10 episodes

The Great Epochs of European Art - Season 1

First aired Jan 1, 1989Season 1

Browse all 10 episodes in this season, including available images, air dates, runtimes, ratings and episode summaries from TMDB.

Episodes

The Art of the Ancient Greeks still

Episode 1

The Art of the Ancient Greeks

NR
Jan 1, 198955 min

An 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.

The Art of the Romans still

Episode 2

The Art of the Romans

NR
Jan 8, 198955 min

A 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.

Early Christian and Byzantine Art still

Episode 3

Early Christian and Byzantine Art

NR
Jan 15, 198955 min

A 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.

Romanesque Art still

Episode 4

Romanesque Art

NR
Jan 22, 198955 min

An 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.

Gothic Art still

Episode 5

Gothic Art

NR
Jan 29, 198955 min

A 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.

The Art of the Renaissance still

Episode 6

The Art of the Renaissance

NR
Feb 5, 198955 min

A 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.

Baroque Art still

Episode 7

Baroque Art

NR
Feb 12, 198955 min

An 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.

Rococo Art still

Episode 8

Rococo Art

NR
Feb 19, 198955 min

A 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.

The Art of the 19th Century still

Episode 9

The Art of the 19th Century

NR
Feb 26, 198955 min

A journey through Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism, showing how industrialization, social change, and new ideas transformed European art during the 1800s.

The Art of the 20th Century still

Episode 10

The Art of the 20th Century

NR
Mar 5, 198955 min

An 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.