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Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the Renaissance Beyond Florence

Season 12 Episode 1208 | 25m 39s

From Italy, the Renaissance spread across Europe, revolutionizing art. We travel to Spain and Portugal where overseas plunder is transformed into lacy architecture and ethereal paintings by El Greco. In bustling Germany and Belgium, new technologies enable Durer’s mass-produced engravings, Van Eyck’s meticulous oil paintings, Brueghel’s peasants at play, and the futuristic visions of Bosch.

Aired: 09/30/23 | Expires: 01/17/24
Distributed nationally by American Public Television
Extras
With Europe as our classroom, Rick shares the essential skills for smart, smooth travel.
Rome’s Altar of Peace and the Trophy of the Alps are fine examples of art as propaganda.
Ancient Greek theaters, statues of gods and athletes, and the guiding principle of balance
A quick lesson makes it easy to identify Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architecture.
The Parthenon and Temple of Concordia trumpet the sophistication of ancient Greek society.
Greek statues: from stiff Archaic to balanced Golden Age to jump-off-the-stage Hellenism
Early art evolved from stick figures to the refined compositions of the Golden Age.
Michelangelo sculpted “David,” painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and designed St. Peter’s.
Raphael’s sweet Madonnas set a new standard in High Renaissance painting.
Gothic church design is best illustrated by building one with 13 travelers.
All
  • All
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 12
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 11
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 10
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 9
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 8
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 7
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 6
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 5
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 4
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 3
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 2
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 1
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.