This is definitely the perfect program to watch after a long winter break-- with candles lit on a Sunday night in the quiet of your bedroom, cozy and warm. It feels like watching PBS with my mom on Sunday nights as a child, only way more interesting and with a host I actually squeal with delight when I see his face and name. Thank you Waldemar for helping me transition between the hustle and bustle of the holidays to being able to deal with Monday with your absolute passion for art history as my therapy. I'm excited to learn when you're doing the talking! Rock on, brother .
With his infectious Londoner straight forwardness, his self-deprecating humor and his passion for Art, Waldemar serves up the meat and potatoes to everyones' historical delight, and says, "Here ya go love, have some more!". Bravo Waldemar!
I disagree. The narration is sarcastic, slightly unprofessional and audibly full of doubt. All religious and spiritual figures should be revered or at least not disrespected.
@@williamroberts8470 Certainly agree that Waldemar's delivery lacks the lofty academic condescension of some documentarians, but as the kids say, that's a feature not a bug. And I completely agree that religious/spiritual figures should for many reasons be shown respect. But we're talking about art about spiritual figures, not the figures themselves. It's the art itself that is reflecting different attitudes about religious/spiritual figures, not the presenter. Young people and many others are often surprised at how Christian art has been through substantial, amazing changes over the centuries & in the many cultures that came to embrace Jesus Christ. It might even deepen and expand your faith and your mind and your heart to learn about these changes. It did for me. If you don't like enthusiastic, informed, and engaging discussion of Christian art in all its variety, then definitely don't watch Waldemar's documentary covering early Christian art, the first episode of his Dark Ages, an Age of Light series.
@@GildaLee27 Yes but I love the subjects eventhough he distracts from it. I think he just has a bad style of art commentary. At least he doesn't wear socks with his sandals while on camera. Its possible he wears socks with his sandals off camera. I'm sure he's a nice guy.
I am curious about Waldemar and his story after watching so many of his wonderful presentations on arts and artists and the history of arts ! I really enjoy his teachings and so grateful to his great works so I could travel in his videos in this pandanmic days .Thank you Mr Malsemar.
A son of a railroad employee with a Polish surname living in England must have faced xenophobia in his childhood. He is not exactly a young man and back when he was a kid no one would protect him from bullying. He said he was a naughty student that would often be punished by writing lines on a chalkboard. I bet art was a way to escape and enjoy the beauty. With his physique far from athletic, he must have worked hard on developing his brain, charisma, and sense of humor to compensate for what he didn't have in muscle power or height. He really is a self-made man. Maybe that's why he can talk to us so effectively. He's not one of those upper-class pompous professors looking at average people with disgust. I would love to have had him as a professor back in the day to not only teach me about art but about life.
@@mikshinee87 Wow ！I had no idea about his hardship 。I am very grateful for watching his art works 。 Thank you JB, you are so informative and your writing is beautiful.m
For those who might be wondering, the music we hear repeatedly sampled (for example, at 26:00) is "Chramer, Gip die Varwe Mir" from Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana." It's about a woman buying cosmetics in hopes that she'll become irresistible to men.
Thank you so much - I was looking through the Gounod opera and going crazy, and I knew I recognized this piece - I love Carmina Burana - but had no familiarity at all with the Gounod. Thanks!
Thank you for enlightening us by putting us out of our guessing game misery. 'Carmina Burana' is a work that reveals its jewels incrementally and, depending on its setting, can feel/sound familiar and at the same time brand new. Attention given to such details, be they subtle or overt, as in this example, elevate Waldemar J. head and shoulders above the rest. I've studied art for more than 50 years. I love learning new aspects in old, familiar paintings as well as their painters. I haven't been this excited for art exploration since my university days with a professor with whom I am still in contact.
Such a delight to have stumbled upon Mr Januszcsak. He keeps the line twisty yet utterly straight to highlight the art, the artist and most of all the artistry. And finally after so long I get the meaning of: Elle pleure comme une Madeleine ...
Would be nice if he could pronounce Italian names properly, given the many Italian artists: it's not GEE-oh-vanni or GE-otto. The "i" is only there to turn the "g" into "j." So it's "JOE-vanni "& "Jotto."
Though he often presents important detail which dispels popular misconceptions, he ain't no genius overall and too often throws out the baby with the bathwater. In this instance, his handling of 'the Magdeline" is almost pure shyte. If Mary wasn't somewhat important, she wouldn't have been mentioned as often as she was--the Gospel writers focused their rather short histories on our Lord, not incidental characters. Matter of fact, important Biblical figures/events are often given very brief mention and treatment--so, a female mentioned even four times is worthy of some consideration. This guy's treatment of the history is almost a mirror image of the ridiculous Dan Brown book that Waldemar dismisses----a reverse false accounting of sorts. Interesting detail and food for thought, but horrible thematic and almost aggressively counter to the hermeneutic of Church tradition.
@@andybaldman Hey, I'm not "that guy" in this instance. I'm a serious [enough] Christian an historian to know and be angered by bullsh*t when I hear it. In spite of the above, I guess you didn't appreciate my attempt at throwing him a bone--your problem, not mine. Simply put, the guy sensationalized the information to the point of blasphemy. Next time, to keep dick-weeds like you happy, I'll just call it straight out without detail or prose.
@@johncharleson8733 He might not be your guy then. Most of us don't care about blasphemy. (And one of Waldemar's trademarks is making waves by not tiptoeing around subjects that might be confrontational to some. That's one of the reasons we like him.)
Another excellent documentary, so well done. Interesting, fast paced, the time line is easy to understand. I was enthralled while watching it. Thank you so much sir.
They barley do any research for these. Watch the ones on islam, its a joke how he praises them for work that shouldnt be attributed to islam. Its like they wiki searched then got fed lies from muslims.
