Perspective: Waldemar Januszczak's Expedition into the World of Baroque Art

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Art critic Waldemar Januszczak explores the Baroque tradition. He follows Baroque to its dark heart in Spain, focusing on the route of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Perspective is KZbin's home for the arts. Come here to get your fill of great music, theatre, art and much, much more!
From Baroque! From St Peter's to St Paul's
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[@christopherstclair3297]

Whether you like the works in this or other “episodes” is up to you, I just wanted to give both thumbs up to the rebellious Mr. Waldemar J. He may not fetch millions at Sotheby, but he is priceless! Roguish, sincere in his art-related convictions and perceptions, politically sharp as a razor when politics is the last thing you expect in a gentle art expo, and gifted with humor permanently lodged in his cheek, Waldemar has yet to give a flat or uninformed lecture.

[@JudgeDeeDecides]

Well said!

[@Leonardo-bd3ik]

Why did you make this comment? Is he, the host, some controversial figure in the art world, or what?

[@christopherstclair3297]

@@Leonardo-bd3ik Waldemar's observations of art across centuries definitely have some impact. He has his own way of "telling the tale," which I find interesting and, better yet, often instructive, whether I agree with the conclusions or not. As for your comment... I'm not sure what it means. It sounds like you're angry at me or at "the host," or both, and I'm not sure why. If you're saying that Waldemar doesn't deserve kudos because he's merely a speaker who reads texts that were prepared for him, and doesn't actually know anything, well, yes, that's a sad possibility for everyone making a buck before a camera, but I don't know that this is so. Therefore, I enjoy speaking of Waldemar as if he were an erudite friend. (Sorry for any typos, am in a hurry.)

[@SP_3333]

The Hapsburg chin. Deserves an entire episode of it's own.

[@maximusaugustus6823]

I’m binge watching this enthusiastic host nonstop. 10 documentaries in 2 days. As a professional artist who makes a living doing it I love art history as much as I paint.

[@moonstoneway2694]

These videos by Waldemar Januszcak are my favorite way to learn about art and life. Thank you for making it all so interesting, amusing and memorable.

[@cm9439]

I love the history, Velazquez, Rembrandt and all the portraits, but I love the storytelling equally. The host's enthusiasm knows no bounds. These videos are fascinating and completely absorbing. Thank you very much.

[@TheLawrence05]

This dudes documentaries just straight addictive!

[@theemptyatom]

Indeed they are, he has such a unique presentation style that draws one in.

[@etienneheytens4196]

@@theemptyatom p

[@gregmeissner9960]

and I am an addict!

[@buddylarsen6647]

Hook, line, and sinker!

[@evan7743]

Binging on my fourth consecutive episode in his series. Wish he was featured in all the Perspective documentaries.

[@gregmeissner9960]

The Rembrandt facial transition segment is amazing!

[@dirtywetdogboatsandsailing6805]

Wow......lockdown and binge watching this whole series.....like a crash course in art.

[@christinee6678]

Rembrandt’s “Dad’s Army” IS going out to save the world: their own community. Imagine if an entire community of men could come together each evening to march around their town to ensure that all the inhabitants, including their wives & children, were safe in their sleep. Contrast with the “neighborhoods” of today, we have not improved on our responsibilities to one another. I love your work, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and love of art with us.

[@FjS-GLY]

I've been an avid reader of history since I was a child. It Is only recently that I've fully appreciated the study of art history. Absolutely love these documentaries.

[@jamesyanushka4715]

I've watched his docs at least once a year and absolutely love them. The way he presents his subject matter is not just entertaining but educational as well.

[@matt134174]

The narrator makes everything captivating. Entertaining and educational

[@KT_571]

We absolutely love your videos! Compared to other videos, your series is the most informative and filled with fascinating facts! And Waldemer is so entertaining! Love him! PLEASE, keep making more videos about artists! Thank you!!

[@heidimiller642]

Studying art has been very beneficial for me. My family is constantly trying to force me to loose weight. Seeing the large, well-muscled women in the old paintings has given me the evidence I needed to prove that being thin is not normal. I've had heart trouble all my life. It was worse when I was thin. I'm sick less often and have more energy now that I gained weight.

[@barbarabalzer4322]

I’ve read all the artists’ bios, past and present, but this guy has found corners and closets that enchant me, both in presentation and substance. Am addicted. I just let the iPad stroll through them while I sculpt and regularly hit the repeat button! Thank you!

