Art of the Cross

The Crucifixion has been the primary theme of Western art for 1500 years, attracting more superb paintings - and artists - than any other subject.Each generation has interpreted the Cross in a unique way, reflecting the religious and social concerns of the period.Art of the Cross looks at how Christ's Passion has been portrayed from the earliest times to the present day, from the images used by the early Christians in the Roman catacombs to the glorious interpretations of Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael to the modern, bold styles of artists like Munch, Chagall and Dali.Filmed at major art centres throughout Europe, and embracing paintings from collections in the United States, Art of the Cross shows how the greatest artists in the world have dealt with Christianity's greatest story. Stunningly shot in hi-definition, this revealing one-off documentary illuminates not only the humanity of Christ's Passion, but the paintings and artists involved.