The Shock of the New - Robert Hughes

The late Robert Hughes addresses modern art, starting with the eiffel tower as an emblem of the modern age, built late in the 19th century. Hughes has original ideas on modern art; he doesn't just repeat all the textbook cliches. Each of the 8 one hour programs place the art into different historical contexts, bringing out how they are part of the larger cultural context. For anyone interested in modern art, its worth a view.

However, unlike "Civilization" with Kenneth Clarke, this series loses steam as it goes along. As Hughes notes painting and sculpture become less important as the 20th century progresses and its really hard to maintain interest when he starts discussing "Pop Art" "Surrealism" and art in general after say 1930. But the first 4 programs are very good.