[@michaelburgess9707]

Excellent. I love the way you morphed the young Rembrandt to his old age using his own self portrait. What talent these men had, and you, too. Thanks for sharing.

[@Cr8ive453]

I grew up going to a baroque church every Sunday until the age of 16 when I moved away, from the Village of Saint George in Madeira where the church is the most ornate in the whole island, and I wonder why, because it's a rather remote location with few inhabitants, even more so back in the 1700s.

[@clarekuehn4372]

We need the **dark side of Rococo** segment (part 3 of Rococo). 😍

[@allanhodges4673]

@Brianne Harper eereeeeeeeeeet

[@steveowen7475]

Simply outstanding wonderful funny laugh out loud commentary.. Reubens will never be seen in the same light......Dawn French and Reubens.....a marriage embedded forever

[@1Gskillet]

Off to the next episode!! Not, in so many years, have I enjoyed art history and education this much! Very few "film" series have garnered such laughs and emotive journeys as I've had w/ Mr. Januszczak. By accident I started another show thinking it filmed by Perspective and, upon hearing the narrator's voice was immediately running to squelch the unpleasant sound in my ears. Can't stomach it! Akin to "Dirty Jobs" sans Mike Rowe. OUCH! Thank you so much!

[@III-ur2oo]

Could listen to this guy for hours! Proud 🇵🇱

[@esotericexplorersmartinez493]

It is now my goal to watch every episode with this wonderfull teacher 💜💜💜

[@esotericexplorersmartinez493]

@Miika Kataja I know ! I’m watching the Van Gogh one now lol

[@jonathanjeffreys3007]

Brilliant. A wonderfully erudite and appealing guide to art through the ages. Loved the Holbein video!

[@ATLmodK]

Waldamar is my champion. Lets us know that art can be a joy to us proletarians. Brings it to us as part of our world to love too.

[@sphinxtheeminx]

I recognised those feet the moment they appeared. Waldemar is wunderbar!

[@juanvelez8564]

The calves are mouth-watering. Forgive the pun.

[@desssval]

The Spanish kings possessing Belgium is actually a simple story. They were Austrian family - the Habsburgs - who married into the family that ruled Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg. Then they married into the Spanish royal family and voila - the rulers of the Netherlands became Spanish kings.

[@RachellElizabeth]

You're the best, Waldemar!

[@joshuamichael2421]

This man is BLOWING MY MIND with all his incredible storytelling throughout. Him talking about the Hapsburg Lip and his telling of the story of Mary and Martha from the Bible blew my mind!

[@kevinmeserole7345]

Mind blowing, really?

[@joshuamichael2421]

@@kevinmeserole7345 absolutely!

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

BRAVO !

[@dgschindele]

Waldemar's voice is intriguing...often sounds like a stage whisper. Sometimes this is explained by the enforced hush of churches and galleries. But not always.

[@barbarabalzer4322]

Time flies listening to him talk about artists you thought you knew all about.

[@StephiSensei26]

"...you need a degree in forensics to tell them apart!" (The Hapsburgs) Who writes this stuff? Genius Waldemar, genius! This was an especially juicy, sweaty, fleshy and lust filled episode. No Waldemar, you, you are the Baroque! Thank you. Now I have to go out and buy a huge pearl earring!

[@franciskippendorf4903]

My favorite Baroque paintings in Seville is the Valdez Leal paintings titled In Ictu Oculi and the Finis Gloria Mundi at the Hospital da la Caridad

[@ellaellis4072]

You can’t oversee his passion for art !!! That is what makes his series so persuading

[@goatsrule007]

the things he says about rembrant's artistic style and themes really show a transition into the romantic period and the romanticization of everyday life and people, value of introspection and inner thoughts, and showing dramatism in the mundane.

[@mccastro6339]

I am so happy i found this channel. I am addicted to it. Well, History of the Art was my mayor in College, but I couldn't do anything with it, so after graduating from College I have to take a bookkeeping course to find a job. But I learned a great deal of paintings and Art. I have travelled extensively and visited the most important museums in the world. I love art. I could say I took that degree just to learn what I like. Thank you a million Perspective for producing this films. I could, without a doubt say that are much better and ingormative than my art history classes, and the host is amazing I can understand every single word he says, although English is not my native language.

[@davids4313]

You write it perfectly MC Castro.

[@diehoffart]

I love how it sometimes just cuts to him, looking like he’s being chased but he’s still explaining stuff

[@SP_3333]

Yes. Sometimes his facial expression, glasses, & the hurried movements remind me of Rick Moranis in Ghost Buster's. Gives the presentation's a nice tongue- in-cheek glamour as it were.

