The Underappreciated World Of Dark Age Art | Age Of Light | Timeline

The Dark Ages have been misunderstood. History has identified the period following the fall of the Roman Empire with a descent into barbarism – a terrible time when civilisation stopped. Waldemar Januszczak disagrees.

In this landmark 4-part series Waldemar argues that the Dark Ages were a time of great artistic achievement, with new ideas and religions provoking new artistic adventures. He embarks on a fascinating trip across Europe, Africa and Asia, visits the world’s most famous collections and discovers hidden artistic gems, all to prove that the Dark Ages were actually an ‘Age of Light'.

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[keybawd]

When lockdown began, And I spent days and nights alone, I started watching the art lectures from The National Gallery in London. Wonderful and I learnt a lot. But then I discovered Waldemar Januszczak. I find his documentaries thrilling - alive and with images that you remember. If I talk about the Impressionists I remember how he explained that they began to use brushes not from some asian ferret but from hogs - and he talked about this with a pig grunting around his feet - Unforgettable. Without the image, I would have forgotten the info about the brushes. His documentaries always use images that help you fix the ideas or info in your mind. I have learnt so much and been so entertained by WJ's documentaries, and look forward to watching one every night - whether for the first or third time. BRILLIANT

[Runamoinen]

I remember watching this guy on cable TV when I was in my early teens back in the 2000's. Back then, and here I'm speaking from the perspective of someone from a country most would see as undeveloped and insignificant, this type of programme was as visual as history ever got. I loved these programmes, and they even got me an A in art class because of things I remembered from that documentary on Velasquez. They were also one of the things that sparked my interest in the humanities, something I have nurtured and reaped the benefit of ever since. However, as I came across his newer work, it strikes me now that I had been able to stomach the narrative style, the copious emphasis on everything, the general air of oversimplification (perhaps not of the content as much of putting everything into too simple a language). Moderately put off, I shared my thoughts together with this clip with my art historian girlfriend. She has never been into documentaries, let alone those in English (which is not a native language for either of us). And yet, she rather liked it. One of the things she appreciated the most was, in fact, the narration, which she could understand in its entirety. And then it hit me. The programme is made with children and learners of English in mind, not just for a UK audience but an international one. You might say they did not set out just to educate but to popularize arts, history and the humanities across the globe. Hats off! If you're thinking all of this simplistic, that's great. Perhaps you'd appreciate the wonderful university and museum lectures available on YouTube (I know I do, and the funny thing is some of the best academics also have irritating speech patterns). The fact that you do feel you know all of this already is perhaps due to you having seen this kind of programme as a child and have grown into your better-educated self over time. I feel many people watching this would like for their children to enjoy books by renowned scholars when they're older, so here's a fterrific place to start.

[richie]

Easily the best presenter on BBC. Criminally underused. I could listen to this guy talk about stuff for hours, he's just brilliant

[TcheddyG]

I think this guy should host every history documentary. He is very clever and the artistic way in which he uses sarcasm it’s on a whole other level.

[smooveayy]

I actually forgot that I was watching a dark ages documentary. The mosaic artwork is truly splendid

[wesleymcspadden]

I like how he just randomly touches basically every statue he talks about

[stitchgroover]

The ROTAS letter square was the "Live Laugh Love" of the Roman days.

[Hollylivengood]

Sooo many references to the Life of Brian. When he said "here he grew...and grew and grew and grew..." I could hear the song.

[TIFFANYDlAS]

ol boy has solider figurines and a skull ring while he skulks around in a dark crypt whispering about the dark ages. I’m 2 minutes in and I’m already FULLY INVESTED

[eurosensazion]

Wow I studied Latin and Greek and speak Greek fluent, but I just realized the Christian symbol I see at church "Alpha, Omega, X & R" when you take the four Greek letters they literally do mean/spell "I rule". This guy is great. Just learned something new and that was always in front of me.

[darlenehutchison]

Waldemar is so enthusiastic about this civilization. I love 💕 him ❤️

[josi]

I love this guy's enthusiasm for his subject matter. Great teacher! And I'm a teacher so I'm qualified to judge. Well, we all are, but my hat is definitely off to him!

[johnmcclellan]

Constantine did not make Christianity the official religion of Rome. He legalized it only. Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

[stefan-anamericaninrussiaa]

I could listen to him all day, and occasionally have..

[kevinrbarker]

Love his work: thorough, insightful, slightly irreverent. He rarely uses the word Byzantine, which is fitting because the theme is the Dark Ages. But might that period be properly called Byzantine, with "dark'" relegated to Western Europe and England?

[SacredDreamer]

😱Absolutely DEVISTATED to hear about St Agnes - how they mistreated her to end her Goodness and then in death keep her head separated from her body 😞😭😭😭

[imsosmart]

I always wonder what aspect of art Waldemar will tackle next. This one was a real surprise! Keep them coming!

[dessalidman]

I enjoy your narratives very much! You have so much enthusiasm for narrating stories and very passionate about the subject! Keep going!

[TaroEzoMaks]

There is no other thing than to respect and admire the narrative by Waldemar Januszczak.

[maxlouis]

This narrator is a rock star, most others would make the documentary boring, i really like the intensity.