Art/Architecture
May 2006

The following titles are available at Vairo Library.  Film descriptions are from the LIAS CAT entries, most of which are copied or derived from the film containers. For more information on any of the titles, search the LIAS CAT by title, and limit the material type to Video Material.

African art and women artists. (1992)
Focuses on Kenyan artist, Elizabeth Orchardson-Mazrui, whose art comments on life, particularly the contradictory attitudes of African society towards women.

African art legacy of oppression. (1999)
The traveling African art exhibition, "Treasures from Tervuren," from Belgium's Tervuren Museum serves as the focus of this documentary. Paul Solman discusses African art's influence on European art with African art experts Ramona Austin and Adam Hochschild. The stories behind these objects provides new insights into Central African art, history and culture.

Al-Andalus the heritage of Islamic Spain. (1992)
Examines the Islamic influence on art, architecture and culture in Andalusian Spain.

American visions. (1997)
Presents a glimpse of American history through its visual art, painting, sculpture, architecture and monuments. Follows nearly three centuries of creativity, exploring a nation whose art mirrors its diversity.

Andy Warhol.    (1987)

A profile of Andy Warhol's life and work since his death in February 1987 examines a career that spanned painting, film, publishing, rock music and television.          

Ansel Adams a documentary film. (2002)
Intimate portrait of a great artist and ardent environmentalist-for whom life and art, photography and wilderness, creativity and communication, love and expression, were inextricably connected.

The Architectural engineer one of a series. (1990)
Faculty and students describe and illustrate the architectural engineering program at the Pennsylvania State University, including curriculum and facilities.

Art and death in Africa. (1986)
Examines the spiritual and social customs of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso in West Africa. The first segment investigates the ways in which masks are used by the peoples of Burkina Faso for death rituals and to control spirits. The second segment explores, through still images and taped performances, the designs and significance of various mask styles and dance performances in Burkina Faso.

The Art and sport of fashion. (1987)
Fashion's evolution from Coco Chanel to Christian Dior, including a short, lively history of the sweater.

Art of Indonesia tales from the shadow world. (1990)
Explores Indonesia's ancient treasures and its "shadow world"--the rituals, myths, and performances by which the harmony of the universe is maintained.

The art of the Dogon. (1988)
The Dogon people of Mali possess one of the richest art traditions in West Africa. For centuries, the Dogon have created powerful sculpture to use in various rituals and in their daily life. Program is based on Lester Wunderman's extensive collection of this sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum, and his archival footage, shot on location in Mali. .541.   Paterno Libraries Endowment Fund; 6 13 15

Art of the Western world. (1989)
An introduction to and study of artistic masterpieces from the Western world. Interpretation and commentary by art historians emphasize the significance of each work and its relationship to art movements, art theory and the social environment.

Art nouveau, 1890-1914. (2000)
A look at the art nouveau movement, focusing mainly on the Art nouveau, 1890-1918 exhibition held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, England. Includes archival film footage from the period and features interviews with prominent scholars

Artist unknown. (1998)
In this documentary, Lennie James, a young British man of African descent, journeys to the war-shattered central African kingdom of Benin to discover the origins of a carved mask purchased in London. He uncovers a tale of early African civilization, the looting of treasures and suppression of traditions by colonial powers, and the amazing persistence of an African artistic vision within a colonial culture. His mission becomes a quest to better understand the essence of Africa itself.

Artists at war. (1990)
Memories of Montparnasse's revelry and relative prosperity contrast sharply with the writing from the front.

Ben Nicholson, 1894-1982. (1985)
Looks back on the life work of the man who, during the 1930s, jolted British art out of the doldrums. With his abstract style, Nicholson brought his country's tradition back into the mainstream of international development.

Black history, black vision
the visionary image in Texas. (1989)
Documentary featuring Black Texas visionary artists like : John W. Banks, Ezekiel Gibbs, Frank Jones, Naomi Polk, Rev. Johnnie Swearingen, and Willard "The Texas Kid" Watson.

Born of fire creation of a bronze sculpture : lost wax method. (1991)
Gambaro, a Creek Indian, demonstrates the long, complicated process of making a bronze sculpture, using the traditional "lost wax method."

Breaking free of the earth Kazimir Malevich 1878-1935. (1990)
Based on the exhibition held at Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, 1989. This program documents the exhibition and allows Malevich to reveal his own story, providing viewers with analyses and commentary on his work that is vivid, precise and personal.

Camera Early photography & moving pictures. (1991)
An early history of still photography & motion pictures, showing pioneers like Niepce, Talbot, Daguerre, Eastman, Edison and others.

