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Art of France

Andrew Graham-Dixon takes viewers on a stunning visual journey through seminal French works of art across the ages, revealing the history and character of a nation.

Andrew Graham-Dixon takes viewers on a stunning visual journey through seminal French works of art across the ages, revealing the history and character of a nation. From the art of absolute power in the 18th century through to modern philosophies reflected in the impressionistic movement, art and history are merged to enlightening effect. The series unlocks the connection between the unification of France and the art of absolute power, reflected in the resplendent Palace of Versailles.

With the French Revolution comes the cult of personality, expressed through artists such as Delacroix. And after the high of the revolution come crushing doubts and uncertainty, all reflected in the art of the time. The series concludes with a look at impressionism, a humanist movement that pushed French art in a bold new direction. Picasso, Corbusier and Sartre all reflect a county in crisis, at a time when France was struggling to decide which way to turn and what future to forge.

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