People once thought stained glass windows were “the bible of the poor”, but looking more closely at their function reveals something far more endearingly human.

Stained Glass

Experts reveal the hidden history and cross-cultural complexity of the icon “St George and the Boy from Mytilini” in London’s British Museum.

Unravelling an icon

The world of the early modern period (C10th - C16th) was one of religious obsession, power struggles and plunder.  But it was also a world of stunning artistic endeavour.  This collection shows how, encoded in the art and architecture of the time, you can find stories of political machinations, female influence and surging movements of people. We may think our own era has a monopoly on long-distance travel, but in the mediaeval period it was perfectly possible for Western Catholic artists to encounter Eastern Orthodox or Islamic cultures.  And as the different cultures met, they influenced each other in unexpected ways.  This material forms part of The Open University course A226 Exploring art and visual culture.

The world of the early modern period (C10th - C16th) was one of religious obsession, power struggles and plunder.  But it was also a world of stunning artistic endeavour.  This collection shows how, encoded in the art and architecture of the time, you can find stories of political machinations, female influence and surging movements of people. We may think our own era has a monopoly on long-distance travel, but in the mediaeval period it was perfectly possible for Western Catholic artists to encounter Eastern Orthodox or Islamic cultures.  And as the different cultures met, they influenced each other in unexpected ways.  <br><br>This material forms part of The Open University course A226 Exploring art and visual culture.

Art history: early modern - for iPod/iPhone

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Best Episodes on Global Issues

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!