[@jasoncavari]

Love ALLLL of these!! Well done sir bravo 👏🏼

[@danielgeorge7802]

That rarest of creatures. An engaging and informative lecturer/speaker

[@mattja312]

@ 21:00 "Give me my scallop shell of quiet; My staff of faith to walk upon; My scrip of joy, immortal diet; My bottle of salvation; My gown of glory (hope's true gage) And then I'll take my pilgrimage." ~ Sir Walter Raleigh

[@ferociousgumby]

For some reason, the last line came to me as, "And then I'll clean out the garage".

[@elenahelen8958]

@@ferociousgumby 😂😂

[@ladislavpancisin7868]

Love you Waldemar, Latszo Love! Endlessly edifying, endlessly intriguing, endlessly entertaining; Delicious THANK YOU to You!

[@xplodinggrrrl8631]

What is the piece of music that starts at 32:11, when the Spanish Netherlands segment begins? I need it in my playlist!! Excellent episode by the way! Bingeing Perspective at present. Brilliant show! I adore you, Mr. Januszczak. I don't know a lot about art, and you're making it such a pleasure to learn! Thank you, I hope you are safe and well.

[@juanvelez8564]

Reading the auto -generated subtitles is an entertainment in itself. The changes rung on "bodega" alone are inspired.

[@skippymagrue]

When he said you can't imagine it anywhere other than Spain, I thought of Cuzco, and there it was! All of Central and South America looks like that.

[@thomasjorge4734]

Spain's Children: La Madre Patria.

[@steveowen7475]

Outstanding.....the man's analysis irreverent style I love a man not easily fooled but absolutely essential viewing........ unique presentation

[@maxhermans4111]

Quite possibly the best and most entertaining presentation of art I have seen! Nice work!🙂 Thank You!

[@terrywbreedlove]

I am blng watching all of this mans work. Incredible history and Art lessons all wrapped up in one.

[@hookedonphonics4973]

Can you please fit more adds in? A documentary keeps interrupting them. Thanks.

[@ferociousgumby]

@pagansforbreakfast Adblocker works very well.

[@littlebrookreader949]

Helllllooooo, You Tube. Not the poster’s fault! It just means they haven’t been demonetized. Haha! SO Well Put! Make it a meme!

[@987uhb]

a few days ago i subscribed to premium. best money ever spend. no more ads.

[@littlebrookreader949]

@@987uhb. Will that take revenue from KZbin creators who have invested in equipment, etc., and create content for a living or supplemental income?

[@pakopepefdez185]

STOP BEING POOR

[@duantorruellas716]

I love baroque art , paintings , sculpture , architecture etc. The Flemish , spanish , and italians captured the drama that I love the most.

[@Arjenbakker1988]

I just found this channel. And with it a new passion, Baroque. Fascinating and so well put together.

[@paulherman7669]

"Turning this way & that. Some at the front, some at the back" Brilliant compositional insight!

[@dsantamaria713]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate and thoroughly enjoy your films.. I have learned a great deal from you.. Please keep them coming, I can never get enough! ♥️

[@njackson6115]

All the above and hopefully Waldemar will make more of these!

[@chew76]

These are BBC documentaries I grew up with

[@raa.a7005]

Best channel ever

[@Saffron-sugar]

It’s a good observation that the ideal Ruben’s woman was about size 18 UK (16 USA). Often people mistakenly refer to women as “ Rubenesc” when they are closer to size 26. It’s interesting that Ruben’s women also seem quite muscular with surprisingly masculine wrists, ankles, hands and feet. In spite of the fact many, like his wife, were ladies of leisure they look physically tough.

[@Luboman411]

Back in that time (and even today) artists almost always used lower-class women as models. Lower-class women back in the day had to do lots of hard manual labor for a living. So I can see plump, muscular women being perfect models for Rubens--lots of peasant and servant girls looked like that in his day. For his dear wife, he probably surreptitiously transferred her head on top of the body of a good-looking model he was besotted with. That would explain why a lady of leisure would look physically tough--that wasn't her real body!

[@canberkbor7555]

This video made me happy. Thank you for sharing such a lovely documentary.. Rest in peace for all masters. Baroque period of art always rank number 1 for me compared the other art movements

[@Pentapus1024]

Me, too. I especially love Dutch baroque. Exceptional.

[@cdg1111]

I could listen to Waldermar day and night... this is the only and best way to teach youngsters the beauty of the Arts and its history. THANK YOU!!

