The Power of Art is a fascinating series of programmes presented by Simon Schama. He presents each painter in the context of his time, here are a couple of my favourites, via Youtube:
Jaques-Louis David and his masterpiece “La morte de Marat”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUr3P_sIHbE&feature=share&list=ULyUr3P_sIHbE
The Power of Art – Caravaggio (complete episode)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUeGRGLGXFY&feature=share&list=PLE5D765E8D8C06F8E
The Power of Art – Bernini (complete episowatch?v=95_7l87prmI&feature=relatedde)
http://youtu.be/95_7l87prmI
The Power of Art – Rembrandt (complete episode)
http://youtu.be/gZ8Wdo4LCHM
