How Art Made The World Season 1 Episode 3 The Art of Persuasion

How Art Made The World is a show that explores the relationship between art and human history. In season 1 episode 3, titled "The Art of Persuasion", the focus is on how art has been used to persuade people throughout history.

The episode begins by looking at some of the earliest forms of art, such as cave paintings, and how they were used to communicate important messages. One example given is the cave paintings in Lascaux, France, which depict animals that were important to the survival of the people who made them. These paintings were not just for decoration, but also served a practical purpose in terms of hunting and gathering.

The episode then moves on to looking at how the ancient Egyptians used art to reinforce their political power. The pharaohs used art to depict themselves as god-like figures, which helped to reinforce their authority over the people. The massive statues of the pharaohs were not just symbols of power, but also served practical purposes, such as marking the entrance to temples and palaces.

The next section of the episode focuses on the use of propaganda art in Nazi Germany. The Nazi party used art to promote their ideology and to demonize their enemies, particularly Jewish people. The infamous Nazi propaganda film, The Eternal Jew, is discussed, as well as the artwork of Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl.

The episode then looks at how art has been used in more recent times to promote political causes and social change. One example given is the posters created by the Black Panthers in the 1960s, which were used to promote the party's message and to recruit new members. The episode also looks at how art has been used in the fight against AIDS, including the creation of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Throughout the episode, the narrator emphasizes the power of art to persuade and influence people. The examples given are varied, but all demonstrate how art has been used throughout history to promote a message, whether that message is political, religious, or social.

Overall, "The Art of Persuasion" is a fascinating episode that explores the many ways that art has been used to persuade and influence people throughout history. From the cave paintings of prehistoric times to the propaganda art of Nazi Germany, the episode provides a thought-provoking look at the power of art to shape human history.