Art of The Western World

Watch Art of The Western World

  • 1989
  • 1 Season
  • 8.4  (87)

Art of the Western World is a captivating TV series that takes its audience on a journey through the world of Western art from its earliest beginnings in ancient Greece to modern times. The series was broadcasted on PBS in 1989 and features the renowned historian and presenter Michael Wood, as well as notable art critics Germano Celant and Rosalind Krauss, who lend their expertise and insights to the exploration of the intricate and fascinating world of art.

Through eight episodes, Art of the Western World seeks to introduce viewers to the rich and diverse history of art in the Western world. Each episode focuses on a particular period in Western art history, providing a comprehensive overview of the artistic styles, techniques, and masterpieces that defined that era. The series showcases an impressive range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, architecture, and more.

The series begins with the Greeks, examining the emergence of classical art and its impact on Western art. From there, viewers are taken on a tour through some of the most significant periods in the Western art world, including the age of the Renaissance, the Baroque era, and the Modernism of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Throughout the series, Michael Wood takes on the role of a knowledgeable guide, leading viewers through various locations in Europe, including Italy, Greece, and France, each of which has played a significant role in shaping Western art. Wood's passion and enthusiasm for art are infectious, making the show engaging and accessible to a wide audience.

Germano Celant and Rosalind Krauss, two of the most notable art critics of the twentieth century, bring a scholarly approach to the exploration of Western art. Together, they offer insightful commentary on many of the series' most iconic artworks, exploring the history, context, and meaning behind each masterpiece.

What makes Art of the Western World such a compelling series is its ability to present art in a way that is both informative and accessible. Viewers need not be experts in art history to appreciate the series; it is aimed at anyone with an interest in the subject. The show provides an excellent starting point for those who want to learn more about Western art, while offering a wealth of information and insights for seasoned art enthusiasts.

The series is also visually stunning. The production team has produced incredible visuals that bring art to life, and the cinematography is top-class. The show uses close-ups and slow-motion shots to provide viewers with an up-close look at some of the world's most famous artworks, allowing them to appreciate the intricate details and techniques used by the artist.

In conclusion, Art of the Western World is an excellent television series that offers viewers a fascinating insight into the history of Western art. With its engaging host, expert analysis, and breathtaking visuals, the series is a must-watch for anyone interested in the subject. Even though it was first broadcasted in 1989, it remains as relevant today as when it was first produced, and it is still considered one of the most comprehensive and engaging introductions to Western art ever created.

Art of The Western World is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between April 8, 1989 and on PBS

Art of The Western World
Filter by Source

Seasons
In Our Own Time
9. In Our Own Time
January 1, 1989
The center of the art world moved to New York, home to abstract expressionism. Artists reacted to postwar society with a bewildering array of styles, and postmodernism mined the past for ideas. Featured: Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol.
Into the 20th Century
8. Into the 20th Century
January 1, 1989
Rapid advances in science, thought, and technology led to the secessionists, fauves, and cubists. Dada rejected everything, and architecture went international. Featured: Klimt, Matisse, Picasso, Mondrian, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye.
A Fresh View: Impressionism and Postimpressionism
7. A Fresh View: Impressionism and Postimpressionism
January 1, 1989
Once scorned and despised, impressionist paintings today are among the most familiar images in art. Postimpressionists broke new ground with their radical use of color. Featured: Manet, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Deurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
An Age of Reason, an Age of Passion
6. An Age of Reason, an Age of Passion
January 1, 1989
As society revolted against decadence and corruption, artists turned again to classical Greece. The romantic painters in turn elevated individual expression. Featured: Watteau, Syon House, David's The Death of Marat, Ingres, Delacroix, Goya's The Third of May, 1808.
Realms of Light: The Baroque
5. Realms of Light: The Baroque
January 1, 1989
The Counter-Reformation inspired an artistic revival and an exuberant new style. In royal courts, artists expressed the power of the monarch. Featured: Caravaggio, Bernini's Ecstasy of St. Teresa, Belvedere Palace, Rubens, Velazquez, Vermeer, Rembrandt.
The High Renaissance
4. The High Renaissance
January 1, 1989
Papal patronage made Rome a vibrant center of art once more. In Venice, the great artists were preoccupied with theatre, nature, and classical style. Featured: Da Vinci's Last Supper, Michelangelo's David, Titian, Tintoretto, Palladio's villas.
The Early Renaissance
3. The Early Renaissance
January 1, 1989
In Florence, classical themes were reborn and merged with Christian values. In the north, the Flemish masters worked in a new medium: oils. Featured: Donatello, Fra Angelico, Brunelleschi's dome, Claus Sluter, the Isenheim altarpiece, Jan van Eyck, Albrecht Durer.
A White Garment of Churches: Romanesque and Gothic Art
2. A White Garment of Churches: Romanesque and Gothic Art
April 8, 1989
Romanesque art and architecture were shaped by two powerful forces: pilgrimage and the monastic movement. The Gothic era cathedrals were filled with divine light. This episode features: Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vezelay, sculpture of Gislebertus.
The Classical Ideal
1. The Classical Ideal
April 8, 1989
The Greeks created the classical ideal against which all subsequent art would be measured. The Roman's genius lay in architecture and civil engineering. This episode features: the Parthenon, the Altar of Zeus at Pergamon, the Pantheon, the sarcophagus of Juius Bassus.
Description
Where to Watch Art of The Western World
Art of The Western World is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Art of The Western World on demand at Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    April 8, 1989
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (87)