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Alastair Sooke

Dominic Gallagher

Ross Harper

How the Devil Got His Horns: A Diabolical Tale

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

29/10/2012

BBC Four - How the Devil Got His Horns: A Diabolical Tale

Alastair Sooke reveals how the Devil's image was created by artists of the Middle Ages.

Alastair Sooke explores how, in the centuries between the birth of Christ and the Renaissance, visual interpretations of the Devil evolved as he appeared in many different guises.

Art historian and critic Alastair Sooke reveals how the Devil's image was created by artists of the Middle Ages. He explores how, in the centuries between the birth of Christ and the Renaissance, visual interpretations of the Devil evolved, with the embodiment of evil appearing in different guises - tempter, tyrant, and rebellious angel. Alastair shows how artists used their imaginations to give form to Satan, whose description is absent from the Bible. 

Exploring some of the most remarkable art in Europe, he tells the stories behind that art and examines the religious texts and thinking which inspired and influenced the artists. The result is a rich and unique picture of how art and religion have combined to define images of good and evil.

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