London’s Courtauld Gallery boasts one of the world’s finest art collections, and this DVD offers a tour of its prized collections with art historian Tim Marlow as host and guide.
In the span three 25-minute episodes (the production was originally broadcast on British television), Marlow provides insight into several magnificent works, including golden altarpieces by Renaissance painter Bernado Daddi and the Impressionist masterpieces “A Bar at the Folies-Bergere” by Edouard Manet and “Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear” by Vincent Van Gogh. There is also a glimpse at ongoing restoration work of a portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Marlow is an engaging expert who succinctly presents each work of art with the right mix of historic significance and aesthetic importance. The handsome videography details the genius of the artists’ compositions and color mixtures. The resulting work is a fine gallery stroll for culture vultures who cannot make it to the Courtauld and for art history students seeking to expand their educational horizons.