@@jonathansoko1085 Islamic countries used to be the progressive ones ages ago, those days are long gone now, of course, but history is llooonng... If you haven't even read one Wikipedia article on it, maybe don't criticise other people's research😂😂😂
@@annnee6818 Explain what you mean. Do you mean pre-i**lam countries that are now m***lim? (if i type the words yt deletes my comments regardless of what i say). If so that is true, which is a reason why its so sad becuase they really destroyed all that work and activley try to erase that history.
Waldemar, good Catholic that he was born and raised, glosses very neatly over the fact that the first Council of Nicea in 325 AD, conveniently chose only 3apostolic testimonies plus John the baptist's recollections to enshrine in the Roman Catholic bible. Fortunately the discovery of the Gnostic gospels at Nag Hammadi in 1945, shed true light on the importance of Mary Magdalen in the foundation and early progression of the cult of Jesus the Nazarene.
Unlike so many art /historical/sociological commentators , to whom , in response , one may often find oneself asleep in their morning bowl of oatmeal - Mr Janusczcak is a delightfully bright ray of originality - what an impressively talented chap who brings every concievable element of relevancy to bear inhis presentation - exceedingly great wit and sociological insight being two great points of , what one might consider to set him clearly apart from the herd - I'm gratefully thankful for this firebrand of a personality ☺ Bravo Waldemar !!!
at 42:55 Artemisia Gentileschi was mentioned as a creator of the painting, but according to my research the magdalene at 42:30 is from Caravaggio, and the one at 43:00 is from Guido Cagnacci
I cannot stop watching your outstanding documentaries, me personally love art as you and I travel as far as it it possible to see, what normally ist unable to realize. Thanks for exraordanary "roudmivies" through the soul of artists across the globe. I will enjoy it and write about or paint an interpretation.
Beautiful and so emotionally stirring.. how you put together and then told the story of the what's and why's of Vincent and the Mistral poem. The Mary M. part..absolutely epic and truly one for the history lessons!
In my university course there are 20 students and we have 5 different Mary : Maria Rosaria, Maria Pia, Marie Helene, Maria Elena and Maria Angela. You know,.. Catholic country😂😂 (Italy)
Thank you for posting this informative interesting entertaining video. I enjoyed it immensely. This was rendered excellent. I love art and artists. This was fascinating. Thank you so much.
Interesting and nice touch to have a woman with hair like Mary Magdalene standing in front of and viewing all of the artworks depicting the said Mary. And Waldemar ROCKS❣️🤟🏼❣️
Mr. Janusczcak always finds a down to earth way to explain the elevation and spirituality in visual art. He indeed carries the torch of the Great Artists of the Western Canon by telling their life stories while making us look at their pictures again. He is a great Master Teacher and I hope he will not become a brand or formula as making a string of documentaries. I absolutely LOVE his series “ Renaissance in Chains” and this brilliantly put together show seems to be the offspring of the above mentioned series. Formula or not, he is an extraordinarily talented art critic and TV presenter.
What genius storytelling Waldemar...What a gift for us humble art lovers to get the back story on some very opaque goings on in the art and religion grifts.
I’m publishing a weekly TH-cam 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.
During a visit of one of the ancient cemeteries of Rome, my Dutch tour guide told the following. He was a retired university teacher of classical languages (Latin was his specialization). In the Roman empire of the time, prostitution was officially forbidden by law - like cannabis in the Netherlands today. But it was tolerated to a point, in public life. Advertising, soliciting, was strictly forbidden. And one place was exempt: the cemetery. Here, prostitutes visited to affix their "business cards" to the walls of the cemetery. These cards held their name, their specialization (think missionary, doggy or else) and their rate. To which I replied, now the quote in the New Testament, what do you do here to search the living among the dead, gets a whole new meaning.
There's so many holes in that story and I'm not talking about the whores. Sounds fishy and again, not talking about the.... You know the "Ancient" Romans buried the dead along the Appian Road and I doubt the Prostitutes played their trade there. No Metro then. But Rome lasted quite a while, so anythings possible. People make up more stories than can be counted and most are just stories. When I lived in Rome they worked on the street, were taken on a Lambreta to the Parks and did it there.
I was taught that prostitutes primarily advertised their work from the soles of their shoes-as they walked men behind them read their business information from the soles of their sandals.
In ancient Egypt, whose culture was in its waning days in the time of Jesus and where Jesus spent his childhood, Meri was a popular women’s name and a common nickname for girls. It means beloved. The implication is obvious, and would explain why everyone seems to have been named Mary. I’d like to know what Waldemar might say about that.
Yes, I read somewhere that it was in a way a title. It was not a name. Just like in the Byzantine Empire, and the countries under its influence, Stefanos was not a name but a title. It means "the one wearing a crown".
I find it ironic that Christians of the day felt that Mary needed to repent for 30 years in a cave. Wasn't the whole point of Christ's sacrifice to wash away the sins of all mankind with his pure sinless blood? One presumes the Magdalene would qualify as a believer and thus achieved salvation without such drastic measures being necessary.
Jesus forgave sins & healed ppl before being crucified. Seems the use of 30 yrs at times is used for symbolic reason with other meanings. Person or ppl have used 30 yrs for Mary Magdalene in France yet another woman made a journey with her & went to France to be with others. Mary Magdalene, Mary (Jesus mother), & others left from France & went to another country. Then crossed to one that has a city with a place referred to as place Jesus mother lived at for 30 yrs. She may have been there awhile yet not that long. Mary, Mary Magdalene, & others returned to area of Jerusalem. Mary Magdalene's father was alive yet when they returned. He lived in a northern town, Sephorus/Sephora & died in 60's AD when Roman's ... in that area.
