Watch Civilisation

Civilisation is a documentary series produced by BBC in 1969-1970 and now streaming on BritBox. This series is hosted by Sir Kenneth Clark, who is a renowned art historian and director of the National Gallery in London. He narrates the 13-episode series that explores the history of Western civilization from the Dark Ages to the present day.

Throughout the series, Sir Kenneth Clark takes viewers on a journey through history, art, architecture, and philosophy in each episode. The series is well-paced and provides a comprehensive overview of civilization's significant achievements, including the founding of democracy, the birth of religious art, the creation of the Gothic cathedral, the Renaissance, the scientific revolution, and the industrial era.

The first episode titled "The Skin of Our Teeth" discusses the Dark Ages and how society managed to persevere through the cultural and social upheaval during the time. Clark shows viewers the historical sites of Europe such as Byzantium, Ravenna, and Rome as he makes his way to the Art Gallery of Florence.

The second episode, "The Great Thaw," traces the emergence of 12th-century Europe from the Dark Ages. Clark explores the birth of new cities and the first Gothic cathedral, Chartres Cathedral. He gives a brief history of the rise of specialized trades and the economy. Clark explores the medieval mindset filled with religious piety and the sense of cosmic order that gave meaning to people’s lives.

The third episode, "Romance and Reality," explores how the artists of the Renaissance brought a new sense of realism to the world. Clark takes us to Florence and examines the works of Giotto, Masaccio, Donatello, and Botticelli before moving on to Rome to showcase the work of Michelangelo.

The next episode, "Man – the Measure of all Things," takes the viewer on a journey through the artists' representation of human anatomy, and Clark showcases works of Leonardo da Vinci becoming an anatomist. He also highlights the works of Raphael, Titian, and Rubens during this time.

In the episode "Protest and Communication," Clark explores the era of the Reformation and the Catholic response as well as the Baroque era. Clark shows viewers the works of Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Dyck.

The seventh episode, "Grandeur and Obedience," is about the culture of absolute monarchy during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Clark shows us the works of Peter Paul Rubens and the creations of Versailles Palace.

In the episode "The Light of Experience," Clark explores the development of Enlightenment, the rise of democracy, and the ideals of individual liberty. He takes us to the heart of the British Renaissance period and showcases the work of Hogarth and Reynolds.

The next chapter, "The Pursuit of Happiness," provides an insight into human sentimentality and the Romantic Era in the art world. The display showcases works of Goya, Blake, and Turner.

Clark explores Gothic revival in the episode "The Smile of Reason." He argues that European modernity is incomprehensible without religious images interpreted as works of art. This episode also shows art produced during the 19th century.

In the episode "The Worship of Nature," Clark showcases idealized landscaped gardens of Capability Brown and the explosive growth of the cities during the industrial revolution.

The eleventh episode, "The Fallacies of Hope," is about the significance of the French Revolution over European society. Clark portrays the works of Gericault as he explores the evolution of art.

Clark concludes the series with "Heroic Materialism," which explores the ideas of Marx and Darwin and how it influenced art and architecture. Clark argues that the new society produced by these ideas was a rejection of previous ideals.

Throughout the documentary, Sir Kenneth Clark visits various historical sites, museums, and art galleries to illustrate the points he makes. Clark’s enthusiasm and knowledge combine to create an engaging and enlightening documentary series that raises important questions about society and individuals in Western Civilization.

In summary, Civilisation is a must-watch documentary series for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the development of the Western world. The show is informative, engaging, and educational, presented by a talented host and accompanied by stunning examples of art and culture.

Civilisation is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between February 23, 1969 and on BritBox