Treasures of Athens and Olympia: Art from the 5th Century B.C.; Greek Art and the Human Figure; Byzantine and Later Greek Art

[VHS/CD/VISUAL] TREASURES OF ATHENS AND OLYMPIA: Art from the 5th Century B.C.; Greek Art and the Human Figure; Byzantine and Later Greek Art. Series of 3 DVDs or VHS/each 24 min./$239.95; or each video, $89.95. Level: Adult. Films Media Group, 2572 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648; (800) 257-5126; www.films.com.

The three thorough and comprehensive videos (or DVDs) in this series provide the viewer with a detailed guide to the treasures of Greece's foremost city and its surroundings. In the first of the series, which focuses on art from the 5th century B.C., we see how Greek artists and architects began working at an unparalleled level of sophistication. From these works emerged many of the sculptures and buildings of Western culture. A detailed visual analysis of the Parthenon and its frieze in the British Museum is seen close-up.

The second video takes a look at Greek art and the human figure as a measure of all things when Greek art discarded religious functions and moved toward more human-centered concerns. We are given views of Cycladic sculpture and Koiros statues that show us an evolving realism that lead to outstanding works of idealized human figures. With an additional focus on the Olympic games and painted pottery, the video shows us humanities place in nature.

The third in the series shows us how Greek art flourished with the rise of Christianity as it explores the development of icon painting and the beginnings of neoclassical architecture. With historical context from the conversion of Constantine through Greece's post-World War II development, this video highlights Greece's aesthetic principles and how they created a national art movement and have influenced cultures all over the world.--B.H. For information about this program, circle No. 389 on the Reader Service Card.

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