This might be helpful. It’s a passage from CS Lewis’ Mere Christianity on repentance and why we do it as Christians. Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement.: he is a rebel who needs to lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realizing that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the right one-that is the only way out of our ‘hole.’ This process of surrender is what Christians call ‘repentance.’ Now repentance is no fun at all. It is something much harder than merely eating humble pie. It means unlearning all the self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves in for thousands of years. It means killing a part of yourself, undergoing a kind of death. In fact it needs a good person to repent. And here comes the catch. Only a bad person needs to repent: only a good person can repent perfectly.” Lewis goes on to present the work of Christ: “He could surrender his will, and suffer and dies, because he was man; and he could do it perfectly because he was God.” Lewis then adds that we surrender, repent, only by sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection, just as we are intelligent or wise only by sharing in God’s intelligence and wisdom.” “We repent only by sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection. We somehow die and rise with him (a central Pauline teaching, as in Col. 2 and 3, Rom. 6, and Gal. 2:19-20), thereby starting a whole new life.” I see this story of her 30 years of penance as a choice to become monastic. I would also say that when we pray the creed we confirm our belief in the forgiveness of sins and the our father prayer also remind us every time to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We need the constant daily reminder.
Your confusion is understandable. But unless you're a Biblical scholar who ISN'T a Catholic-the MOST misogynistic of all Christian sects-your view of Sin is one which grew SO FAR AWAY from what Jesus. Himself taught: Remember the story where a woman who was caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus to have her sentence-the Hebrews mandated such sinners be taken beyond the gates of the city/village/ homestead so the punishment-the death by stoning-- wouldn't be held to the personal account of any ONE sanctimonious villager. Attempting to catch Jesus in the sin of heresy, the Pharisees asked Him what her.punishment should be. Christ knelt down and wrote in the dust: -- the only writing He does in the Bible-and he says, "He among you who is without sin.. cast the first stone." Ashamed, her accusers slunk away. Jesus looks up at the woman and asks, "Does no one accuse you?" "No one, Lord." "Then neither do I accuse you. Go thy way and sin no more." FORGIVENESS FOR SIN WAS THAT SIMPLE. Only in the unrelenting doctrinal policies of the Roman Catholic Church are repentance and forgiveness a never-ending guilt trip. HOW ELSE are the Catholic Hierarchy supposed to keep their Faithful firmly under their metaphorical thumb?
I must compliment this series use of the most creative approach to using just the right musical selections through out their presentations. Example, from Carmina Burana, “Charmer, Gip die varwe mie”, the 8th selection in Carmina Burana about the painted ladies wanting to attract young men, is used for Mary Magdalene, the prostitute, background music. I AM impressed.
And I'm delighted! These are produced to the highest level, they will be watched and learned from for as long as the format is accessible. Which as we know could end next mounth, Oi.
@@jackjones8363 The closes I can get is the chorus’ first number in the opera Mirelle by Charles Gounod. In the program the presenter even shows the album cover. Was able to pull it up on TH-cam.
Entertaining, well documented and witty, as always. The naked Magdalena in ecstasy (at 42.50) however, is not by Artemisia Gentileschi, but by another late baroque painter, Guido Cagnacci.
Yes, thank you for correcting the Artemisia Gentileschi attribution. I know she painted a number of Magdalenes including some of "Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy" that very in levels of emotion and nudity. This wasn't one of them.
Waldemar J. is simply the best. I'm hooked and learning so many pieces of the puzzle never before connected. I love this line Waldemar J. delivered so skillfully: *"The facts are unclear. That's because there are none"* 'Too good! What never ceases to amaze is how women like M.M. throughout history to this very day, were/are demonized. Meanwhile, the participants with whom she/they sinned escaped notice or punishment.
I love how he addresses topics that young children, in that direct way they have, asks the awkward questions which adults (especially preachers, priests and nuns) have no real answers for, and he does it with such a dry wit.
Anyone have a reference for the artist/painting at 42:52? He references Artemisia Gentileschi, but I can't seem to find it in her works. I've also looked at Caravaggio's works with no luck. Maybe I am just missing it?
Well spotted. It's not Gentileschi, and not Caravaggio either, though the pose is similar. But I can't figure out whose painting it is. It's a pretty glaring error in this video. I also think the Caravaggio "penitent Magdalen" is not a pregnant woman, but a collapsed one.
I've always wondered if the men whom Mary Magdalene told that she had seen the risen Christ would have believed her, or would have scoffed, because she was "only a woman." That's been more my experience.
I don't know, but I'm guessing it would be harder to believe her because she's a woman. There's speculation that that's specifically why Christ revealed himself to her, a woman, rather than any of the apostles--because women are every bit as deserving of believing, and having Christ reveal himself to a woman as to a man. That's why it's included in the Bible, and not just starting with just Peter going to the empty tomb. Pretty progressive for the patriarchal society when the Bible was written and when all this took place. Why would a male driven society include this, unless it's what really happened?
Just amazing! Congratulations for this great documentary! There is only one thing to add. Why Jesus chose to show himself first to Mary and not to one of his male followers? Why was she the only one who dared to challenge Roman authorities and visit the tomb ? She was a very important figure in the entourage of Jesus, no doubt. But her role has been obscured and manipulated over the centuries to project many other images, all of them fascinating but fictional.
I suspect that her stories were inconvenient for those who wished to use the Church to establish power, both over society and over women. If Jesus's favorite disciple and the one he trusted most was, in fact, a woman, well. That would be all SORTS of inconvenient for the Church now, wouldn't it? Make it much more difficult to shut women out of its ranks and establish power over them.
Systlin I suspect you are completely right. Furthermore, overtime she was presented as a prostitute to degrade her image even more. Despite all of this manipulation the fact is that she was the first to witness the greatest moment of Christianity, the resurrection. And she was alone, even if there were 12 apostles who were “keeping a low profile” in those challenging moments....
