ZDF/Arte

The Antagonists – Rivalry in Art: Michelangelo vs Leonardo

Florence 1504: Michelangelo and Leonardo have both been commissioned to paint two enormous battle paintings onto the walls of the Palazzo Vecchio. Through innovation they push the limitations of their time, but are ultimately doomed to fail.

Florence 1504. Leonardo da Vinci is the undisputed maestro of the local art scene. He has been commissioned to paint a monumental battle scene in the Palazzo Vecchio. But the grandmaster works too slowly – thus another painter is commissioned: Michelangelo Buonarroti of all people, a sculptor who has just created a furore with the unveiling of his “David”, is 29 years Leonardo’s junior and a thorn in his side. An openly staged nip-and-tuck race between the two rivalling titans ensues. It is a battle of the arts, fought using the example of two battle scenes – in the end there will be no winner. The clash of these two geniuses enables new perspectives on both artists individually. They were a lot more alike than one would assume at first glance and – perhaps not despite but because of that – made for great rivals. They have not only argued and eyed one another suspiciously, but they have also stimulated and challenged each other to top-performances.

About the series:

Two outstanding artists, one location, and an acrimonious rivalry – these are the key ingredients for the three-part series “The Antagonists: Rivalry in Art” which deals with envy and burning ambition, drive and the desire to reach new heights of artistic creation, as well as failure and the triumph of success. At the heart of each episode lies a conflict and a break with tradition that will eventually lead to innovation. Through their rivalry we will come to understand their real character and their true story will be revealed.