Canal boat to history. (1988)
This program delves into the problems of communication caused by China's vast size and diversity of landscape, and shows how this has been reflected in Chinese art through the ages. From Shanghai, Edmund Capon journeys north, to the very cradle of Chinese civilization. He explores the three peaks of Chinese culture: the Bronze Age, the Han Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty and looks at their distinctive artistic achievements.

Cathedral the story of its construction. (1985)
Combines location sequences and animation to show the building of a Gothic cathedral. Begins with a tour of Chartres, Reims, Amiens, Bourges, Beauvais, Notre Dame de Paris, Laon, and the Royal Abbey Church of St. Denis. Discusses life in the medieval era and how churches were a center of life.

Cezanne the man and the mountain. (1985)
Focuses on the central theme of Cezanne's painting: his fascination with nature and his love-hate relationship with his birthplace, Aix-en-Provence, most specifically the nearby mountain, Sainte Victoire, which he painted repeatedly throughout his life. Recognizes Cezanne as the "father of modern painting."

Chillida. (1985)
Explores the world, works and roots of the Basque sculptor, using his own words as a commentary. We see Chillida at work as he forges a massive piece in iron and also as he creates pieces in terra cotta.

China and the world. (1988)
This program explores China's erratic and invariably difficult contacts with other cultures and ideologies, caused by both natural and cultural barriers, and how this isolation has allowed China to develop her own great and distinctive traditions in art. Edmund Capon looks at China's cultural evolution through 2000 years of trading and commercial contacts and considers some of the ideological influences that entered the country from the outside world.

The Chinese identity. (1988)
This program takes viewers to selected locations that embody the distinctive character of China and the symbols that represent the unique spirit reflected in China's art: the Forbidden City in Beijing, a classic Chinese garden, the sacred mountain, Huangshan. He also visits the great calligrapher Huang Maozi and Jingdezhen, the home of Chinese porcelain.

Chisholm '72 unbought & unbossed. (2004)
This documentary follows the political career of a Harlem school teacher, Shirley Chisholm, who campaigned to become the first black woman to ever run for president.

The Conflict of the gods. (1991)
In his lifetime Carlos Fuentes has witnessed the rediscovery of ancient Aztec temples beneath the central square of modern Mexico City. He retraces the Indian world through their magnificent pyramids and sculptures. The return of their exiled god was forecast for the very year Cortes reached their shores. The savagery of the conquistador equaled that of the Indian, but he brought with him a new god, a god who sacrificed himself for men.

Constable the changing face of nature. (1991)
An introduction to the art of John Constable by Leslie Parris, co-selector of the 1991 Tate Gallery Constable exhibition.

The Cubist epoch. (1971)

The Cultures of Africa a semester long celebration of the African cultural experience, January 1992. (1992)
A look at the Cultures of Africa program held during the spring semester 1992 at the Brandywine Campus (formerly Delaware County) of the Pennsylvania State University. Includes excerpts of some of the lectures, concerts, activities and artworks exhibited during the celebration.

David, the passing show. (1986)
Using a replica of David's studio, the "newsreel" technique, and a commentary derived from David's own speeches, this film provides a fascinating insight into the man who became, ironically, the virtual dictator of arts in his day.

A Day in the country Impressionism and the French landscape. (1984)
Presents 40 works of Impressionist art shown at an exhibition organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Reunion des Musees Nationaux. Narration presents a non-technical overview of the Impressionist movement.

The Definitive Dali a lifetime retrospective. (1988)
Presents Dali's entire oeuvre in the context of his extraordinary life and international career.

Degas. (1988)
Explores the life and work of the French painter, Edgar Degas. In addition to a close-up view of some of his most memorable paintings, viewers also enjoy a visit to Degas' old haunts and a taste of the artist's life through his own words.

Degas and the dance: the man behind the easel. (2003)
Features the paintings, drawings, and sculptures of ballet dancers created by Edgar Degas.

Donatello, 1386-1466 the first modern sculptor. (1986)
Provides a close-up look at the life and work of Donatello, the greatest sculptor of the early Italian Renaissance.

Dream window reflections on the Japanese garden. (1992)
A journey through some of the most beautiful gardens in the world, revealing the secrets of both classical and contemporary Japanese gardens.

The Early Italian Renaissance Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio. (1994)
Examines the works of Brunelleschi the architect, Donatello the sculptor, and Masaccio the painter.

Edith Piaf la vie en rose. (1998)
This program, updated in 1998, pays tribute to Edith Piaf by examining her life through archival footage, photos, and the personal commentary of Piaf historian Raquel Bitton and others.

Edouard Manet. (1989)
Explores the complex and often contradictory spirit of the artist called the father of modern painting.