Yes. Very much this. In Christ's first moments as, finally, what he was born to be - the fulfillment of his destiny as the Savior of Mankind - the very first human he reveals himself to - was a woman. She is even there as he dies, when everyone else who wrote the Bible and were supposed to be his right hand men were nowhere to be found, Mary is there with His mother, witnessing and helping to remove and prepare him. That to me speaks of true closeness and devotion.
Pope Gregory decreed the prostitute status in the fourth century. One could focus on the misogynistic aspect, and obvious power maneuvers, but it’s also spiritual. An evil force always opposes the kingdom Christ brought to Earth. And it targets women ruthlessly. Woman’s seed was used for Christ’s humanity by the Holy Spirit, and Eve’s heel decreed to crush the spirit that destroyed paradise. A church designed by men demanding celibacy that the Bible made optional needed to neutralize the Magdalene, Priscilla, Lydia and others who were true disciples of Jesus and the establishment of the first century church. Paul and the twelve were the main instruments, but these ladies also .
@@julio5prado Well, many of Jesus' female followers were prostitutes, and the gospels make no bones about this, nor about Jesus' statements to the self-righteous that "the prostitutes and the tax collectors are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of you." It was because these public sinners had more repentance in their hearts, more gratitude for their forgiveness, more love for him than did those people did whose sins were hidden under the guise of respectability. So the conflating of Mary of Magdela with Mary of Bethany (who may or may not have been the same person) and the supposition that she too was a prostitute (which anyway never became Doctrine) was not intended to degrade her but to highlight this aspect of the gospel.
There were 3 siblings, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Jesus was a visitor to their home. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His teachings while Martha was hustling to prepare the meal. Some time later, Jesus brought Lazarus back to the living at the request of Mary.
Dear Professor Januszczak: your knowledge, perspicacity, passion and insightfulness are beyond me - chapeau bas! Please, accept my words of admiration and gratitude!!! As regards 3 "daughters" named Mary (17:30) they were probably cousins - not children of the same partents, as in those teritories children of siblings are often called "brothers" (cf. Jesus' brothers, like Juda Thaddee) or "sisters" like in Polish "siostra cioteczna" [my aunt's daugher] or "brat cioteczny [my uncle's son] " , "siostra stryjeczna" [my dad's brother's daugher] or "brat stryjeczny" [my dad's brother's son] :) With kindest regards, Anna
Thank you for giving us a vision of that tormented/beatific soul Vincent, meeting the real Mary of his dreams. Still is to document his encounter with Walter Whitman in a never ending starry night. Thank You...
Does anyone know the name or location of the Gentileschi Penitent Magdalene, seen at 43:17? I'm interested in writing about female pleasure in Gentileschi's art, but I've never seen that one.
This is definitely the perfect program to watch after a long winter break-- with candles lit on a Sunday night in the quiet of your bedroom, cozy and warm. It feels like watching PBS with my mom on Sunday nights as a child, only way more interesting and with a host I actually squeal with delight when I see his face and name. Thank you Waldemar for helping me transition between the hustle and bustle of the holidays to being able to deal with Monday with your absolute passion for art history as my therapy. I'm excited to learn when you're doing the talking! Rock on, brother .
How I'm spending my winter Sunday night 🌙 💕
I love Waldemar's style of presentation and his deep understanding of art. Makes understanding it very easy
He is the great teacher of classic art ! Love his teachings! So fortunate to watch all these videos!
@@jenniechen24
Talking of masterpieces I think this documentary is the master piece in itself.
I agree he is the best host.
He’s fantastic 😇♥️🙏
With his infectious Londoner straight forwardness, his self-deprecating humor and his passion for Art, Waldemar serves up the meat and potatoes to everyones' historical delight, and says, "Here ya go love, have some more!". Bravo Waldemar!
Spot on review !
@@popcult Thank you. He's one of a kind!
I love the narration, the humor and the passion of this presenter. Amazingly well done. Please keep on doing these documentaries!
I disagree. The narration is sarcastic, slightly unprofessional and audibly full of doubt. All religious and spiritual figures should be revered or at least not disrespected.
He's excellent (very British).
@@williamroberts8470 Certainly agree that Waldemar's delivery lacks the lofty academic condescension of some documentarians, but as the kids say, that's a feature not a bug. And I completely agree that religious/spiritual figures should for many reasons be shown respect.
But we're talking about art about spiritual figures, not the figures themselves. It's the art itself that is reflecting different attitudes about religious/spiritual figures, not the presenter. Young people and many others are often surprised at how Christian art has been through substantial, amazing changes over the centuries & in the many cultures that came to embrace Jesus Christ. It might even deepen and expand your faith and your mind and your heart to learn about these changes.
It did for me.
If you don't like enthusiastic, informed, and engaging discussion of Christian art in all its variety, then definitely don't watch Waldemar's documentary covering early Christian art, the first episode of his Dark Ages, an Age of Light series.
@@GildaLee27 Yes but I love the subjects eventhough he distracts from it. I think he just has a bad style of art commentary. At least he doesn't wear socks with his sandals while on camera. Its possible he wears socks with his sandals off camera. I'm sure he's a nice guy.
@@williamroberts8470 , South?
all of the programs in this series are so beautifully presented I have literally been moved to tears more then once.
I am curious about Waldemar and his story after watching so many of his wonderful presentations on arts and artists and the history of arts ! I really enjoy his teachings and so grateful to his great works so I could travel in his videos in this pandanmic days .Thank you Mr Malsemar.
A son of a railroad employee with a Polish surname living in England must have faced xenophobia in his childhood. He is not exactly a young man and back when he was a kid no one would protect him from bullying. He said he was a naughty student that would often be punished by writing lines on a chalkboard. I bet art was a way to escape and enjoy the beauty. With his physique far from athletic, he must have worked hard on developing his brain, charisma, and sense of humor to compensate for what he didn't have in muscle power or height. He really is a self-made man. Maybe that's why he can talk to us so effectively. He's not one of those upper-class pompous professors looking at average people with disgust. I would love to have had him as a professor back in the day to not only teach me about art but about life.
