Rick Steves' Europe - Season 12

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Episodes

Art of Prehistoric Europe

Season 12Episode 130 min

Art of Prehistoric Europe

As the Ice Age glaciers melted, prehistoric Europe bloomed with surprisingly sophisticated art. From Ireland to France, Scotland to the Greek Isles, we traverse that mystical world of mighty megaliths, torchlit cave paintings, magical goddesses, and wrinkled bog people. We stand in awe as a massive tomb is radiated by a dramatic beam of sunlight and listen to ritual horns that still play today.

Art of Ancient Greece

Season 12Episode 230 min

Art of Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece laid the foundations of Western art. Traveling from its sun-splashed isles to the rugged mainland to bustling Athens, we trace the rise of Greek culture. We marvel at the timeless Acropolis, perfect Parthenon, and Golden Age theaters. And we watch as art evolves from stiff statues to perfectly balanced Venuses to the exuberant Winged Victory, capturing the spirit of the age.

Ancient Roman Art

Season 12Episode 330 min

Ancient Roman Art

We follow Rome's rise through its awe-inspiring art, starting at Rome's humble birthplace in the Forum. Soon Rome is graced with supersized monuments like the majestic domed Pantheon and the Colosseum, where gladiators battled to the death. We also get a glimpse of Rome's more intimate side: the colorful mosaics, luxurious frescoes, and realistic portraits of the solid citizens who made Rome great.

Art of the Roman Empire

Season 12Episode 430 min

Art of the Roman Empire

With its vast empire, ancient Rome gave Europe its first common culture. From England to Turkey, we explore the greatest Roman cities, marveling at their over-the-top art, soaring aqueducts, and crowd-pleasing theaters. As Rome fell, saints replaced Caesars and Christianity filled the vacuum with art-filled churches — preserving the grandeur of imperial Rome and inspiring the Europe to come.

Art of the Early Middle Ages

Season 12Episode 530 min

Art of the Early Middle Ages

After Rome's fall, Europe's Christians kept culture alive with art rooted in their deep faith. We visit sturdy Romanesque churches filled with art that reinforced the ruling order. Meanwhile, Europe was invigorated from the fringes: Byzantines to the East, with their dazzling mosaics; Spanish Muslims with their lush palaces; and fierce Vikings of the North — all part of Europe's rich cultural stew.

Art of the High Middle Ages

Season 12Episode 630 min

Art of the High Middle Ages

As Europe passed AD 1000, its growing prosperity was reflected in soaring Gothic cathedrals graced with colorful altarpieces, lacy stonework, and radiant stained glass. We visit luxurious castles to see exquisite tapestries showing a new secular love of worldly pleasures and, end in Italy, where pioneering artists like Giotto were mastering realism and pointing the way to the future of art.

Art of the Florentine Renaissance

Season 12Episode 730 min

Art of the Florentine Renaissance

The "rebirth" of Florence is powered by Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael and Michelangelo, whose David sculpture and painting of the Sistine takes the Florentine Renaissance to new heights.

Art of the Renaissance Beyond Florence

Season 12Episode 830 min

Art of the Renaissance Beyond Florence

Lacy architecture and ethereal paintings by El Greco in Spain and Portugal; in Germany and Belgium, technologies enable Durer's mass-produced engravings, Jan van Eyck's oil paintings, Brueghel's peasants at play and the futuristic visions of Bosch.

Season 12Episode 930 min

Baroque Art

Forged in Europe's religious struggles, Baroque art inspired the faithful and dazzled the masses. We start in Rome, with its awe-inspiring St. Peter's, fleshy Bernini statues and bubbly fountains. In Belgium, we see the dramatic canvases of Rubens. And finally: the ultimate Baroque palace, Versailles, with its chandeliered Hall of Mirrors and vast gardens where nobles played as Revolution brewed.

Art of the Neoclassical and Romantic Ages

Season 12Episode 1030 min

Art of the Neoclassical and Romantic Ages

Europe's Neoclassical buildings of columns and domes, dramatic Romantic paintings depicting extreme emotions and nature; touring castles.

Art of the Impressionists and Beyond

Season 12Episode 1130 min

Art of the Impressionists and Beyond

Impressionist works, including Monet's lilies, Renoir's ladies, Degas' snapshots and Rodin's statues; tracing the travels of Van Gogh through his art; wild and crazy buildings in Spain

Art of the 20th Century

Season 12Episode 1230 min

Art of the 20th Century

The wild, colorful, surreal and fun art of the 20th century, from Spain to Hungary to Glasgow to Oslo; the works of Pablo Picasso.

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