Edouard Manet painter of modern life. (1983)
Examines major paintings by Edouard Manet that influenced his contemporaries and changed the definition of later art. Explains the works in the artist's own words and in those of his friends, Zola, Baudelaire, Mallarme, and others.

The Eiffel Tower. (1994)
The story of the famous tower from its inception to today, and a guided tour of the structure.

El entorno urbano en la Ciudad de Mexico. (1994)

El Greco Christ driving the traders from the temple. (1995)
Filmed in Spain and London, traces the life of El Greco from his birth in Crete to when he finally settled in Toledo.

Emma Amos action lines. (1996)
Offers a portrait of African-American artist Emma Amos, who paints pictures based on her feelings and fears. Amos talks about her life and her work, explaining how she interconnects photographs, her own weaving, and African cloth to portray what is important to her.

The Emperor's eye
art and power in Imperial China. (1989)
Relates the priceless treasures of China's imperial Art collection in the National Palace Museum to the political climate of their time. Describes how Emperor Chienlung tried to create the world's greatest art collection.

The Enlightened bourgeois. (1990)
Describes the development of the Art Nouveau movement in Brussels , Vienna and Germany .

Equivoque 1900. (2001)
The film relates the widespread expression of Art Nouveau ideas in architectural details, design, art works, and decorative arts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries


Faith Ringgold paints Crown Heights. (1995)
Faith Ringgold details the creation of the quilt she created to represent the diverse cultures and traditions comprising the area of Crown Heights in New York city.

Fasanella. (1992)
Documents the life and work of Ralph Fasanella, a primitive painter whose art reflects much of twentieth century American history and culture.

Fiddle-de-dee. (1947)
A sparkling visual interpretation of "Listen to the Mockingbird" as played by an old-time fiddler [Eugene Desormeaux]. Painting directly on the film, Norman McLaren translated sound into sight, creating this humorous gambol.

Florence. (1994)
See the jewel of Tuscany! Florence, with her staggering array of artistic treasures and architectural triumphs, bewitches all who visit. Some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance lived and worked here--Michelangelo, Vasari, Donatello, and Giotto. Today, the city is a shopper's paradise and home to Armani, Ferragamo and Gucci--modern artists on the cutting edge of fashion design.

Florence. (1988)
A guided tour of the city of Florence. Director Robin Williams allows the viewer to feel he is actually there in person following the footsteps of Michaelangelo as he walks to the Medici Palace. Works of Michaelangelo are highlights of the informative video. Art treasures by Botticelli, Giotto and Leonardo da Vinci are well displayed.

Florence birthplace of the Renaissance. (1993)
Shows how the city began, the people who contributed to its steady growth, how it came to be the "Birthplace of the Renaissance," and the many disasters that still could not destroy the strength of Florence.

Florence. cradle of the Renaissance. (1992)
A video tour of Florence seen through the eyes of its artists, architects and poets.

Francis Bacon. (1985)
"This program follows [Francis Bacon, widely regarded as the greatest British painter of the twentieth century,] from his studio, where he starts work every day at dawn, to his favorite drinking club and gambling joint in Soho, and explores how his way of life affects his vision of the world"--Container.

The Frescoes of Diego Rivera. (1986)
Explores Rivera's evolution as an artist, his use of the fresco technique and his politics. His frescoes untie themes of nature and revolution, drawing a parallel between the evolution of life and the struggle for human dignity.

Frida Kahlo (1910-1954). (1983)
Profiles Frida Kahlo's work, her interest in politics and her tempestuous relationship with husband Diego Rivera, leader of the Mexican muralist movement.

Gaudi. (1992)
Depicts the architecture of Antoni Gaudi (1853-1926) described as neo-gothic, art-nouveau, organic, and neo-Catalan.

Georges de La Tour genius lost and found. (1999)
Georges de La Tour was a 17th century artist from Lorraine whose work vanished for over two hundred years. Edwin Mullins traces the process of his rediscovery. Some 40 paintings have emerged.

Germany--Dada an alphabet of German Dadaism. (1986)
Deals with aims and activities of the revolutionary group of artists and writers who made up the Dadaist movement in Germany. Filmed in the true Dadaist spirit with the cooperation of two original Dadaists, Hans Richter and Richard Huelsenbeck.

Giotto and the Pre-Renaissance. (1986)
Deals with the works of the artist Giotto, contrasting the hieratic mood of his predecessors with his innovations. Shows the major cycles of his frescoes, including those at the Upper and Lower Church of San Francesco, Assisi , the Scrovegni family Arena Chapel in Padua , and St. Croce in Florence .

