Schama-Trauma: The Power of Art BBC series (2006)

"This is not a series about things that hang on walls, it is not about decor or prettiness. It is a series about the force, the need, the passion of art...the power of art. " --BBC

Simon Schama's Power of Art--both the book as well as the BBC series-- is a phenomenal look at eight of the most powerful artists and masterpieces since Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio's, David with the Head of Goliath, (1606, Oil on canvas) through to Mark Rothko's, Black on Maroon (1959, Oil on canvas). These are artists and works that Schama-- in his subjective opinion-- has chosen from a vast sea of artistic mastery that have all arguably (and to varying degrees) influenced the course of art history and art's trajectory. Schama (aka Schama-trauma, and my hero!) narrates the BBC documentary, and with such great insight, precision, and astuteness articulates the criteria for which he has chosen his eight masters. His use of language is like none other: the alliterations flow, the power of words overcome--its uncanny, he makes history, images, paint, and oil slip and slide off the canvas and come to life (and that's not only due to the fact that the BBC reenacts and embellishes visually the history and lives of the artists themselves..) A very insightful read...and for those who are lazy, an entertaining and powerful watch.