Raiders of the Lost Art

If you are looking for a series that isn't purely mind numbing entertainment, and you actually want to learn something while watching TV, then this series is for you. The episodes focus on historical plundering of art, art thefts, and life history of specific artists. I thought the stories were interesting and provided information I had not known before, or if I had been aware, it provided a further depth of knowledge. There is a mix of real life video of art, auctions, views of historical places, and a mix of reenactment of historical events. There is a broad depth of knowledge of each story, with interviews of various art historians, writers, and history buffs. I enjoyed the series enough, that I watched it twice. There are only 6 episodes in the series, I wish there were more!

I've only been able to see the first season (6 episodes) so this review only covers those. I currently don't have access to the second season of 12 additional episodes.

An interesting and eye opening look at art that has gone missing during the early decades of the 20th century, with the Nazi looting of Europe playing a role in almost every episode.

Various experts shed light on the story in each episode and sometimes people involved in the recovery or identification add eyewitness testimony.

It's fairly well structured, moving the events along at a good pace. Mostly. As with many non-fiction histories, recreations with actors are used. However, the recreations in this series tend to drag and meander as if they were partly done to serve as time filler. These overlong scenes and the repetitive use of stock footage are why I didn't give higher than 7 stars.

Outside of those two detriments, the series is very informative and often has an upbeat ending as (some) of the missing are finally found after decades in hiding.

The specter of the Nazi art thefts of WWII lingers over the show, as it was one of the greatest art thefts in history and most the discussed art originated in Europe. But don't mistake that for a critique. If it was in Europe during the 30s and 40s, the war is, by default, going to be part of its story.

If you can see this series, watch it.

This is amazing for learning more about art history. You don't need to know much about art history to enjoy it. The series makes you want to get into art history and makes you feel so much more knowledgeable when you see the artist's works at a museum. I can't speak highly enough about it. I just want to know when the next season comes out.

For some reason, there were a few negative comments about this series on Netflix. I think the problem might be the name "Raiders of the Lost Art." Perhaps people expected more action? Yes, there were some episodes about art theft, but mostly, this series was about the various great artists and their influences, the techniques they used to paint, the locations, and their lives.

One of the best concerned Hitler's art dealer and the Nazi theft of so many beautiful pieces of art work, the recovery of some of them by the Monument Men, and the places many of them were hidden by not only the Nazis, but the owners of the art. Another one concerned Klimt's Woman in Gold; still another was about the Faberge eggs - a particularly good episode.

Vermeer, DaVinci, Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Raphael, El Greco, Munch's The Scream, Cezanne, Turner were all covered by various art experts who often honed in on a particular painting - with Vermeer it was "Girl with a Pearl Earring." The story of Van Gogh's sister- in- law bringing Van Gogh's work to the fore was told in some detail.

Sometimes the series was a little repetitive, but other than that, I found this entertaining and educational. As someone who could never even draw a straight line, the work of these artists is breathtaking.

An entertaining series to keep one engaged and interested. A few backstories are included, making the great painters and artists of all time even more interesting. I do hope this series continues, with more in depth analysis and historical context. This series raises the bar among current offerings available!

The only two detractors from my perspective are the narrators continued use of the word "pictures" when referring to paintings, and referring to Leonardo da Vinci as 'da Vinci', rather than Leonardo. We would not refer to Leonard from London as 'London' in most forms of media.

Overall, a fun and interesting series.