Focusing on eight iconic works of art, this series reveals the history of visual imagination through the ages. A combination of reconstruction, photography and storytelling transport the viewer back to the intense moments when great works were conceived and born: the murderous, messianic world of Baroque Rome; opulent, parvenu Amsterdam; paranoid, revolutionary Paris; Victorian England suffocating beneath riches and righteousness; the madhouses and brothels of Provence; the carnage of civil war Spain; 1950s New York, caught between Cold War jitters and Manhattan glitter. In each place, a great artist is backed into a corner, facing a crisis, given a chance to confound his rivals, enemies and critics one more time.

Originally broadcast on television in 2006. Contains 8 episodes from the television series. "Due to contractual restrictions, certain edits have been made to the originally transmitted programs.". Special features: audio commentaries with Simon Schama, Clare Beavan, David Belton & Andy Serkis ; interview with Simon Schama (disc 3).

Disc 1: Caravaggio / produced & directed by Carl Hindmarch ; Bernini / produced & directed by Clare Beavan ; Rembrandt / produced & directed by James Runcie, Clare Beavan -- Disc 2: David / produced & directed by Clare Beavan ; Turner / produced & directed by Steven Condie ; Van Gogh / produced & directed by David Belton -- Disc 3: Picasso / produced & directed by Steven Condie; Rothko / produced & directed by Carl Hindmarch.