Duration
55 minutes
Series Info
Season 1 Episode 1

Quick Summary

DEISCIONAL AN EÒLAIS (THE DISCIPLE OF EXPERIENCE) - A vivid documentary episode that follows a Tuscan‑born artist from his quiet village roots to the bustling streets of Renaissance Florence, revealing how the era’s brilliance shaped his vision. This BBC Alba programme offers UK viewers a quick overview at a glance, blending drama and entertainment in a compelling series that will intrigue any British TV fan.

About This Program

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW DEISCIONAL AN EÒLAIS (THE DISCIPLE OF EXPERIENCE) – PART ONE OF TWO is a richly textured documentary‑drama that follows the life of a little‑known Tuscan artist who grew up in a remote village before moving to Florence at the height of the Renaissance. The series blends archival material, on‑location filming, and dramatised reenactments to chart his journey from pastoral innocence to the bustling workshops of Michelangelo’s era. This first episode offers a full details introduction to his formative years, setting the stage for the artistic revelations that follow in the second instalment. WHAT TO EXPECT Viewers will be taken on an in‑depth review of the artist’s early influences, from the rolling hills of his birthplace to the vibrant streets of Florence where the Renaissance was in full bloom. The episode interweaves expert commentary from art historians, vivid recreations of fresco workshops, and intimate interviews with contemporary Tuscan craftsmen who preserve the techniques of the period. Expect a seamless mix of documentary rigour and dramatic storytelling that brings the sensory world of 15th‑century Italy to life for UK television audiences. KEY FEATURES The programme’s unique selling points include its high‑production values – shot in 4K with natural lighting to capture the Tuscan landscape’s true colour, and a meticulously researched script that respects both scholarly accuracy and narrative drive. The cast features acclaimed British actors delivering authentic performances in both English and native Italian, supported by a score composed by a Grammy‑winning orchestral ensemble. As a hybrid of drama and documentary, the series stands out as an entertainment offering that educates without sacrificing emotional impact. WHY WATCH For discerning British TV viewers, this series is a rare opportunity to experience a slice of European cultural heritage through a lens that feels both intimate and grand. It appeals to fans of art history, historical drama, and high‑quality documentary storytelling, providing a comprehensive guide that deepens understanding of the Renaissance’s human side. UK viewers will appreciate the thoughtful pacing, the richness of the visual palette, and the way the episode connects past artistic breakthroughs to contemporary creative practice. BBC ONE PROGRAMMING CONTEXT DEISCIONAL AN EÒLAIS (THE DISCIPLE OF EXPERIENCE) fits comfortably within the BBC Alba programming tradition of delivering thoughtful, well‑researched documentary series that complement its drama slate. Positioned alongside flagship arts programmes, it offers a compelling addition to the British TV schedule, promising to attract both regular documentary fans and those who enjoy period drama. This episode, as part of a two‑part series, provides a complete, in‑depth look that will satisfy the expectations of UK viewers seeking quality entertainment and educational content in one package.

Leonardo da Vinci broadcasts on BBC Alba at 9:00pm, Saturday, 20 September 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)