Gli Uffizi storia di una galleria programma multimediale. (1988)
Recounts the history of the Uffizi Museum from its beginning to the present and shows the multiple changes in thinking and architectural design which helped it evolve into Italy's leading museum.

Goya. (1986)
Deals with major works of the artist Goya, including his etchings, tapestries, portraits, frescoes, and famous "black paintings," focusing on those in the Prado Museum in Madrid.

The grand canal. (2000)
Nathan Lane bypasses the usual tourist spots along Venice's Grand Canal and uncovers some lesser-known destinations. He takes the obligatory gondola ride, but visits the woodworking studio where Forcola are made, gets to see how aristocrats life in a private palazzo and is accompanied by art historians on a tour through some restored churches. From the Rialto Bridge to the Piazza San Marco, glassblowers, gondoliers and everyday people show Nathan their beloved city.

Great castles of Europe. (1994)
Explore the inner workings of the world's most magnificent structures, including the opulent Chambord, the fortification of Chenonceau fashioned by seven remarkable women, and Alcazar, home to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel.

The Greek temple. (1986)
Deals with the construction of the Greek temple, focusing on the evolution of the structure and decoration of temples in Magna Grecia through the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles. Includes scenes of temples at Delphi, Paestum, Agrigento, Sounion, and the Acropolis.

Henry Moore. (1989)
An interview with Henry Moore conducted at his studio in England and at an installation of his sculptures in the hills of Scotland. Moore discusses the development of his art and the philosophy guiding his sculpture. Also discusses the importance of drawing in his creative development and the themes and artists who have influenced his work. Includes views of many of Moore's sculptures.

Hockney at the Tate. (1988)
To mark David Hockney's 50th birthday, London's Tate Gallery staged a major retrospective of his work. Melvyn Bragg joins Hockney for an exclusive, private showing of the exhibition in which they discuss works from all stages of Hockney's remarkable career.

Hogarth's progress. (1998)
Examines the paintings of William Hogarth which focus more on the common man than on the English gentry.

Homage to Chagall. (1987)
Portrait of Russian painter Marc Chagall, with photographs of over 300 of his paintings, murals and stained-glass windows. Also includes interviews with the artist and his wife.

Horace Pippin
there will be peace. (1996)
Examines the life and work of self-taught artist, Horace Pippin, whose paintings are marked by a forceful directness, striking color, and originality.

The House on the waterfall. (1989)
Documentary about one of the world's greatest architectural wonders and one of its most famous homes. Explores its style, revealing the importance and meaning of the house to the home's original owners as well as to the world of architecture. Includes footage of the Edgar Kaufmann family, for whom Fallingwater was built.

The Illustrated handscroll tale of Genji. (1993)
Presents and describes the 12th century handscroll version of Genji monogartari (The tale of Genji), an 11th century Japanese novel by Murasaki Shikibu.

Impression painting quickly in France, 1860-1890. (2000)
Focuses attention on the role played by speed of execution in the origins and development of the Impressionist movement.

Impressionists on the Seine. (1997)
Discusses the Impressionists who worked along the Seine and used the river as the inspiration for their painting. Produced in connection with the exhibition held Sept. 1996-Feb. 1997 at the Phillips Collection, Washington D.C.

The Impressionists the other French revolution. (2001)
"Tells the story of the first truly modern artistic movement, focusing on five of its most important practitioners, Renoir, Monet, Degas, Pissarro, and Morisot. Their determination to remain true to their convictions--and the price they paid as a result--is vididly captured in their own words, taken from letters and diaries, while the world's foremost authorities offer fascinating insights into their lives and work"--Container.

In a brilliant light Van Gogh in Arles. (1984)
Tells the story of Van Gogh's 444 days in the south of France focusing on works of art rather than on the life of the artist. This film was made in the Netherlands and in Provence, using the artist's original canvases.

In search of pure colour Pierre Bonnard, 1867-1947. (1984)
Examines the work of Bonnard through paintings gathered for a major retrospective at the Paris Centre Pompidou. Gives a fascinating glimpse of a seaside outing, the only existing record of the period just before his death.

Incredible monuments of Rome. (1996)
The Roman empire dominated the Western World for thousands of years. Explore what type of society created imperial monuments, arenas of torture and sexual depravity and places of worship where gods were honored with ritualistic sacrifices.

Indian arts at the Heard
Examines traditional and contemporary Native American arts, particularly t hose of Southwestern tribes, using selections from the Heard's collection. Each videocassette includes a demonstration by and/or interview with a Native American artist. In addition to the painting of Southwestern and Plains tribes, tape #2 covers contemporary sculpture.

