Art of France

S01E01 Plus Ça Change

Art historian and critic Andrew Graham-Dixon kicks off the series by delving into the captivating narrative of French art, which intertwines with the reigns of some of Europe's most formidable kings, known for their magnificent palaces and the remarkable artworks they housed. He explores how art arose from a clash between tradition and innovation, reflecting the tension between rulers and a populace often resistant to control. Beginning with the groundbreaking Gothic architecture, he charts its evolution through the emergence of Classicism and the Enlightenment, leading up to the brink of revolution. This era birthed some of history's most acclaimed works, including masterpieces by Poussin, Watteau, and Chardin, alongside Boucher's lavish Rococo creations and the grand historical paintings of Charles le Brun.