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Art of the 20th Century

Documentary

TV-G

25

Sep 29, 2024

Europe's tumultuous 20th century spawned cutting-edge art. From Spain to Hungary, Glasgow to Oslo, we seek out all that's wild, colorful, and surreal. We see how a persistent artistic spirit connects us with both our past and future.

Season 12, 12 episodes

Art of Prehistoric Europe,

As the Ice Age glaciers melted, prehistoric Europe bloomed with sophisticated art. From Ireland to France, Scotland to the Greek Isles, we traverse that mystical world of megaliths, cave paintings, magical goddesses, and wrinkled bog people.

Art of Ancient Greece,

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art. Traveling from its sun-splashed isles to the rugged mainland to bustling Athens, we trace the rise of Greek culture. We marvel at the timeless Acropolis, perfect Parthenon, and Golden Age theaters.

Ancient Roman Art,

We follow Rome's rise through its awe-inspiring art, starting at Rome's humble birthplace in the Forum. Soon Rome is graced with supersized monuments like the majestic domed Pantheon and the Colosseum, where gladiators battled to the death.

Art of the Roman Empire,

From England to Turkey, we explore the greatest Roman cities, marveling at their over-the-top art, soaring aqueducts, and crowd-pleasing theaters. As Rome fell, saints replaced Caesars and Christianity filled the vacuum with art-filled churches.

Art of the Early Middle Ages,

Europe's Christians kept culture alive with art rooted in their faith. Romanesque churches filled with art that reinforced the ruling order, whereas Byzantines had their dazzling mosaics and Spanish Muslims had lush palaces.

Art of the High Middle Ages,

Europe's growing prosperity was reflected in soaring Gothic cathedrals with colorful altarpieces, lacy stonework, and radiant stained glass. In Italy, pioneering artists like Giotto were mastering realism and pointing the way to the future of art.

Art of the Florentine Renaissance,

After its medieval struggles, Europe rediscovered the art of the ancients. We revel in the bold spirit of the Cathedral's lofty dome and the great artists such as Botticelli, da Vinci and Michelangelo, taking the Renaissance to new heights.

Art of the Renaissance Beyond Florence,

From Italy, the Renaissance spread across Europe, revolutionizing art. In Spain and Portugal, overseas plunder is transformed into lacy architecture. In bustling Germany and Belgium, new technologies enable mass-produced engravings and oil paintings.

We start in Rome, with its awe-inspiring St. Peter's. In Belgium we see the dramatic canvases of Rubens. And the ultimate Baroque palace, Versailles, with its chandeliered Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens where nobles played as revolution brewed.

Art of the Neoclassical and Romantic Ages,

Around 1800, Europe was in transition, reflecting in two art styles. We start with stately Neoclassical buildings with columns and domes. Then see dramatic Romantic canvases depicting extreme emotions and awesome nature.

Art of the Impressionists and Beyond,

The late-1800s saw old notions of beauty challenged by artists. We enjoy pioneering Impressionist works like Monet's lilies, Renoir's ladies, and Rodin's statues. We trace the tempestuous travels of Van Gogh through his incomparable art.

Art of the 20th Century,

Europe's tumultuous 20th century spawned cutting-edge art. From Spain to Hungary, Glasgow to Oslo, we seek out all that's wild, colorful, and surreal. We see how a persistent artistic spirit connects us with both our past and future.

Details

Rick Steves' Europe

News & Information

TV-G

7

55

Rick Steves, author of the acclaimed travel guides Europe Through the Back Door, showcases the best of Europe.

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