Watch Sister Wendy's Odyssey

Sister Wendy's Odyssey is a television series that premiered on BBC in 1992. The show is hosted by Sister Wendy Beckett, an art historian and nun, who takes viewers on a journey through the history of art. The show is divided into six episodes, each of them exploring a different aspect of art history.

In the first episode of the series, Sister Wendy travels to Italy, where she discusses the art of the Renaissance period. She examines the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, and explains how the art of this time period reflected the cultural changes that were taking place in Europe at the time.

In the second episode, Sister Wendy explores the art of Spain, focusing on the works of El Greco, Diego Velázquez, and Francisco de Zurbarán. She explains how their art reflects the religious and political climate of Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The third episode takes Sister Wendy to the Netherlands, where she discusses the art of the Dutch Golden Age. She examines the works of Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, and Jan Steen, and explains how their art reflects the prosperity and artistic innovation of the time period.

In the fourth episode, Sister Wendy travels to France and discusses the art of the Impressionist period. She explores the works of Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas, and explains how their art revolutionized the way artists approach the subject of light and color.

The fifth episode takes Sister Wendy to the United States, where she discusses the art of the Abstract Expressionist movement. She examines the works of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, and explains how their art reflects the social and political climate of post-World War II America.

Finally, the sixth and final episode of the series explores the art of Africa, Asia, and South America. Sister Wendy discusses the works of artists from these regions and explains how their art reflects their cultural and historical context.

Throughout each episode, Sister Wendy provides insightful commentary on each artwork, discussing its significance within its cultural and historical context. She also provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the artistic techniques and materials used to create each piece.

In addition to her commentary on the art, Sister Wendy also shares her personal insights on her faith and the role of art in religious practice. Her approach to art history is characterized by her unique blend of scholarly and spiritual perspectives, making the show both informative and thought-provoking.

Overall, Sister Wendy's Odyssey is an engaging and enlightening exploration of the history of art through the lens of a nun and art historian. The show provides viewers with a deeper understanding of not only the artworks themselves but also the cultural, historical, and religious context in which they were created.