Simon Schama - Power Of Art

This is a brilliant insight into 8 artists' lives and work. Best series on art I have seen. Inspired and inspiring.

I really enjoyed this series. At times Schama tries a bit too hard with quite a lot of modern slang that will quickly date and can become very irritating. I have to say though, that despite this, you do warm to him for the real passion he conveys for the art. I quite like the dramatisations of the artists themselves that helps you to remember them and makes you care about their art. Some of the acting isn't brilliant though. If you're a cultural junkie and want an accessible introduction to some important artists this is a good starting point. I'm told that Kenneth Clark's Civilisation is better though. It's on my list to watch next.

Simon Schama has provided us with a fascinating if slightly eclectic study of artists from the famous to the ‘who is he?’ Although each is based around one painting his scope is far greater than that. The programme on Caravaggio included an amazing dissection of the chosen painting plus a real insight into his turbulent life. Programmes were inconsistent as each was presented in a different style. In most cases this worked but at times the dramatisation was awkward and annoying: the programme on Van Gogh was the weakest I thought, with the dramatic Van Gogh delivering huge chunks of dialogue at the camera. Conversely the programme on Picasso hardly showed the dramatised Picasso at all and worked with much more success. The idea of using a reconstruction of the young Schama in the programme of Rothko must have sounded inventive on paper but in execution felt contrived. Most programmes were successful providing you do not have a strong aversion to reconstructions. For anyone interested in art this is a very fruitful investment of a few hours of your time.

As someone who visits galleries, works in the art history field and watches anything to do with the subject, it is refreshing to see a presenter talk to the viewer with such passion.

I have seen the first 3 episodes so far,on Caravaggio, Bernini & Rembrandt, and await the rest with enthusiasm.

Simon Schama has a very modern, colloquial style of presenting, using everyday language to try to get the viewer to see and think about the art described. If you have ever tried to watch programmes on art history before, and given up, do give this series a try. It made me want to go and look at the works again.

The camerawork gives you time to look and listen. A couple of the dramatic reconstructions worked less well than others, I learned more about aspects of paintings and sculptures that I know well.

A good introduction to people who would like some pointers on how to look at art.

Excellent series which just might get Joe in the street interested in art.

Schama's descriptions of the people and events seem a little sensentionalised, and the portrayals are a bit cringeworthy at times, but his descriptions and opinions on the art are sincere, from the heart and refreshingly bullsh*t free.

Highly recommended to anyone with even a passing interest in appreciating the classics in their local gallery a little more.