Favorite Art Documentaries

Dr James Fox tells the story of three cities in three exceptional years - cities whose artists and thinkers, writers and musicians set the world on a new course.

Eminent classical historian Robin Lane Fox embarks on a journey in search of the origins of the Greek myths. He firmly believes that these fantastical stories lie at the root of western culture, and yet little is known about where the myths of the Greek gods came from, and how they grew. Now, after 35 years of travelling, excavation and interpretation, he is confident he has uncovered answers.

The Art of Cornwall - Writer and lecturer James Fox tells the remarkable story of Cornwall's unique contribution to British art. For a period in the 20th century, Cornwall was the home of the avant garde, eclipsing London, Paris and New York, as a group of super-talented individuals sought refuge and inspiration in the West Country. From painter Kit Wood, who brought the surrealist influences of Twenties Paris, to Barbara Hepworth's Modernist sculptures, James traces Cornwall's evolution to the hub of a new international art movement, and explores its sudden fall after the mid-Sixties. The Art Of Cornwall also covers the work of artists Peter Lanyon, Patrick Heron, Terry Frost and sculptor Naum Gabo.

Alastair Sooke examines three periods in the history of British sculpture and the masterpieces they produced.

World-renowned American scholar, Professor James Shapiro re-examines the work of the world's greatest playwright during the exciting but troubled reign of King James.

A look at how the Art Nouveau movement flourished in the burgeoning cities of Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Andrew Graham-Dixon investigates the 14th-century tapestry origins in the Low Countries, their strategic location facilitating art markets, shaping an enduring artistic legacy through architecture and culture.

This is a documentary about the history of the Louvre museum, the building and the historical people influencing it as reflected in the various treasures inside it.

Historian Lars Tharp looks at six pieces of Chinese porcelain to understand the development of the art form and the civilization that gave rise to it.

A look at some of the most ambitious art thefts in history and their significance for the development of art history as a whole.

Classicist Dr Michael Scott presents a three-part series looking at the power, influence and history of Ancient Greece, particularly Athens, through the prism of one of its most important cultural spaces - the theatre.

Michael Grade tells a tale of television skullduggery and dirty dealings in the battle to win the Saturday night ratings crown.

A drama-documentary telling the story of the celebrated gathering in Geneva, 1816 which led to the creation of both Frankenstein and the first modern vampire story.

Rococo art is often dismissed as frivolous. But Waldemar Januszczak disagrees and in this three-part series he tries to bring Rococo art closer to us, and argues that the Rococo was the age in which the modern world was born.

Alistair Sooke visits 30 great treasures of Egyptian art, some in Egypt either in situ or in the Cairo Museum, others in museums elsewhere.

Simon Schama celebrates the masterpieces of Rembrandt's last years. Although the artist fell into bankruptcy and scandal in later years, it took him to new creative heights.

Jonathan Meades dives deep into the motives behind Brutalist architecture, the story of its fall from grace and its unapologetic continued relevance.

Documentary of architecture on ghothic buildings, the makeup and the evolution to the perpendicular (British) gothic architecture that we see much of in Britain today.

Behind the enigmatic smile, the Mona Lisa remains a mystery, fuelling endless speculation.

Composer and musician Neil Brand explores the magical elements that come together to create our favourite songs.

A visual history of the significance and impact of the Pop Art movement in the Sixties and beyond.