Synopsis

David Olusoga explores Jan Vermeer's life and work, a man who barely ever left the small Dutch city of Delft.

Further Information

More clips from Civilisations

06: First Contact | Civilisations

BBC Two | 2018 | 59'07''

David Olusoga shows how art was always on the frontline when distant cultures met.

Aztec Double Headed Serpent | Civilisations

BBC Four | 2018 | 1'29''

David Olusoga investigates the history of the Aztec Double Headed Serpent.

Benin Bronzes | Civilisations

BBC Four | 2018 | 5'35''

David Olusoga visits the Benin Bronzes at the British Museum.

El Greco | Civilisations

BBC Four | 2018 | 2'59''

David Olusoga shows how art was always on the frontline when distant cultures met.

Johan Zoffany | Civilisations

BBC Four | 2018 | 1'50''

David Olusoga explores Johan Zoffany's work, which portrays a rare moment seen in the art of the time, depicting British traders cavorting with...

Maria Sibylla Merian | Civilisations

BBC Four | 2018 | 2'01''

David Olusoga considers how Maria Sibylla Merian made use of her move to Amsterdam to promote her detailed naturalist artwork.

Maruyama Okyo | Civilisations

BBC Four | 2018 | 2'47''

David Olusoga considers how Maruyama Okyo divided the line between Western and Eastern art with his masterpiece, ''Cracked Ice''.

Nanban Screens | Civilisations

BBC Four | 2018 | 1'48''

David Olusoga shows how art was always on the frontline when distant cultures met.

More from David Olusoga

Number 10 Guinea Street in Bristol | A House Through Time

BBC Two | 2020 | 5'22''

David Olusoga begins his investigation into the history of number 10 Guinea street in Bristol.

Episode 3 | Empire with David Olusoga

BBC Two | 2025 | 59'30''

David Olusoga reveals how the Empire reached its maximum size after the First World War but within a generation had begun to collapse, ...

03: The Two Nations | Union with David Olusoga

BBC Two | 2023 | 59'09''

The 19th-century union appears secure, but beneath the surface run deep divisions, leading to the emergence of a new working-c...

02: Medical Drugs | Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer

BBC Four | 2021 | 53'15''

Documentary series about the effect of medicine on life expectancy. How knowledge gained from the discovery ...

The Unwanted: The Secret Windrush Files

BBC Two | 2019 | 58'55''

How black immigrants who made Britain their home came face to face with the government's 'hostile environment'. David Olusoga exposes...

08: The Cult of Progress | Civilisations

BBC Two | 2018 | 59'00''

David Olusoga explores the artistic reaction to imperialism in the 19th century.

Shifting historical opinions on the British Empire | A Timewatch Guide

BBC Four | 2017 | 5'58''

David Olusoga explains how historical perspectives of the British Empire have shifted through time.

04: The Homecoming | Black and British: A Forgotten History

BBC Two | 2016 | 59'06''

Historian David Olusoga concludes his series with the three African kings who stood up to empire, an irresistible...

01: Profit and Loss | Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners

BBC Two | 2015 | 59'21''

In 1834 Britain abolished slavery, a defining and celebrated moment in our national history. What has been largely for...

French troops from Sub-Saharan West Africa | The World's War: Forgotten Soldiers of Empire

BBC Two | 2014 | 4'06''

David Olusoga investigates the WW1 experiences of French troops from Sub-Saharan W...

We use cookies!

Jan Vermeer | Civilisations

Synopsis

More clips from Civilisations

More resources about Art History and Movements

More from David Olusoga