[@eleni1968]

These videos are so addictive; Fun Fact 1: The cheapest model an artist can hire is themself; Fun Fact 2: The 2nd cheapest model[s] an artist can hire are their family members.

[@joenobody571]

I really enjoy these documentaries have watched a handful over the last few days thank you

[@danielleboyd3070]

A fabulous presentation! Thank you.

[@iasnaia-poliana]

Brilliant once again! Many thanks

[@saxonmediaprofessionalsinp8505]

Love programmes, brilliantly written and intelligently delivered. I do however wish whoever thinks we need lingering close ups of feet would maybe get over his fascination.

[@bonaldi2719]

Thank you for this!

[@Serai3]

Why could they make such awesome building hundreds of years ago, but we can't seem to manage even ONE public building that is beautiful or awe-inspiring? Our buildings are all ugly blocks of concrete or boring glass towers. WHAT HAPPENED TO BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE???

[@christopherstclair3297]

What happened is that a) artists (architects or others) desperately want to be fresh and original, and b) they really have no choice: everyone needs a sponsor, whether to create or to have his/her creation shown in galleries and museums that count and sell. But sponsors too feel that they'll look like rubes if they don't support the fresh and the new...

[@dreamdiction]

So-called "modernism" is not a style, it is merely the cheapest way of doing things.

[@christopherstclair3297]

@@dreamdiction On a small scale, sure, you're right. (I count even the boxlike but extremely expensive NY condos as small scale in the great scheme of things.) But look at things like the Dubai Creek tower: approx $1 billion, not cheap or easy or fast. It's definitely a style, and it may even be impressive, once it's completed. Would I rather have that next door or London's St. Paul's? You should have no trouble guessing what my answer is, but to each his own.

[@PoojaDeshpande84]

@@dreamdiction accurate unfortunately :(

[@christopherdennis4280]

A very large increase in population, and greed.

[@simonapascariu2243]

THANK YOU!

[@ladislavpancisin7868]

It might be a good idea to introduce this trivia; Oscar Wild's short story INFANTA, might have been inspired by this painting by Velazquez Las Meninas. Thank you again!

[@rutilopata8294]

Incredible program! Information, passion, humor, directing, delivery, all superb! Thank you so much, I’ll keep following and learning🕊🌸🦋💫🎨

[@toniomalley5661]

I just love these brilliant entertaining and educational I do hope they make more perhaps some on Celtic art and jewellery

[@peccantis]

Drinking game: take a sip any time he says an adjective like "tremendous", "tumultuous", or "momentous".

[@SLOPPEWALL]

And down a full drink every time an ad comes on.

[@petemavus2948]

LOL U 2, such jocularity !!!

[@carlosio5]

@@SLOPPEWALL Erm....What ad?? I never see adverts on KZbin productions.... One allows ads only if one really *wants* to see them as a bit of compensation for such superb presentations. Otherwise, they are quite easy (and free) to be rid of .... 🤔 🔥💥

[@markpabst8468]

Not entirely his fault. Those kinds of adjectives best describe the baroque

[@txvoltaire]

Or "Tinkling on their virginals"!

[@Mirandalavie]

I love you!

[@nugraharendra3004]

Thanks for the video!

[@josephzammit8483]

I’m publishing a weekly KZbin video on episodes from the life of Don Bosco, entitled ST JOHN BOSCO by JOE ZAMMIT. In this series I’m narrating events and miracles from the splendid life of Don Bosco. St John Bosco used to perform a miracle almost every day, through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians. From the lives of saints we can learn how to love God more and draw closer to him Thank you.

[@zlatko216]

Watch a listen in pandemic days! Nice Fine Art Dox!Thanx!

[@jeff__w]

Series: Baroque! From St Peter's to St Paul's (2009) Episode 1: “The Birth of Baroque (Waldemar Januszczak Documentary) | Perspective” Original title: “The Birth of the Baroque” Episode 2: “Baroque's Dark Heart (Waldemar Januszczak Documentary) | Perspective” Original title: “Baroque’s Dark Heart” Episode 3: “St. Paul’s Cathedral: The Baroque Wonder (Waldemar Januszczak Documentary) | Perspective” Original title: “Designing St Paul’s Cathedral” Related: “William Dobson: The Forgotten Genious _[sic]_ (Waldemar Januszczak Documentary) | Perspective”

[@PoojaDeshpande84]

Those pictures are so big!!

[@DonnaSnyder]

Wonderful video, as always. But closed captions would be so helpful for the non British ear.