Isabel Bishop. portrait of an artist. (1977)
Explores the art of painter Isabel Bishop and how she expresses her experiences and inspirations on canvas.

Islam, empire of faith. (2000)
Documents the rise and growth of Islam throughout the world, from the birth of Prophet Muhammad in the 6th century through the peak of the Ottoman Empire 1000 years later. Discusses the impact of Islamic civilization on world history and culture.

Islamic art. (1988)
"Discusses the architecture and sculpture of mosques and Koranic schools, the illumination and calligraphy of sacred texts, music, the art of the garden, and the influence of the abstract arabesque on Western art." -- container.

Jacob Lawrence an intimate portrait. (1993)
Documents the life and work of Jacob Lawrence, through interviews with the painter, his wife Gwendolyn Knight, colleagues and critics interwoven with examples of his work.

Jacob Lawrence the glory of expression. (1995)
Documents the life and work of American artist Jacob Lawrence. Focuses on the epic narratives painted by Lawrence that depict the struggles of the African-American people and also looks at the emotional aspects involved in creating art.

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. (1984)
An interview with native American artist Jaune Quick-to-see Smith.

John Piper. (1987)
John Piper, explains his feelings for art, ruins, and church architecture. He is known primarily as a romantic portrayer and celebrator of the English landscape.

Kandinsky. a film. (1986)
Paintings at a major retrospective at the Paris Centre Pompidou highlight the work of Kandinsky, who painted the first totally abstract painting.

La Academia de San Carlos. (1994)
Shows the role of the Academy in Mexican art from the 18th century, when it was founded, to the early years of the 20th century.

La Alhambra. (1991)
An artistic and historic walk through the gardens and buildings of the Moorish castle called the Alhambra in Grenada, Spain.

La Belle epoque. (1983)
Uses the costume exhibit of the same name held at New York City's Costume Institute, Dec. 6, 1982 through Sept. 4, 1983, as a springboard to journey back to the splendor and rebelliousness of the pre-World War I years. Period motion pictures, photographs, and sound recordings help to supplement the spoken memories of participating interviewees who lived through the period.

La Catedral de Mâexico
Shows the 300 year process of construcion of the cathedral of Mexico City, its importance, the gradual accumulation of artistic treasures in its interior and finally, the various factors which have contributed to its deterioration.

Le Corbusier. (1986)
Deals with the life and works of the architect Le Corbusier. Explains his revolutionary ideas on architecture and urban renewal and shows their practical application in his most important buildings in Europe and Asia.

Lenses and light. (1991)
Demonstrates the 3 decisions a director must make before the start of every shot: the position of the camera, its height, and the focal length of the lens. Illustrates how lenses affect the apparent speed of movement on the film. Provides examples of focus pulling and the effect of light on image and depth of field.

Light of the gods. (1988)
Explores the evolution of Greek representational art from stylized stick figures of the Geometric period to carved and painted images of man of the early classical era.

London city of majesty. (1993)
Features the sights, sounds, and history of this exciting city. Includes brief introductions to famous literary figures and monarchs of the past.

Louvre 200. (1993)
Celebrates the bicentennial of the Louvre with 3 guided tours.

Machu Picchu revealed. (1995)
An overview of the Pre-Columbian civilizations of the Andean region of South America. Examines the ruins of the city of Machu Picchu and explains their political significance.

Manet the heroism of modern life. (1992)

Mary Cassatt Impressionist from Philadelphia. (1977)
Focuses on the life and work of the American Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt.

Masterpieces of British Art from the Yale Center for British Art one man's England. (1990)
"The Yale Center for British Art is home to the most comprehensive collection of British Art outside Great Britain. Among its outstanding paintings, the collection includes 15 Turners, 21 Gainsboroughs, 7 Reynolds and 44 Constables. This program shows major works from this collection."

Masters of illusion. (1991)
Examines artistic and scientific discoveries of the Renaissance, focusing on the discovery of perspective and the development of visual tools that create the magic of illusion.

Matisse centennial at the Grand Palais. (1998)
A timeless classic, this is the only film record of the historic Matisse exhibition in Paris in 1970. It covers practically all of his oeuvre, including important, rarely seen work on loan from Russian collections at the Pushkin Museum and the Hermitage. The film also features live footage of Matisse at work on his design for the Chapel of Venice. Pierre Schneider, noted Matisse scholar and author of "Matisse", both curated the exhibition and narrated this film.

Matisse Picasso. (2002)
A portrait of two giants of modern art providing a close-up of their personalities through first-hand accounts of the people nearest to them (Françoise Gilot, Maya and Claude Picasso, Jacqeline Matiesse and others); also includes rare archival footage.   

