The Art Mysteries

The Art Mysteries is an engaging and enlightening four-part series that premiered on BBC Select in 2020. Designed to unravel the intricate web of mysteries enshrouding some of the world's most renowned artworks, this series adds a gripping edge to the typical art appreciation genre. Hosted and guided by the acclaimed art critic Waldemar Januszczak, viewers travel through time and across continents to gain an in-depth understanding of masterpieces from legendary artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, and Gaugin. Through a blend of art history, personal anecdote, and detective work, Januszczak uncovers hidden truths and meaning behind these famous works, sparking intrigue and bringing new perspectives to the respected treasures of the art world.

Each episode focuses on one specific piece of art which is scrutinized under Januszczak's knowledgeable gaze. But it just isn't a dry recount of commonly known facts. Waldemar sets out on a mission to present these revered pieces of art in a fresh light by investigating the lesser-known details about the life and circumstances of the artist when they created the said masterpiece. Viewers are drawn in with provocative theories, unexplored facts, and a lively retelling of the circumstances surrounding the creation of each artwork.

The series does an exquisite job in examining the tension and intersection between the personal and creative life of the artists in question. It analyzes the influences of societal norms, personal traumas, and cultural context in the shaping of the art masterpieces that today hold a cherished place in the global consciousness. By delving into the life stories of these artists, Januszczak humanizes them and demonstrates the interconnectedness of their personal struggles and their artistic genius.

The first episode focuses on Van Gogh's self-portrait – the only work where the artist painted himself bandaged, following his infamous act of self-mutilation. Rather than purely focusing on this one event, Waldemar probes into various aspects of Van Gogh's life to provide comprehensive insights into his state of mind at the time. He takes us through the artist's troubled past, his failures, his psychiatric condition, and his constant struggle with loneness, giving the audience a vivid picture of Van Gogh's mental state that most likely prompted his self-portrait.

Subsequent episodes visits Impressionist master Claude Monet in the second episode with an insight-full analysis of his famous Water Lilies series. Then, it's on to a discussion on Paul Gauguin's self-portrait The Yellow Christ, and how the drawing was a critical turning point in his career in episode three. The series draws to a close with Paul Cezanne's Card Players painting in the fourth and final episode. Each episode provides a unique tale of times gone by, painting an entirely different picture of the artist's life.

The Art Mysteries is more than just an antique roadshow. It is an energetic and informative adventure with Waldemar where viewers gain an understanding of art that goes beyond aesthetic appreciation, thereby developing a deeper appreciation for each masterpiece's narrative and the effort put in by the artist.

BBC has always been known for its high-quality production, and it’s no different with The Art Mysteries. The series offers excellent narration, compelling storytelling, awe-inspiring art, and historic sites, making it a delightful visual trip down the memory lane of art history. It combines the analysis of each painting with intellectually engaging commentary, demonstrating the power of art as a form of human expression and its influence on societies across the globe.

In essence, The Art Mysteries stands as a colorful and intellectual journey through the corridors of art history that empowers the audience to look beyond the canvas. It heralds the profundities of life, which directly impact the creation of art, and effectively manifests them in each episode. This subtle and engaging series is a must-watch for anyone bored of usual art documentaries, based on a people-first approach rather than sticking to plain critique or facts. With The Art Mysteries, getting to know more about historical art pieces involves an exciting voyage in time, exploring the mind of the artist to appreciate their creations to the fullest.