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Rick Steves' Europe
Art Bites 170: Neoclassical Art and Architecture, the Age of Enlightenment
Baroque excesses were countered by the Revolution, the Enlightenment, and a stern, no-frills art that celebrated a new age of science and reason. Neoclassical art and architecture (called Georgian in Britain) spread from France to Denmark, Finland, and beyond.
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Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
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25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
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We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
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From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
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Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
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Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
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Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.
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The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.
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Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
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Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
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We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.