Matisse voyages. (1987)
Highlights Matisse's greatest works from his early canvasses to his involvement with the Fauvist movement, through his later works. Especially explores his use of color, letting it control all other components of painting - transforming the ordinary image into a work of art.

Max Ernst. (1991)
This film focuses on the period Ernst lived in the United States, between 1941 and 1952. Using photographs, film footage, and tape recordings, it details the influence of the Arizona desert and the Hopi Indians on his work.

Maya Lin a strong clear vision. (1995)
Portrays the career of Maya Lin as an architect/artist as told by her and others, with special focus on the design and emotional impact of the Vietnam Veterans and Civil Rights Memorials.

Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel. (1996)
Explores the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and studies its meaning and beauty, as well as the legends behind each painting.

Miro, theatre of dreams. (1978)
The only Surrealist whose work survived in the face of new trends, Miro is shown here at age 85, working in his studio and embarking on an entirely new venture: an original theatrical production.

Monet. legacy of light. (1989)
Letters, journals, interviews and timeless images profile this Impressionist's lifelong quest to capture on canvas nature's kaleidoscope of light and color.

Monsieur Rene Magritte. (1978)
An appreciation of the art of Rene Magritte, Belgian surrealist, who lived a life of middle class moderation and decorum. Includes portions of an interview with Magritte.

Mont Saint Michel. (1992)
Provides a synopsis of important events in the history of Mont St. Michel, describes the abbey's architectural features and compares the styles of various eras in the building's evolution. Shows life at Mont St. Michel today, explaining which traditions have survived the centuries.

Montparnasse revisited. (1993)
Between 1890 and World War II, Montparnasse cafes and studios overflowed with energy and creativity. Achieving universal fame as the place to break with tradition, the trendy Parisian district drew artists, writers, and musicians from around the world. This ten part series captures the vitality of those halcyon days through archival footage, magnificent color coverage of the era's art, and irreplaceable 1960's interviews with the Montparnasse masters and their friends, models, and lovers.

Monuments of Paris. (1997)

Monuments of Spain. (1998)
"Spain has had a long and colorful history. Spanning a period of time from the prehistoric age to the present, [Spain's] many monuments tell the story of a proud land which has experienced moments of intense glory tempered by periods of painful subjugation" -- Study guide.

The Much loved friend? [videorecording] a portrait of the National Gallery. (1991)
This fascinating film surveys the history of the National Gallery, London, from its foundation in 1824 to the opening of the Sainsbury Wing in 1991.

Musee d'Orsay the visit. (1996)
Video tour of the Musee d'Orsay in Paris. Once a train station, the museum is now dedicated to artworks from the second half of the 19th century.

My architect.    (2004)

The National Museum of Women in the Arts walking tour video. (1985)
A tour of NMWA's famous permanent collection, comprised of works by women artists from the renaissance to the present.

Nevelson in process. (1977)
Louise Nevelson is seen creating two pieces of sculpture as she discusses her feelings for her art and the creative process.

New Orleans queen of the Mississippi. (1993)
Explore this romantic gateway of the Mississippi and relish her Cajun culture's zesty cuisine, rhythmic music, graceful architecture, and vibrant people.

New world visions
American art and the Metropolitan Museum. (1983)
Surveys American art from 1650-1914 using the collection of the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a point of departure. Part 1 begins in the seventeenth-century Hart Room of the American Wing, continues through colonial times, and ends with the emergence of the Hudson River School around 1820. Part 2 explores nineteenth-century landscape and portrait painting in depth, ending with the Frank Lloyd Wright Room at the Museum.

The Odyssey of life. (1996)

Paolo Veronese between art and inquisition. (1993)
This program recalls the artist through photography of his art and of his artistic home, Venice. Filmed on location, the film offers a portrait of the sixteenth-century capital of European culture and Veronese's contemporaries - Tintoretto and Titian. An intimate look at Veronese's work illuminates how small but poignant details bring lightness to otherwise conventional settings, and reveals a deep interaction between sensuousness and faith.

Paris. (1994)
Visit the City of Light, one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Paris is the very ideal of a modern European capital, with wide boulevards, an exquisite river front and startling architectural contrasts. Its cafe society and cultural importance have attracted writers, artists and thinkers for centuries, and the city's timeless appeal owes much to the flair and joie de vivre of the Parisians themselves.

Paris. (1991)
Rick Steves gives practical "how-to" advice for the do-it-yourself traveler. Seen nationally on public TV.

Paul Cadmus enfant terrible at 80.    (1984)

The post-impressionists. (2001)
Details the life and work of Viennese painter Gustav Klimt.

