Series
The Great Epochs of European Art
Documentary
Ten programs filmed across Europe explore the history of European art through masterpieces of architecture, sculpture, and painting. The series spans from Greek and Roman art to Christian, Byzantine, and Gothic styles, followed by the Baroque, Rococo, and the artistic movements of the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Seasons & episodes
1The Art of the Ancient Greeks1 Jan 1989 · 55mAn introduction to the origins of European art, exploring Greek sculpture, architecture, and aesthetics. The episode highlights ideals of beauty, harmony, and proportion that shaped Western artistic tradition.
2The Art of the Romans8 Jan 1989 · 55mA journey through the monumental architecture and refined decorative arts of ancient Rome. It examines engineering achievements, imperial imagery, and the artistic legacy that spread across the Roman Empire.
3Early Christian and Byzantine Art15 Jan 1989 · 55mA study of early Christian and Byzantine visual culture, focusing on mosaics, icons, and sacred architecture. The episode reveals how spirituality and symbolism defined the art of the Eastern Empire.
4Romanesque Art22 Jan 1989 · 55mAn exploration of the Romanesque period, marked by massive churches, expressive sculpture, and a deeply religious visual language that dominated Europe in the 11th and 12th centuries.
5Gothic Art29 Jan 1989 · 55mA look at the rise of Gothic cathedrals, the pointed arch, stained glass, and the pursuit of light and verticality. This episode shows how medieval Europe transformed architecture and artistic expression.
6The Art of the Renaissance5 Feb 1989 · 55mA survey of the rebirth of classical ideals in Italy and Europe. Featuring masters such as Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael, it presents a new vision of humanity, nature, and artistic innovation.
7Baroque Art12 Feb 1989 · 55mAn examination of the dramatic, emotional, and theatrical style of the Baroque era. From Caravaggio’s intense realism to Bernini’s dynamic sculptures, the episode reveals art shaped by power and faith.
8Rococo Art19 Feb 1989 · 55mA portrait of the refined and ornate Rococo style, with its elegant interiors, playful themes, and aristocratic taste. The episode highlights French and German contributions to this decorative movement.
9The Art of the 19th Century26 Feb 1989 · 55mA journey through Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism, showing how industrialization, social change, and new ideas transformed European art during the 1800s.
10The Art of the 20th Century5 Mar 1989 · 55mAn overview of the revolutionary artistic movements of the modern era: Expressionism, Cubism, abstraction, and the avant‑garde. The episode explores how the very definition of art was reimagined.
Details
- Created by
- Gaby Imhof-Weber, Kurt W. Oehlschläger
- First aired
- 1 Jan 1989
- Last aired
- 5 Mar 1989
- Status
- Ended
- Language
- German
- Episodes
- 10
