BBC - Baroque! from St. Peters to St. Pauls (2009) Part 1 Italy

This spectacular three-part series explores the baroque tradition in many of its key locations. Starting in Italy and following the spread of the wildfire across Europe and beyond, art critic Waldemar Januszczak takes us on a tour of the finest examples of baroque art to be found, and tells the best stories behind those works. In Baroque! From St. Peter's to St. Paul's, Januszczak follows the trajectory of baroque from its beginnings as a Vatican-sanctioned religious art style to its ascendance as the first global art movement.

Part 1 Italy

Waldemar Januszczak explores St Peter's in Rome, and details the birth of the Baroque tradition as it burst forth in Italy. This programme features outstanding high definition footage of St Peter's Basilica, as well as other gems of the Italian Baroque. As the Reformation rocks the Catholic Church in Italy, Caravaggio keeps the faith by bringing biblical scenes to life in vivid, dramatic canvases. Architects Bernini and Borromini design cathedrals with sensual curves and playful geometric patterns. In Naples, art turns deadly as painters ruthlessly defend their turf.

Full Version Available Upon Request