The Great Epochs of European Art

1989

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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Production

Language

Status

Ended

First Aired

January 1, 1989

Last Aired

March 5, 1989

Created By

Gaby Imhof-Weber, Kurt W. Oehlschläger

Where to Watch

Region US · Lang EN

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Seasons & Episodes

Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.

Season

The Art of the Ancient Greeks

Air date: 1989-01-01

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

Air date: 1989-01-08

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

Air date: 1989-01-15

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

Air date: 1989-01-22

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

Air date: 1989-01-29

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

Air date: 1989-02-05

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

Air date: 1989-02-12

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

Air date: 1989-02-19

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

Air date: 1989-02-26

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

E10

The Art of the 20th Century

Air date: 1989-03-05

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.