The Face of Britain by Simon Schama

The Face of Britain by Simon Schama is a fascinating documentary series presented by the renowned historian and author, Simon Schama, which made its debut on BBC Two. The series takes an insightful and detailed look at the history of British portraiture and how it has depicted power, love, fame, and the self through various periods in history, showcasing the evolution of the British identity as encapsulated through artwork.

Across the series, Schama explores five thematic parts, each dedicated to a certain aspect of portraiture and the stories of the people both in front and behind the canvas.

In the first theme, "The Face of Power," the series delves into the world of political and royal portraiture. Schama discusses how painted images were used to assert authority and project influential figures' power throughout the country's tumultuous history. He examines how these pictures were often not just simple representations but instruments of control, propaganda, and policy, often idealizing or even exaggerating the features of those in power to enhance their authority and sometimes their legacy.

Following on, the second part, "Faces of the People," shifts the focus away from the wealthy and powerful to the common citizen. Schama highlights the stories of everyday Britons that are often absent from the mainstream historical narrative. This section reveals how the advent of new techniques in art and photography made portraiture more accessible and how important these faces of ordinary people are to the rich tapestry of the nation’s past.

With "The Face of Fame," Schama delves into celebrity culture as it has been captured in Britain, from the poets and playwrights of history to the rock stars of modern times. Fame, as he discusses, not only reflects the charismatic personality of individuals but also the changing landscape of what society values as ‘Admirable’ or ‘Imitable’. In this section, Schama investigates the relationship between artist and subject in capturing the essence of fame and how that process changed with the rise of mass media.

"The Look of Love" is the series' fourth exploration, delving into the intimate and often complex relationship between artists and their sitters, where emotional connections are laid bare on the canvas. Schama uncovers the stories behind some of Britain’s most heartfelt works, be them familial, romantic, or platonic, and discusses how these emotional undercurrents are immortalized and interpreted through art. The personal and the experiential infuse these paintings, adding layers of meaning and resonance to the faces depicted.

Finally, the last part, "The Face in the Mirror," addresses the topic of self-portrayal. Here, Schama dives into the world of self-portraits, revealing how artists have confronted their own images throughout the ages. Self-portraits go beyond mere vanity; they often reveal the inner turmoil, the intellectual preoccupations, and the spirit of the age as seen through the lens of personal experience. This closing theme looks at the artist's search for identity and the act of self-scrutiny—and by extension, the nation’s contemplation of its own multifaceted identity.

Throughout this compelling series, Schama does not just stand as a presenter but acts as an erudite guide, taking viewers on a chronological and thematic journey through Britain’s history as seen through its art. His narration is interwoven with a rich tapestry of historical context, artistic criticism, and personal anecdotes that bring the artworks and their subjects to life. The show is laced with interviews, on-site visits to galleries and other locations relevant to the portraits discussed, and contemplations on the modern relevance of historical art.

Aside from Schama’s storytelling, the series is visually immersive, with high-quality reproductions of the artwork beautifully filmed and displayed. It also showcases the diversity of British portraiture, including works by some of the most famed British artists, like Thomas Gainsborough, Joshua Reynolds, and modern artists like Lucian Freud.

The Face of Britain by Simon Schama is not just a show about art; it's a show about culture, society, history, and the human condition as seen through the faces that Britain has produced or celebrated. It is a captivating series that offers keen insights into the power of portraiture and the role it has played in shaping, reflecting, and celebrating British national identity and the individuals who have inhabited its complex landscape. Schama’s series is an illuminating visual feast for any enthusiast of art history, British culture, or simply those captivated by stories human faces can tell.