[@stacywestly64]

Dear Perspectives...please stop putting so many ads on your videos. 15 ads on an hour video? 4 would be acceptable. I guess I will watch this on an ad blocker browser instead.

[@yilaugh5234]

Stacy, ADblocker-39.95 a year, and you'll never see an ad on youtube. it is worth it, also at the Microsoft store they have free ad-blocker apps

[@savagecult257]

Forward to the end of the video, then scroll back to watch from beginning. You'll lose all Ads. Works on most videos.

[@sjmsutherland]

@@savagecult257 Thanks for this advice, looks like it's worked!! 😊

[@motorart4670]

@@savagecult257 thx. It worked

[@bioanu]

Just switch your browser and use Brave for example.. it never shows adds..

[@klasi58]

Here is one more of Waldemar's captivating documentaries that take you to another dimension and time. I can't stop watching them. I hope he never stops doing them. I do have one question for him. In this video, he says that Rembrandt wanted to be appreciated as the Greek sculptor and artist Phidias, who claimed he could do the perfect circle. As far as I know (and Waldemar says it in another video, it was Giotto who prided himself on being able to draw a perfect circle free-hand. Which one is it?

[@steveweinstein3222]

Nitpicky, but those eggs are not "sizzling." They're boiling in water, a Spanish dish, "eggs in Purgatory."

[@sawomirhodara2062]

In purgatory, how delightful.

[@amelrekaik1567]

We have the right for one or two mistakes 🙂

[@steveweinstein3222]

@@sawomirhodara2062 You should taste "eggs in hell."

[@matthew-mc4kz]

@@steveweinstein3222 or if u fumble the language u could end up asking for The Hell Eggs.

[@riffcrescendo1740]

Great series.

[@nedrajebali9912]

Good video 👍💕

[@megenberg8]

wow! excellent! enjoy!

[@honeysucklecat]

The scenes with the alpaca are in Cuzco right in front of where I stayed, which was a 500 year old hospeteria (if I spelled that correctly I’d be amazed.)

[@pamelajoyce91]

Brilliant

[@helpyourcattodrive]

Yes!

[@ickyfrupp2751]

I love his cutting Witt !

[@philipstevenson5166]

Some great jokes thrown in. A very Baroque presentation.

[@olddutchification]

I agree, I 've seen these many times over.

[@marionwigzell7334]

Brilliant! (-:Marion

[@CalixteAssiakoley3813]

Je vous adore, vous êtes un bon critique d'art, vous m'apprenez beaucoup de choses sur cette extraordinaire mouvement artistique qui me passionne tant.

[@carolabruzzo4935]

Good job, never mind the criticism!

[@Do-si]

not to forget the video and editing thumbs up

[@pauljewel6988]

I love the way you put the girl into the picture in 57:52

[@shellyhill6804]

I love the Baroque style but damn it was nice when secular subjects finally began to get some play. I get sick to death of Christs being taken down and moneylenders being run off. (Obviously I’ve got no soul). Having said that I will, and do, watch hours of Waldemar discussing anything. He is fabulous.

[@mannymoseley4005]

Thank you for posting this insightful, informative, interesting entertaining video. I love this beautiful art and hearing all this art history. I love this era of art 🎭 Some of my favorite artists: Michael Angelo Leonardo de Vinci Vincent Van Gogh Pablo Picasso Paul Gauguin Monet Manet as for writing artists: William Shakespeare Gustave Flaubert Jane Austen Charlotte Bronte Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Ernest Hemingway Mary Higgins Clark Sandra Brown David Baldacci Ruth Rendell Agatha Christie Nora Roberts John Grisham Thank you for posting this video that inspires me to enjoy art. I appreciate it.

[@itsunclemonty5206]

Love it when he's his big old crackling map out.

[@ferociousgumby]

19:25 she STILL has the lip! A five-year-old never had a jawbone like that.

[@tricivenola8164]

"Rubens's art bulges at the seams with the huge tonnage of happily wobbling cellulite. The bigger woman rang his bell, and squeezed his pips." "...Rembrandt's mother actually came from an old Catholic family, and to my eyes, he inherited a Popish intensity from her, a Catholic fretfulness, and sweatiness, that gives all of his art its Biblical air." GOD these are good. And the morphing Rembrandts are all by themselves worth watching the entire video.

[@Mike-nt9sx]

Love you bro..too many words would distract me from being more..more human...

[@jeffreysmith5645]

Has the third part of this series been uploaded yet?

[@mariopinot9884]

Nice.