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Rick Steves Art of Europe

Explore European art through the ages, from prehistoric cave paintings into the 20th century

  • Christina Zeiders

Rick Steves Art of Europe is an ambitious six-part sweep through European art history that weaves the greatest masterpieces into a fascinating story that’s both entertaining and inspiring. Rick Steves climbs deep into the prehistoric tombs on remote Scottish isles, summits Michelangelo’s dome at the Vatican, and waltzes through glittering French palaces before pondering the genius of Picasso and Van Gogh.

Watch Rick Steves Art of Europe on WITF TV or through the PBS Video app live stream on Mondays at 9pm starting December 26 through January 30.

Rick does for art what he does for travel – making it fun and accessible. Over the course of the series, we see the vivid story of European art through the ages. We’ll discover cave paintings and mysterious stone circles, and follow the rise and fall of great civilizations, from the massive pyramids in Egypt to the ethereal temples of Greece and the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Then, after a thousand years of the Middle Ages – with imposing castles, soaring cathedrals, and radiant religious art – Rick invites us to gaze into the eyes of David and see how the beauty of ancient times was reborn in the Renaissance.

Europe’s monarchs with their elaborate palaces and exuberant art were eventually countered by the Enlightenment and revolution, which brought about several exciting new styles – from stern Neoclassism to unbridled Romanticism and the sun-dappled canvasses of Impressionism. We’ll explore Europe’s tumultuous 20th century through the ever-wilder frontiers of artistic expression.

Through it all, we’ll celebrate European art as it connects us to the past and points the way forward.

Watch Rick Steves Art of Europe on WITF TV or the PBS Video app live stream on Mondays at 9pm starting December 26 through January 30. WITF Passport members can stream the series any time using their login and the PBS Video app.

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