@@mikshinee87 Wow ！I had no idea about his hardship 。I am very grateful for watching his art works 。 Thank you JB, you are so informative and your writing is beautiful.m
@@mikshinee87 thank you
For those who might be wondering, the music we hear repeatedly sampled (for example, at 26:00) is "Chramer, Gip die Varwe Mir" from Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana." It's about a woman buying cosmetics in hopes that she'll become irresistible to men.
Oh cool! Thanks for this!!!
Thank you so much - I was looking through the Gounod opera and going crazy, and I knew I recognized this piece - I love Carmina Burana - but had no familiarity at all with the Gounod. Thanks!
Thank you for enlightening us by putting us out of our guessing game misery. 'Carmina Burana' is a work that reveals its jewels incrementally and, depending on its setting, can feel/sound familiar and at the same time brand new.
Attention given to such details, be they subtle or overt, as in this example, elevate Waldemar J. head and shoulders above the rest. I've studied art for more than 50 years. I love learning new aspects in old, familiar paintings as well as their painters. I haven't been this excited for art exploration since my university days with a professor with whom I am still in contact.
Such a delight to have stumbled upon Mr Januszcsak. He keeps the line twisty yet utterly straight to highlight the art, the artist and most of all the artistry. And finally after so long I get the meaning of: Elle pleure comme une Madeleine ...
I will never unhear Waldemar's pronunciation of MARE-y. What a brilliant man.
Also: "She was a HAR-lot..." ;D
Would be nice if he could pronounce Italian names properly, given the many Italian artists: it's not GEE-oh-vanni or GE-otto. The "i" is only there to turn the "g" into "j." So it's "JOE-vanni "& "Jotto."
I think it's deliberate; part of his brusque & slightly sardonic humour. Typically British.
I’m saying, Waldemar is a bleedin’ genius! Simply brilliant!
He's like a flippin warehouse full of Art Info...
Though he often presents important detail which dispels popular misconceptions, he ain't no genius overall and too often throws out the baby with the bathwater.
In this instance, his handling of 'the Magdeline" is almost pure shyte. If Mary wasn't somewhat important, she wouldn't have been mentioned as often as she was--the Gospel writers focused their rather short histories on our Lord, not incidental characters.
Matter of fact, important Biblical figures/events are often given very brief mention and treatment--so, a female mentioned even four times is worthy of some consideration.
This guy's treatment of the history is almost a mirror image of the ridiculous Dan Brown book that Waldemar dismisses----a reverse false accounting of sorts.
Interesting detail and food for thought, but horrible thematic and almost aggressively counter to the hermeneutic of Church tradition.
@@johncharleson8733 There's always one of you in these comment threads. Someone's always gotta be 'that guy'...
@@andybaldman Hey, I'm not "that guy" in this instance. I'm a serious [enough] Christian an historian to know and be angered by bullsh*t when I hear it.
In spite of the above, I guess you didn't appreciate my attempt at throwing him a bone--your problem, not mine.
Simply put, the guy sensationalized the information to the point of blasphemy.
Next time, to keep dick-weeds like you happy, I'll just call it straight out without detail or prose.
@@johncharleson8733 He might not be your guy then. Most of us don't care about blasphemy. (And one of Waldemar's trademarks is making waves by not tiptoeing around subjects that might be confrontational to some. That's one of the reasons we like him.)
Another excellent documentary, so well done. Interesting, fast paced, the time line is easy to understand. I was enthralled while watching it. Thank you so much sir.
I truly enjoyed this show, you guys go the extra mile walking to present it so clearly that it blows my mind. Thank you.
I'd call it the extra 5 miles!
I’m an art historian and this is simply brilliant! He explains and connects well the different painters and renderings of the Magdalene 🖼
They barley do any research for these. Watch the ones on islam, its a joke how he praises them for work that shouldnt be attributed to islam. Its like they wiki searched then got fed lies from muslims.
@Jonathan. Agreed, but you would never be able to get that sentiment through to any of these lapdogs.
@@jonathansoko1085 Islamic countries used to be the progressive ones ages ago, those days are long gone now, of course, but history is llooonng... If you haven't even read one Wikipedia article on it, maybe don't criticise other people's research😂😂😂
@@mathiasringle6972 You're an expert?! What specific point(s) do you take issue with and what's your counterargument and your source so I can check?
@@annnee6818 Explain what you mean. Do you mean pre-i**lam countries that are now m***lim? (if i type the words yt deletes my comments regardless of what i say). If so that is true, which is a reason why its so sad becuase they really destroyed all that work and activley try to erase that history.
Thank you so much for clearing up so many misconceptions and showing all the beautiful artwork.
Gorgeous video with a passionate and inspired way of telling the story of Mary Magdalene and the resurrection of Christ in Art 🧡🙏
STUNNING -- I can't get enough !
Waldemar is an international TREASURE!!!
He is the greatest teacher..his enthusiasm is unmatched..
Her story is so moving. No other documentary has touched me so deeply - thank you for this brilliant work !
The first time I saw a Waldemar video I commented that he was a gift. Nothing has changed my mind. Sir you are special and we are the better for it.
Such an accurate interpretation of history, which changes constantly with interpreters. Lovely way of presenting the human nature.💖 Thank you.
Waldemar, good Catholic that he was born and raised, glosses very neatly over the fact that the first Council of Nicea in 325 AD, conveniently chose only 3apostolic testimonies plus John the baptist's recollections to enshrine in the Roman Catholic bible. Fortunately the discovery of the Gnostic gospels at Nag Hammadi in 1945, shed true light on the importance of Mary Magdalen in the foundation and early progression of the cult of Jesus the Nazarene.
