Watch Understanding Art: Baroque & Rococo

Understanding Art: Baroque & Rococo from RLJ Entertainment is an informative and visually stunning documentary that seeks to delve deeper into the history and significance of two of the most influential art styles of the 17th and 18th century - Baroque and Rococo.

The show takes the viewer on a mesmerizing journey through some of the most iconic artworks of the era, offering insights into the diverse styles and techniques employed by the artists who pioneered these movements. Through interviews with experts, curators, and art historians, viewers are given a glimpse into the cultural and historical context that gave rise to these styles, as well as the intricate symbolism and meaning behind some of the era's most well-known works.

The first episode explores the Baroque period, which emerged in Italy towards the end of the 16th century and is characterized by its dynamic, emotional portrayal of religious and mythological scenes. We are taken through a breathtaking tour of some of the most impressive Baroque masterpieces, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew, allowing us to appreciate the dramatic intensity and realism that made these works so impactful. We also learn about the social and political climate during this time, including the deep religiosity and growing power of the Catholic Church in Europe, which helped fuel the spread of Baroque art across the continent.

In the second episode, the show moves on to the Rococo style, which developed in France in the early 18th century and is characterized by its ornate, playful aesthetic. The Rococo era was a time of great indulgence and luxury, marked by lavish parties and a fascination with frivolous subjects such as nature, love, and whimsy. The show explores how artists such as Antoine Watteau, François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard captured the spirit of the times with their dreamy, sensual paintings and sculptures, and we learn about the cultural and social shifts that led to this hedonistic era of artistic expression.

Throughout both episodes, the documentary provides a wealth of information and analysis, delivered in a clear, engaging manner. The show combines stunning visuals of the artworks themselves with expert commentary and detailed historical context, allowing viewers to grasp the intricate details of each work and truly understand what went into its creation. For instance, we learn about the techniques employed by Baroque sculptors to create the illusion of movement and emotion and the way Rococo painters used light and shadow to accentuate the sensuality of their subjects.

One of the most impressive aspects of the show is the way it connects the art of the past to the present day. While the Baroque and Rococo periods may seem remote and unfamiliar to modern viewers, the show does an excellent job of showing how these styles have influenced contemporary art and culture. We see how Baroque elements can be found in everything from modern-day cinema to music videos, while the Rococo's love of indulgence and excess can be seen in our own era's obsession with celebrity culture and luxury goods. This not only helps to make the art more accessible to a wider audience, but also underscores the enduring power of these movements to shape our understanding of beauty, creativity, and the human experience.

Overall, Understanding Art: Baroque & Rococo from RLJ Entertainment is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, or culture. Through its combination of stunning visuals, expert commentary, and fascinating insights, it brings to life two of the most significant and influential periods in artistic history and helps us to appreciate the enduring impact these movements continue to have on our world today.

Understanding Art: Baroque & Rococo is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between January 1, 2014 and on RLJ Entertainment