Watch In the Footsteps of Van Gogh

In the Footsteps of Van Gogh from The Great Courses Signature Collection, starring Jean-Pierre Isbouts, is a captivating exploration of one of the most celebrated artists of all time. Van Gogh's art has a timeless quality, and his life story is filled with passion, despair, and an unwavering dedication to his craft. This series takes viewers on a journey through the places where Van Gogh lived, worked, and found inspiration, shedding new light on his art and the man behind it.

Over the course of the series, Jean-Pierre Isbouts, a renowned art historian and Van Gogh expert, follows in the artist's footsteps from the Netherlands to France, Belgium, and beyond. His engaging commentary draws on his extensive knowledge of Van Gogh's life and works, revealing fascinating insights into the artist's creative process, mental state, and the social and cultural context in which he lived.

The show uses a combination of stunning visuals and historical locations to take viewers on an immersive journey. From the wheat fields of Arles to the cobbled streets of Amsterdam, each location is brought to life in vivid detail, allowing viewers to experience the places that inspired Van Gogh on a deeper level. As Isbouts explores each location, he provides historical and artistic context, touching on the traditions, customs, and artistic movements of the time.

One of the standout aspects of the series is its attention to detail. The show takes viewers into the world of Van Gogh in a way that few others have, providing a thorough exploration of the artist's life and works. From his early experiments with charcoal and pencil to his later masterpieces like Starry Night, viewers are given a comprehensive overview of Van Gogh's art, including its development over time and the influences that shaped it.

Another highlight of the series is Isbouts' engaging style. He presents information in a way that is informative yet accessible, bringing Van Gogh's story to life with a mix of passion, intelligence, and humor. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is contagious, and his commentary flows effortlessly from one topic to the next, providing a narrative thread that ties the entire series together.

In the Footsteps of Van Gogh is not just a show about art. It explores the broader cultural, social, and historical context in which Van Gogh lived, shedding new light on the world he inhabited. Viewers learn about the major social and political issues of Van Gogh's time, including the rise of industrialization, the growth of cities, and the changing role of women in society. This backdrop provides an even deeper understanding of the pervasive sense of alienation and despair that is so often associated with Van Gogh's work.

Overall, In the Footsteps of Van Gogh is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, or culture. It provides a comprehensive look at the life and works of one of the most important artists of all time, while also offering insights into the broader social and cultural context of his era. Jean-Pierre Isbouts is the perfect guide for this journey, and his passion for the subject matter is evident in every frame of the series. Whether you're an art student, a fan of Van Gogh, or simply interested in the human experience, this series is not to be missed.

In the Footsteps of Van Gogh is a series that ran for 1 seasons (15 episodes) between November 26, 2021 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection