Watch The Face of Britain by Simon Schama

The Face of Britain is a documentary series presented by renowned historian Simon Schama that delves into the rich and complex history of British portraiture. The show airs on BBC Two and consists of five hour-long episodes. Each episode of The Face of Britain takes a thematic approach, exploring different facets of British identity and culture through the lens of portraits from different eras. Schama's deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter shine through as he embarks on a journey through time and space, tracing the evolution of portraiture in Britain and the stories behind the people and the artists who created it.

The first episode, entitled "The Face in the Mirror," sets the tone for the rest of the series by examining the notion of self-portraiture and how it has been used to explore identity and self-expression throughout history. Schama explores a range of self-portraits from different time periods, from the enigmatic and haunting image of the unknown artist in the Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, to the groundbreaking self-portraits of 20th-century artists like Gwen John and Francis Bacon.

In subsequent episodes, Schama takes on different themes, such as the representation of power in portraits of monarchs and other elites, the role of portraiture in memorializing the dead, and the way that artists have used portraiture to subvert and challenge traditional notions of identity and representation.

One particularly standout episode is "Looking for Wonderland," which focuses on the way that artists have used portraiture to capture the imagination and convey a sense of wonder and enchantment. Schama takes viewers on a tour of famous fairy tale illustrations and paintings, including John Tenniel's illustrations for Alice in Wonderland and Arthur Rackham's haunting illustrations of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Throughout the episode, Schama argues that these works of art helped to shape the popular imagination and gave rise to a uniquely British sensibility of fantasy and storytelling.

Another highlight of the series is Schama's exploration of the role of photography in portraiture. In "The Face in the Lens," he traces the history of photographic portraiture, from the early days of the daguerreotype to the advent of social media and the proliferation of selfies. Through interviews with experts and artists, as well as close analysis of iconic photographs, Schama explores how photography has changed the way we think about ourselves and others, and how it has fundamentally altered our relationship to art and representation.

Throughout the series, Schama is an engaging and passionate guide, drawing on his vast knowledge of art history, politics, and culture to provide context and insight into each portrait he examines. He has a talent for weaving together complex historical narratives and making them accessible to a general audience, and his enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious.

Overall, The Face of Britain is a fascinating and engaging series that sheds light on a culture and history through the prism of portraiture. Whether you are an art lover or a casual viewer, there is something here to captivate and inspire, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in British art and culture.