Best ever series, so brilliantly well done, brings it to life in a wonderful way! Thank you!
Unlike so many art /historical/sociological commentators , to whom , in response , one may often find oneself asleep in their morning bowl of oatmeal - Mr Janusczcak is a delightfully bright ray of originality - what an impressively talented chap who brings every concievable element of relevancy to bear inhis presentation - exceedingly great wit and sociological insight being two great points of , what one might consider to set him clearly apart from the herd - I'm gratefully thankful for this firebrand of a personality ☺ Bravo Waldemar !!!
Bravo Waldemar !!! x2
Hope this lovely man makes many more programs love his work in school we were told she was very very bold
A great production, as usual: bravo Waldemar!
at 42:55 Artemisia Gentileschi was mentioned as a creator of the painting, but according to my research
the magdalene at 42:30 is from Caravaggio,
and the one at 43:00 is from Guido Cagnacci
I cannot stop watching your outstanding documentaries, me personally love art as you and I travel as far as it it possible to see, what normally ist unable to realize. Thanks for exraordanary "roudmivies" through the soul of artists across the globe. I will enjoy it and write about or paint an interpretation.
Great documentary & superb teacher 🌾 Thank you for enriching our life 🥀
I have learned so much with this particular video. Thank you.
Beautiful and so emotionally stirring.. how you put together and then told the story of the what's and why's of Vincent and the Mistral poem. The Mary M. part..absolutely epic and truly one for the history lessons!
I love everything about this documentary, especially the Van Gogh part. Thank you, Mr. Januszcsak.
"Why anyone would name three of their daughters Mary is beyond me"
...
laughing from Latin America
I knew a polish woman named Mary who had seven sisters all named Mary. They were all known by their middle names.
@@vudu8ball 🤭🤣👌🙏
In my university course there are 20 students and we have 5 different Mary : Maria Rosaria, Maria Pia, Marie Helene, Maria Elena and Maria Angela. You know,.. Catholic country😂😂 (Italy)
I actually get this. Sons included
IKR :))))
This was very informative & interesting, especially the part regarding Van Gogh & the poem that might have changed his life & art. Wow.
Thank you, Waldemar, for a most insightful presentation on the history of Mary Magdelene and for helping debunk this story.
Thank you for posting this informative interesting entertaining video. I enjoyed it immensely. This was rendered excellent. I love art and artists. This was fascinating. Thank you so much.
Interesting and nice touch to have a woman with hair like Mary Magdalene standing in front of and viewing all of the artworks depicting the said Mary.
And Waldemar ROCKS❣️🤟🏼❣️
Mr. Janusczcak always finds a down to earth way to explain the elevation and spirituality in visual art.
He indeed carries the torch of the Great Artists of the Western Canon by telling their life stories while making us look at their pictures again.
He is a great Master Teacher and I hope he will not become a brand or formula as making a string of documentaries.
I absolutely LOVE his series
“ Renaissance in Chains” and this brilliantly put together show seems to be the offspring of the above mentioned series.
Formula or not, he is an extraordinarily talented art critic and TV presenter.
What genius storytelling Waldemar...What a gift for us humble art lovers to get the back story on some very opaque goings on in the art and religion grifts.
Simplemente fantástico. Simply fantastic! A great piece of storytelling here.
Better presentation than I ever got in catechism.
I’m publishing a weekly TH-cam 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.
During a visit of one of the ancient cemeteries of Rome, my Dutch tour guide told the following. He was a retired university teacher of classical languages (Latin was his specialization). In the Roman empire of the time, prostitution was officially forbidden by law - like cannabis in the Netherlands today. But it was tolerated to a point, in public life. Advertising, soliciting, was strictly forbidden. And one place was exempt: the cemetery. Here, prostitutes visited to affix their "business cards" to the walls of the cemetery. These cards held their name, their specialization (think missionary, doggy or else) and their rate. To which I replied, now the quote in the New Testament, what do you do here to search the living among the dead, gets a whole new meaning.
I love tidbits like this.
There's so many holes in that story and I'm not talking about the whores. Sounds fishy and again, not talking about the....
You know the "Ancient" Romans buried the dead along the Appian Road and I doubt the Prostitutes played their trade there. No Metro then. But Rome lasted quite a while, so anythings possible. People make up more stories than can be counted and most are just stories.
When I lived in Rome they worked on the street, were taken on a Lambreta to the Parks and did it there.
I was taught that prostitutes primarily advertised their work from the soles of their shoes-as they walked men behind them read their business information from the soles of their sandals.
Another fantastic one! These are great!!!
Here Waldemar is at his best! Did you pick the music yourself, Waldemar? Well done! Super!
These documentaries are absolutely great. What a wonderful host. Just found them and trying to play catch up.
In ancient Egypt, whose culture was in its waning days in the time of Jesus and where Jesus spent his childhood, Meri was a popular women’s name and a common nickname for girls. It means beloved. The implication is obvious, and would explain why everyone seems to have been named Mary. I’d like to know what Waldemar might say about that.
Yes, I read somewhere that it was in a way a title. It was not a name. Just like in the Byzantine Empire, and the countries under its influence, Stefanos was not a name but a title. It means "the one wearing a crown".
I find it ironic that Christians of the day felt that Mary needed to repent for 30 years in a cave. Wasn't the whole point of Christ's sacrifice to wash away the sins of all mankind with his pure sinless blood? One presumes the Magdalene would qualify as a believer and thus achieved salvation without such drastic measures being necessary.
