Examining Filippo Lippi's Adoration of the Christ Child. Its beauty inspired Michelangelo and Botticelli, but it also conceals a personal story. Show more

A look at how Eugene Delacroix's 'Liberty Leading the People', a response to the July revolution of 1830, became a symbol of revolution across France. Show more

Botticelli's Mystic Nativity is a supremely beautiful vision of maternal love, earthly harmony, and heavenly ecstasy. But the painting also has a dark side. Show more

Art history series. The Annunciation by Jan Van Eyck depicts the Archangel Gabriel telling Mary that she has been chosen to give birth to the son of God. Show more

Art history series. This episode looks at Census at Bethlehem by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which depicts the arrival of Mary and Joseph at Bethlehem. Show more

Art history series. This episode looks at God's Child by Paul Gauguin. This is a nativity and, since it is by Gauguin, it is modern and fresh like few recent nativities. Show more

The story of The Annunciation by Jan van Eyck. Showing Archangel Gabriel telling Mary that she will bear the son of God, the picture is full of symbols and half-concealed messages.

A look at The Census at Bethlehem by Pieter Bruegel. The picture shows the arrival of Mary and Joseph in the town and also shows a Dutch village under the rule of a foreign army.

Tells the story of God’s Child by French painter Paul Gauguin. Gauguin’s version of the Nativity is fresh, modern, intensely personal and far removed from traditional depictions.

The colourful history of Auguste Rodin's controversial sculpture The Kiss. Show more

Consideration of Hokusai's The Great Wave, arguably the most famous of all Oriental paintings and one with a rich and fascinating story.

A fresh look at Picasso's controversial masterpiece Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, one of the key modern art works that set the 20th century on its way. Show more