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Rick Steves' Europe
Art Bites 177: Rubens, a Master Painter of the Northern Renaissance
Peter Paul Rubens, a prolific Belgian painter, painted small sketches that his studio would then paint big, enabling him to crank out countless grand canvases: mythic battles, Catholic miracles, bloody hunts, and fleshy “Rubenesque” women.
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28:26
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.
28:22
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
28:42
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
28:03
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
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25:36
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
25:18
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.
28:23
The grand cities of ancient Rome’s vast empire and majestic churches of its fall.
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25:37
Rome’s rise, as seen in its supersized monuments, colorful mosaics, and marble Caesars.
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25:19
Greece’s timeless art: Golden Age temples, alluring Venuses, and exuberant Winged Victory.
28:04
We marvel at Stone Age cave paintings, mighty megaliths, and mysterious goddesses.
26:47
In times of crisis and challenge, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel?