Program Description

With characteristic wit, art critic Waldemar Januszczak turns his educated eye to eight masterpieces of European painting, unraveling the secrets behind each.

What did Gainsborough intend for the conspicuous void in Mr and Mrs Andrews? Why did Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa capture the world's imagination? How did Manet shock French society with his Le Dejeuner sur L'Herbe ("Luncheon on the Grass")? From New York City to Paris to Rome, Januszczak searches out the art experts, literary and artistic allusions, and historical records–not to mention juicy gossip–to expose long-held secrets within the gilded frames.

Works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Giorgione, Caravaggio, and Van Eyck also take on new and deeper meanings in this lively, engaging eight-part series.

BONUS FEATURES

• Guide for group discussion
• Avenues for further learning
• Stories Behind the Story
• Featured artwork
• Artist bios