Jesus forgave sins & healed ppl before being crucified. Seems the use of 30 yrs at times is used for symbolic reason with other meanings. Person or ppl have used 30 yrs for Mary Magdalene in France yet another woman made a journey with her & went to France to be with others. Mary Magdalene, Mary (Jesus mother), & others left from France & went to another country. Then crossed to one that has a city with a place referred to as place Jesus mother lived at for 30 yrs. She may have been there awhile yet not that long. Mary, Mary Magdalene, & others returned to area of Jerusalem. Mary Magdalene's father was alive yet when they returned. He lived in a northern town, Sephorus/Sephora & died in 60's AD when Roman's ... in that area.
This might be helpful. It’s a passage from CS Lewis’ Mere Christianity on repentance and why we do it as Christians.
Fallen man is not simply an imperfect creature who needs improvement.: he is a rebel who needs to lay down his arms. Laying down your arms, surrendering, saying you are sorry, realizing that you have been on the wrong track and getting ready to start life over again from the right one-that is the only way out of our ‘hole.’ This process of surrender is what Christians call ‘repentance.’ Now repentance is no fun at all. It is something much harder than merely eating humble pie. It means unlearning all the self-conceit and self-will that we have been training ourselves in for thousands of years. It means killing a part of yourself, undergoing a kind of death. In fact it needs a good person to repent. And here comes the catch. Only a bad person needs to repent: only a good person can repent perfectly.”
Lewis goes on to present the work of Christ: “He could surrender his will, and suffer and dies, because he was man; and he could do it perfectly because he was God.” Lewis then adds that we surrender, repent, only by sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection, just as we are intelligent or wise only by sharing in God’s intelligence and wisdom.”
“We repent only by sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection. We somehow die and rise with him (a central Pauline teaching, as in Col. 2 and 3, Rom. 6, and Gal. 2:19-20), thereby starting a whole new life.”
I see this story of her 30 years of penance as a choice to become monastic. I would also say that when we pray the creed we confirm our belief in the forgiveness of sins and the our father prayer also remind us every time to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We need the constant daily reminder.
You've got the wrong Mary, percussion.
Your confusion is understandable. But unless you're a Biblical scholar who ISN'T a Catholic-the MOST misogynistic of all Christian sects-your view of Sin is one which grew SO FAR AWAY from what Jesus. Himself taught:
Remember the story where a woman who was caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus to have her sentence-the Hebrews mandated such sinners be taken beyond the gates of the city/village/ homestead so the punishment-the death by stoning-- wouldn't be held to the personal account of any ONE sanctimonious villager. Attempting to catch Jesus in the sin of heresy, the Pharisees asked Him what her.punishment should be. Christ knelt down and wrote in the dust: -- the only writing He does in the Bible-and he says, "He among you who is without sin.. cast the first stone." Ashamed, her accusers slunk away. Jesus looks up at the woman and asks, "Does no one accuse you?" "No one, Lord." "Then neither do I accuse you. Go thy way and sin no more."
FORGIVENESS FOR SIN WAS THAT SIMPLE. Only in the unrelenting doctrinal policies of the Roman Catholic Church are repentance and forgiveness
a never-ending guilt trip.
HOW ELSE are the Catholic Hierarchy supposed to keep their Faithful firmly under their metaphorical thumb?
Absolutely agree
I must compliment this series use of the most creative approach to using just the right musical selections through out their presentations. Example, from Carmina Burana, “Charmer, Gip die varwe mie”, the 8th selection in Carmina Burana about the painted ladies wanting to attract young men, is used for Mary Magdalene, the prostitute, background music. I AM impressed.
And I'm delighted! These are produced to the highest level, they will be watched and learned from for as long as the format is accessible. Which as we know could end next mounth, Oi.
Can you answer Adam Gorelick's question about the music at 56:25?
@@jackjones8363 I will try. Thank you for asking
@@jackjones8363 The closes I can get is the chorus’ first number in the opera Mirelle by Charles Gounod. In the program the presenter even shows the album cover. Was able to pull it up on TH-cam.
Entertaining, well documented and witty, as always. The naked Magdalena in ecstasy (at 42.50) however, is not by Artemisia Gentileschi, but by another late baroque painter, Guido Cagnacci.
I keep trying to find an image of it / any idea what collection it is in?
thank u so much for this comment!! I was so confused as to why I had never seen this supposed Gentileschi painting...
@@petrarchsgal I'm glad it was helpful
Yes, thank you for correcting the Artemisia Gentileschi attribution. I know she painted a number of Magdalenes including some of "Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy" that very in levels of emotion and nudity. This wasn't one of them.
Waldemar J. is simply the best. I'm hooked and learning so many pieces of the puzzle never before connected. I love this line Waldemar J. delivered so skillfully:
*"The facts are unclear. That's because there are none"*
'Too good!
What never ceases to amaze is how women like M.M. throughout history to this very day, were/are demonized. Meanwhile, the participants with whom she/they sinned escaped notice or punishment.
BRAVO, yubantwo2086! Couldn't agree more!
The research is admirable... the speculation is captivating. I had never seen the Cezanne... what beauty!
you do a fantastic job with these productions...bravo!!
Narration and photography are excellent.
I absolutely love this video, one of my favs by Waldemar
Fantastic documentary. Mary and Vincent !
Wonderful Thank you. One of your best!
I'm sending this directly to my mindfulness meditation guru.
Thank you, as always, Waldemar!
I love how he addresses topics that young children, in that direct way they have, asks the awkward questions which adults (especially preachers, priests and nuns) have no real answers for, and he does it with such a dry wit.
Watched the last part about Vincent in tears. Thank you!
His ability to break down the walls of disinformation are absolutely incomparable I have learned more about mankind than completing history degree
Interesting program. Even more interesting is the note of distain in your tone when you said her name. Might want to work on that.
And the Giotto paintings of Mary are just so beautifull - 🧡
Thankyou so much, I learn so easily with Waldman...
