How Art Made The World Season 1 Episode 5 To Death and Back

In the fifth episode of How Art Made The World season 1, titled "To Death and Back," host Nigel Spivey takes viewers on a journey through the evolution of art dealing with death and the afterlife. From ancient Egyptian mummies to Christian depictions of the crucifixion, art has played a vital role in expressing humanity's fear and fascination with mortality.

Spivey visits the British Museum to examine the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, a collection of spells and illustrations meant to guide the deceased through the afterlife. He explains how the elaborate tomb paintings and sculptures were intended to ensure a favorable judgment by the gods and a pleasant eternal existence. The Egyptians believed that preserving the body was crucial, leading to the practice of mummification. Spivey explores the intricacies of the mummification process and its role in Egyptian art.

Moving ahead in time, the episode delves into the medieval artistic tradition of the Dance of Death, a recurring motif in which Death appears beside people from all walks of life, reminding them of the universality of their fate. Spivey examines several examples of this theme in paintings and woodcuts, and explains how it was used as a means of social critique, reminding the wealthy and powerful that they too were mortal.

The program also covers the unique role of Catholicism in the art of death. From the grisly depictions of martyrs and saints to Baroque-era over-the-top death scenes, Catholicism put a strong emphasis on death, sacrifice, and the promise of an afterlife. Spivey visits Rome to see the awe-inspiring sculptures and paintings in the city's many churches and museums.

Finally, the episode deals with the contemporary art world's relationship with death. Spivey interviews artists who use death and the concept of the afterlife as subjects of their works. From Damien Hirst's iconic "The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living," to Christian Boltanski's evocative installations, the episode explores the different ways in which death continues to influence and inspire modern art.

Overall, "To Death and Back" is a fascinating exploration of art's long-standing fascination with mortality, and how it has evolved over time, serving both religious and secular purposes. Through Spivey's expert narration and insightful analysis, viewers are treated to a provocative and deeply engaging look at one of humanity's most enduring themes.