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Rick Steves’ Europe: Art of the 20th Century

Season 12 Episode 1212 | 25m 16s

Europe’s tumultuous 20th century spawned a kaleidoscope of cutting-edge art. From Spain to Hungary, Glasgow to Oslo, we seek out all that’s wild, colorful, surreal, and just plain fun. The fascinating work of Pablo Picasso leads us through the century’s major art styles. And in today’s gleaming cities, we see how a persistent artistic spirit connects us with both our past and an exciting future.

Aired: 09/30/23 | Expires: 02/14/24
Distributed nationally by American Public Television
Extras
Join Rick Steves and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra on a spectacular musical journey through Europe.
Join Rick Steves for a "best of Poland" special featuring Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk and more.
With Europe as our classroom, Rick shares the essential skills for smart, smooth travel.
Rome’s Altar of Peace and the Trophy of the Alps are fine examples of art as propaganda.
Ancient Greek theaters, statues of gods and athletes, and the guiding principle of balance
A quick lesson makes it easy to identify Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architecture.
The Parthenon and Temple of Concordia trumpet the sophistication of ancient Greek society.
Greek statues: from stiff Archaic to balanced Golden Age to jump-off-the-stage Hellenism
Early art evolved from stick figures to the refined compositions of the Golden Age.
Michelangelo sculpted “David,” painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and designed St. Peter’s.
All
  • All
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 12
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 11
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 10
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 9
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 8
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 7
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 6
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 5
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 4
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 3
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 2
  • Rick Steves' Europe Season 1
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.