Perugino

Delve into the world of one of the Renaissance’s most graceful painters, whose serene figures and masterful use of perspective shaped an entire generation. The narrative unfolds alongside eight vivid colour plates, each reproducing a celebrated work—from the tender “Virgin and Child with Adoring Angels” in London’s National Gallery to the haunting “Dead Christ” in Florence’s Academy of Fine Arts—offering listeners a visual guide as the story progresses.

The author, Selwyn Brinton, traces the young artist’s early steps, exploring the rich tapestry of influences that fed his talent. From the emotive legacy of Siena’s masters and the disciplined drawing of Niccolò da Foligno to the intellectual rigor of Piero della Francesca, the book maps the artistic currents that converged on the Perugian prodigy. Brinton also examines the mystery surrounding his apprenticeship, weighing the claims of contemporary chroniclers against modern scholarship.

By the end of this first act, listeners will have a clear sense of the cultural and personal forces that forged Perugino’s distinctive style, setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of his enduring masterpieces.