An overview of the best documentaries on artists – Part 1

I enjoy the PBS show, Simon Schama’s The Power of Art. I have watched several of the episodes and have learned so much and fallen in love with artists that are new to me. My favorite was about Gian Lorenzo Bernini focusing on his sculpture The Ecstasy of St. Theresa. I have always been amazed by sculptors and how they can take a chunk of rock and make it come alive so realistically.

The show focuses on one main artist and has actors portraying pivotal times in the artist’s life. Viewers are shown the artwork and home towns or villages where these artists grew up. It takes you to the cathedrals and town centers. The re-enactments whisk you away to feel as if you are right there seeing the artist create his masterpiece. Schama takes the viewer deep into each artist’s life to divulge little known facts. It’s not only a history lesson, but a lesson in fine art as well.

Artists featured on The Power of Art are:

* Vincent van Gogh

* Pablo Picasso

* Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

* Gian Lorenzo Bernini

* Rembrandt van Rijn

* Jacques-Louis David

* J.M.W. Turner

* Mark Rothko

Featured artist listing provided from www.pbs.org