Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History (2011)
Stephen Smith uncovers the secret history of the humble fig leaf, opening a window onto 2,000 years of Western art and ethics. He tells how the work of Michelangelo, known to his contemporaries as 'the maker of pork things', fuelled the infamous 'fig leaf campaign', the greatest cover-up in art history; how Bernini turned censorship into a new form of erotica by replacing the fig leaf with the slipping gauze; and how the ingenious machinations of Rodin brought nudity back to the public eye. In telling this story, Smith turns many of our deepest prejudices upside down, showing how the Victorians had a far more sophisticated and mature attitude to sexuality than we do today. He ends with an impassioned plea for the widespread return of the fig leaf to redeem modern art from cheap sensation and innuendo.
Cast
- Stephen Smith - Presenter
Screenplay
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History about?
- Stephen Smith uncovers the secret history of the humble fig leaf, opening a window onto 2,000 years of Western art and ethics. He tells how the work of Michelangelo, known to his contemporaries as 'the maker of pork things', fuelled the infamous 'fig leaf campaign', the greatest cover-up in art history; how Bernini turned censorship into a new form of erotica by replacing the fig leaf with the slipping gauze; and how the ingenious machinations of Rodin brought nudity back to the public eye. In telling this story, Smith turns many of our deepest prejudices upside down, showing how the Victorians had a far more sophisticated and mature attitude to sexuality than we do today. He ends with an impassioned plea for the widespread return of the fig leaf to redeem modern art from cheap sensation and innuendo.
- Who directed Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History?
- Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History was directed by Rosie Schellenberg.
- Who stars in Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History?
- Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History stars Stephen Smith.
- How long is Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History?
- Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History has a runtime of 59m (59 minutes).
- What genre is Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History?
- Fig Leaf: The Biggest Cover-Up in History is a Documentary film.