Protecting cultural objects in the global information society. (1996)
Introduces an international collaboration to establish consensus on the information needed to describe and thereby identify cultural objects.

Raphael. (1982)
Presents a reappraisal of Raphael's work in the light of ever-changing cultural values. Shot on location in Urbino, Perugia, Florence and Rome, where the artist lived and worked.

Raoul Dufy. (1987)
Closeups of Dufy paintings with commentary.

Reluctant muse a portrait of my parents. (1995)
This documentary explores the psychological, interpersonal, and sociological aspects of being a creative artist today. John and Ruth Waddell shared a love for the arts and for each other. The life events and societal influences that led Ruth to diminish her own artistic endeavors to allow her partner to flourish are, in many ways, universal.

Remembrance of things past. (1987)
Haute couture, from Worth through Coco Chanel.

The Restless eye Eugene Delacroix. (1980)
Uses Delacroix's journal and paintings to tell the story of his life and work.

Rodin. (2002)
Examines the response to Rodin's sculptures during his life by both the critics and the public.

Romare Bearden visual jazz. (1995)
A bold brilliant artist, Romare Bearden created collages and paintings of stunning humanity in which he aimed to do nothing less than to redefine the image of man in terms of the African-American experience.

Rome, the eternal city. (1994)
A chronological look at Rome primarily focusing on the structures, churches and public art each era left as a legacy. Begins with ancient time and progresses to the 18th century.

Roy Lichtenstein. (1991)
A profile of American Pop Art artist Roy Lichtenstein's life and work. Lichtenstein talks about his current work, the Pop Art explosion, and the history of Western art.

Seurat. (1997)
This video looks at Bathers at Asnieres in detail, considering its radical nature as an image of men, its initial reception and its place in Seurat's later work. Many images of later paintings are included such as Sunday afternoon on the island of La Grande Jatte and The circus. Seurat's relationship to Impressionism is discussed as well as his development of a new technique, pointillism, and his position in the Paris art world of the later 1880's.

The Shape of darkness an exploration of African art. (1976)
Discusses the link between art of the African Negro and his surroundings, his ritual and daily life.

Skyscraper the vertical masterpiece. (1998)
Architectural experts "discuss the design and cultural significance of the world's tallest skyscraper--the Z-4 Project--currently under construction in Shanghai".--Container.

Soft self-portrait of Salvador Dali a film for television. (1987)
A surreal journey into the mind of Salvador Dali, one of the great artists of the 20th century. Filmed on location at Dali's villa in Port Lligat, Spain, this film visually explores Dali's world, his art and his philosophies.

Snow Hill. (2003)
A documentary about the painter Andrew Wyeth. The program incorporates the artist's great works along with family photographs, home movies, and personal letters to give viewers insight into the artist's very private world.

Spain in the Golden Age. (1996)
This video, filmed from original paintings, traces the traditions of Spanish still life from the monk-painter Juan Sanchez Cotan (1560-1627) to Goya at the beginning of the 19th century.

Taliesin. the tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright.    (1990)

"This program reaches back to 1932 when Wright and his wife, Olgivanna Lasovich, co-founded the Taliesin Fellowship, in which Wright actively participated by sharing his unique theories on organic architecture with his students."--Container.       

Talking stones. (1992)
Examines the development of modern sculpture in Zimbabwe, interviews many of the leading artists and discusses the new generation of sculptors.

Theodore Gericault men and wild horses. (1982)
Sets the work of Thâeodore Gâericault, a French painter, against the background of his time. Events of the early 19th century are presented "newsreel" style, including archival footage from silent movies of the period.

Teotihuacan el misterio del Templo del Hombre-Jaguar. (1994)
Analysis of a group of mural paintings in Tetitla is the starting point for an exploration between painting and architecture in Teotihuacan.

They drew fire combat artists of World War II. (1999)
Seven World War II artists present an intimate and often startling look at combat and the task of transforming the horrors of war into stark, revealing, and enduring works of art. Artists featured include Franklin Boggs, Howard Brodie, Manuel Bromberg, William Draper, Richard Gibney, Robert Greenhalgh, Edward Reep.

Thomas Eakins a motion portrait. (1986)
Combines dramatic re-creation with documentary photographs, interviews, and archival footage to tell the story of Eakins's life.

Three colors Cezanne. (1996)
This video analyzes the radical nature of Paul Cezanne's invention, tracing its origins in the art of the nineteenth century and work of the Old Masters, revealed all the more clearly by a broad view of his lifetime preoccupations.

