the Master of Flemalle, one of the first northern painters to work in a naturalistic and illusionistic manner. The triptych is now considered to be one of the greatest masterpieces of early Netherlandish painting.  But very little is known about the about the work and it is the subject of ongoing research at the Courtauld.

But in many ways the star of the Courtauld’s collection of Renaissance art is a depiction of Adam and Eve by German artist Lucas Cranach the Elder, a delicately rendered work that captures the moments before the Fall of Man.

Episode 2
The Courtauld houses an important collection of 17th century paintings and drawings and at its heart is a world-class collection of paintings by Peter Paul Rubens assembled by Count Antoine Seilern.  The collection features examples of Rubens’ sketches and preparatory works, such as The Descent from the Cross, which offers a unique insight into the mind of this great Baroque master.

The 18th century collection features fine examples of British portraiture, including Gainsborough’s mesmerising portrait of his wife as well as the only full-length portrait in Britain by the great Spanish master Francisco de Goya.

Episodes 3
The Courtauld Gallery houses one of the finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world, with an array of outstanding works charting the development of modern French painting from Monet and Renoir to Seurat and Gauguin. World-famous masterpieces are here, such as van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, Manet’s great last painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergère as well as an extensive group of outstanding canvases by Cézanne.