Art of The Western World

Art of The Western World from PBS, which originally aired in 1989, is an acclaimed television series that transports viewers back in time to explore and discern the creation, evolution, and significance of western art. An ode to the creative endeavors of mankind from antiquity to modernity, this series embarks on an in-depth journey through the annals of Western person's artistic achievements and historical milestones that have profoundly shaped our cultural heritage.

Hosted by renowned art historian, academic, and broadcaster Michael Wood, Art of The Western World is a nine-hour exploration split into nine one-hour episodes. Each of these episodes delves into discrete but interconnected eras of Western art, starting from the classical antiquity of Greece and Rome, sprinting towards the grandeur of the High Renaissance, and concluding with the flourishing dynamism of contemporary art.

The series has been meticulously designed to ensure viewers appreciate the complexity and diversity of Western art – across different periods, cultures, and movements – as a product of its socio-political, historical, and philosophical contexts. Each episode discusses pivotal works of art from the period under scrutiny, helping viewers understand the myriad ways artists reflected and shaped their times through their masterpieces.

The first episode, 'The Classical Ideal,' harks back to the birth of Western art during the classical period in Greece and Rome. Here, the viewers are exposed to the harmonious balance and serenity that embody the art of this era. Following this, the series moves on to the heart of Christian Europe in the 'The Gothic Spirit.' This segment analyzes the soaring gothic cathedrals, which encapsulated the spiritual aspirations and technological ambitions of the Middle Ages.

Subsequent episodes illuminate the transformative influence of patronage during the Renaissance, its shift towards scientific empiricism during the Enlightenment, extremes in emotion during Romanticism, and the introspective turn of the art in the 19th century. Episode after episode, viewers are invited to explore the dynamic range of Western art: from the mathematical precision of the Renaissance, the tumultuous grandeur of Romanticism, to the fragmentation of form in modern art.

'Grandeur and Obedience' takes the viewers on a journey to Italy of the Late Middle Ages, illustrating how the religious and political climate of the times influenced the artworks. 'The Early Renaissance' dives into the transition from religious-based to human-focused artworks.

The series then sprints towards the 'High Renaissance,' unveiling how titans like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and Raphael mastered the art of representing the world around them. 'Realms of Light' highlights the Baroque period, shedding light on how artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt used dramatic contrasts of light and dark to exemplify emotion.

In a stark divergence from earlier times, the 'Age of Reason, An Age of Passion' captures the scepticism and sentimentality that characterized the Age of Enlightenment and the Romantic Era, demonstrating how artists grappled with the advent of reason. 'A Fresh View' provides an insightful analysis of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, exploring how artists like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh revolutionized Western art with their unique styles.

The series finale, 'Into the Twentieth Century,' charts the course of modern art, explaining how abstraction came to dominate, and how artists have continually strived to invent new modes of visual expression in response to the tumultuous events of the 20th century.

Art of The Western World was lauded for its approachable, yet erudite discourse. The series is renowned for its impressive collection of imagery from around the globe, making it an essential viewing for anyone interested in gaining a holistic understanding of Western art. Michael Wood's engaging narration and easy-to-follow delivery of complex subject matter make this series a beloved and informative viewing experience, bridging the gap between the layman and the scholar.

On the whole, Art of The Western World is a televisual feast of grand proportions, an in-depth exploration of Western art, and an emphatic testimony to the enduring influence of artistic expression on our individual and collective identities.