Through African eyes. (1995)
When first seen in the Western world in 1900, African art was viewed as strange and exotic. Yet these works, the booty of colonial wars, would influence Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani and change the course of 20th century art. This program, while recognizing this impact, introduces noted experts who explain the importance of reappraising African art within its own cultural context. Then local Malian inhabitants in a Bamana village and the walled city of Djenne comment on the function of art and the role of the artist in their society.

Through African eyes. (1995)
When first seen in the Western world in 1900, African art was viewed as strange and exotic. Yet these works, the booty of colonial wars, would influence Picasso, Matisse, and Modigliani and change the course of 20th century art. This program, while recognizing this impact, introduces noted experts who explain the importance of reappraising African art within its own cultural context. Then local Malian inhabitants in a Bamana village and the walled city of Djenne comment on the function of art and the role of the artist in their society.

Tintoretto. (1984)
The French writer Jean Paul Sartre was fascinated by the artist Tintoretto's innovative style, which defied sixteenth century convention. Sartre's words are used to explore Tintoretto's work, including his decorative panels and vast frescoes, all located in Venice--the city which so profoundly influenced his work.

Tips and techniques storytelling with puppets and props. (2002)
Illustrates two approaches to integrating puppetry and storytelling--spontaneous and interactive vs. tightly scripted--as presented by two accomplished storytellers. Stresses the importance of selecting a story that you enjoy; choosing appropriate props; rehearsing; and matching puppet movements to the storyline.

Titian. (2003)
Titian, one of the undisputed masters, has proven to have a long lasting and strong influence on the development of Western art. Comments by John Berger, Charles Hope, Tom Phillips, Katya Berger, John Lessore, Jill Dunkerton, Ray Richardson, and Amanda Bradley and others, explore the reasons for the enduring power and abiding attraction of Titian's paintings and discuss his life and works.

Togu na & cheko
change and continuity in the art of Mali. (1989)


Toulouse-Lautrec. (1988)
Provides a close-up look at the life and work of artist Toulouse-Lautrec.

Traditional Japanese architecture. (1989)
The subject of this documentary is Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto. Built in the early 17th century, the compound contains gardens and a tea house in addition to the main building. The processes and techniques of restoration shown in the program provide a further dimension to understanding the materials and the esthetics of traditional Japanese architecture.

The Trecento
Italian art & architecture in the fourteenth century. (1992)
Focuses on Giotto who brought the illusion of reality and insight into the emotional truth of events portrayed in art while taking viewers on a tour of Holy's art and architecture.

Turner at the Tate. (1987)
Produced to coincide with the opening of The Clore Wing of London's Tate Gallery the program features artists, designers and scholars of note commenting on the Turner's art and life, including his bequest to England. Also explores the innovative architecture of the Clore Wing.

Turner, The Fighting Temeraire. (1995)
Shows how Turner created his painting, while investigating the Temeraire's history and reputation, her patriotic significance and her meaning for Turner himself.

The Unquiet spirit the life and art of Edgar Degas, 1834-1917. (1980)
Presents many original paintings, drawings and prints to show Degas' favorite settings--the ballet class, racecourse, railway--and to explain his innovative use of the camera.

Van Gogh's Van Goghs. (1999)
Documents the exhibition of 70 paintings on loan to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Surveys the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh by concentrating on the three major stages of Van Gogh's ten-year career: his early work in the Netherlands, his reactions to the French Impressionists in Paris and the creative period in the south of France.

Vatican City
art & glory. (1994)
Presents the Vatican's priceless treasures through the eyes of its artists, poets and architects. Includes views of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Pieta, and the dome of St. Peter's Church; Bernini's canopy; St. Peter's square; and the museums which hold Raphael's School of Athens and the Apollo Belvidere.

Velazquez the painter of painters. (1991)
The character of the artist is revealed through a study of his paintings in chronological order. The review includes various aspects of his life and times including his relationship with the Spanish monarch, Philip IV.

Venice. (1992)
Presents a video tour of Venice seen through the eyes of its artists, architects, and poets.

Venice through Canaletto's eyes. (1998)
This absorbing video, filmed on location in the city and directly from the paintings, explores how Canaletto produced his archetypal views of Venice. It takes the viewer on a trip along the Grand Canal from S. Simeone Picccolo to Piazza San Marco, looking at Venice through Canaletto's eyes.

Vermeer light, love, and silence. (1996)
Vermeer, an artist from the Golden Age of Dutch painting, painted only 35 pictures and left no drawings or letters. His life and message are shrouded in mystery.

The Virtual database
art information on the networks. (1994)
Discusses the Getty Art History Information Program's efforts in database standardization for art history research.

Visiones. (2004)
Captures contemporary Latino artists in the United States reinventing rich traditions and creating new art forms that challenge, provoke and entertain.

Last Updated May 31, 2006

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