

The Private Life of a Masterpiece
Series Overview
Private Life of a Masterpiece is a BBC arts documentary series that tells the stories behind great works of art reaching from the Renaissance to modern art. David by Michelangelo, The Scream by Edvard Munch, The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya, The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Pablo Picasso, The Annunciation by Jan van Eyck, ... The Art of Painting by Johannes Vermeer. For behind the beautiful canvases and sculptures are tales of political revolution, wartime escapes, massive ego clashes, social scandal, financial wrangling and shocking violence. The series reveals the full and fascinating stories behind famous works of art, not just how they came to be created, but also how they influenced others and came to have a life of their own in the modern world.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.

9 Seasons • 34 Episodes
2001 – 2010
Premiered: Sat, Dec 8, 2001
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 9, Episode 2: “Filippo Lippi: The Adoration of the Christ Child”
Examining Filippo Lippi's Adoration of the Christ Child. Its beauty inspired Michelangelo and Botticelli, but it also conceals a personal story.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
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Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Private Life of a Masterpiece.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Private Life of a Masterpiece
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Private Life of a Masterpiece about?
Private Life of a Masterpiece is a BBC arts documentary series that tells the stories behind great works of art reaching from the Renaissance to modern art. David by Michelangelo, The Scream by Edvard Munch, The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya, The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Pablo Picasso, The Annunciation by Jan van Eyck, ... The Art of Painting by Johannes Vermeer. For behind the beautiful canvases and sculptures are tales of political revolution, wartime escapes, massive ego clashes, social scandal, financial wrangling and shocking violence. The series reveals the full and fascinating stories behind famous works of art, not just how they came to be created, but also how they influenced others and came to have a life of their own in the modern world.
How many seasons does The Private Life of a Masterpiece have?
The Private Life of a Masterpiece comprises 9 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in The Private Life of a Masterpiece?
Key cast members in The Private Life of a Masterpiece include Samuel West.
Who created or directed The Private Life of a Masterpiece?
The Private Life of a Masterpiece was developed and directed by Not specified.
