Art of the Western World, No. 1: The Classical Ideal

Traces in Part I the origins of Western art to Ancient Greece. Identifies the Greek ideal as personified in male and female figures and the architecture found in the Parthenon. Moves in Part II from Greece to Rome through the Hellenistic period. Focuses on the new artistic approach to human form and violent emotions that reached its pinnacle with the altar of Zeus at Pergamum. Explores the Roman engineering and architecture that was used to build an empire. Examines portrait sculpture exalting rulers in this period. Explains development of the arch and the origin of concrete which was used to lay foundations for Roman monuments. Closed Captioned.