Anyone have a reference for the artist/painting at 42:52? He references Artemisia Gentileschi, but I can't seem to find it in her works. I've also looked at Caravaggio's works with no luck. Maybe I am just missing it?
Well spotted. It's not Gentileschi, and not Caravaggio either, though the pose is similar. But I can't figure out whose painting it is. It's a pretty glaring error in this video. I also think the Caravaggio "penitent Magdalen" is not a pregnant woman, but a collapsed one.
@@Discombobulating Thank you for your explanation.
These documentaries are both art and history lessons! By the way, I'd never heard of 'Hairy Magdalene' before (41:05)!
Absolutely beyond BRILLIANT ---Bravo
Glorious, well done!! 👏👏👏
Again. I really enjoy all your documentaries. A source of inspiration. Thank you so much 16:12
Es increible Waldemar, todo lo que toca se vuelve fascinante.
I love how he absolutely hates that book
"The facts are pretty unclear...because there aren't any."
:)
Yes, my favorite comment of the whole video! . . . "it was made up"
Nonsense.
You can say that for the entire bible as well. Nothing was written about Jesus during his lifetime. All that drama, right? Nothing written down.
@@suzylux Missing the point entirely Suzy. Get a history degree.
I've always wondered if the men whom Mary Magdalene told that she had seen the risen Christ would have believed her, or would have scoffed, because she was "only a woman." That's been more my experience.
I don't know, but I'm guessing it would be harder to believe her because she's a woman. There's speculation that that's specifically why Christ revealed himself to her, a woman, rather than any of the apostles--because women are every bit as deserving of believing, and having Christ reveal himself to a woman as to a man. That's why it's included in the Bible, and not just starting with just Peter going to the empty tomb.
Pretty progressive for the patriarchal society when the Bible was written and when all this took place. Why would a male driven society include this, unless it's what really happened?
They would have mansplained to her what she saw. Lol
This was excellent!!! Thank you!!! Brilliant!🙋‼️
Wow! I have to watch this again. Very interesting!
I love these documentaries
Best presentation yet on the subject.
Great and informative documentairy
OMG...ITS AMAZING TO HAVE WALDERMAR BACK...HE IS FANTASTIC!!
You are the best! I love your videos!💟
As always, excellent
Spell binding presentation! Thank you.
great story. well told.
In "Saintes Maries de la Mer" the "Saintes Maries" is actualy plural: Holy Maries of the Sea.
Thanks 10000 times :) so good so engaging!
Very good. Loved it👍🏼
Just amazing! Congratulations for this great documentary! There is only one thing to add. Why Jesus chose to show himself first to Mary and not to one of his male followers? Why was she the only one who dared to challenge Roman authorities and visit the tomb ? She was a very important figure in the entourage of Jesus, no doubt. But her role has been obscured and manipulated over the centuries to project many other images, all of them fascinating but fictional.
I suspect that her stories were inconvenient for those who wished to use the Church to establish power, both over society and over women.
If Jesus's favorite disciple and the one he trusted most was, in fact, a woman, well. That would be all SORTS of inconvenient for the Church now, wouldn't it? Make it much more difficult to shut women out of its ranks and establish power over them.
Systlin I suspect you are completely right. Furthermore, overtime she was presented as a prostitute to degrade her image even more. Despite all of this manipulation the fact is that she was the first to witness the greatest moment of Christianity, the resurrection. And she was alone, even if there were 12 apostles who were “keeping a low profile” in those challenging moments....
Yes. Very much this. In Christ's first moments as, finally, what he was born to be - the fulfillment of his destiny as the Savior of Mankind - the very first human he reveals himself to - was a woman. She is even there as he dies, when everyone else who wrote the Bible and were supposed to be his right hand men were nowhere to be found, Mary is there with His mother, witnessing and helping to remove and prepare him. That to me speaks of true closeness and devotion.
Pope Gregory decreed the prostitute status in the fourth century. One could focus on the misogynistic aspect, and obvious power maneuvers, but it’s also spiritual. An evil force always opposes the kingdom Christ brought to Earth. And it targets women ruthlessly. Woman’s seed was used for Christ’s humanity by the Holy Spirit, and Eve’s heel decreed to crush the spirit that destroyed paradise. A church designed by men demanding celibacy that the Bible made optional needed to neutralize the Magdalene, Priscilla, Lydia and others who were true disciples of Jesus and the establishment of the first century church. Paul and the twelve were the main instruments, but these ladies also .
@@julio5prado Well, many of Jesus' female followers were prostitutes, and the gospels make no bones about this, nor about Jesus' statements to the self-righteous that "the prostitutes and the tax collectors are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of you." It was because these public sinners had more repentance in their hearts, more gratitude for their forgiveness, more love for him than did those people did whose sins were hidden under the guise of respectability. So the conflating of Mary of Magdela with Mary of Bethany (who may or may not have been the same person) and the supposition that she too was a prostitute (which anyway never became Doctrine) was not intended to degrade her but to highlight this aspect of the gospel.
Waldemar is THE BEST !!!! Let's start a fan club LOL
There were 3 siblings, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Jesus was a visitor to their home. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to His teachings while Martha was hustling to prepare the meal. Some time later, Jesus brought Lazarus back to the living at the request of Mary.
Thank you for pointing out Mary of Bethany, absent from the list.
This is Art History and so much more -- !!!
This commentator really knows how to tell a story and that's a gift.
Dear Professor Januszczak: your knowledge, perspicacity, passion and insightfulness are beyond me - chapeau bas! Please, accept my words of admiration and gratitude!!! As regards 3 "daughters" named Mary (17:30) they were probably cousins - not children of the same partents, as in those teritories children of siblings are often called "brothers" (cf. Jesus' brothers, like Juda Thaddee) or "sisters" like in Polish "siostra cioteczna" [my aunt's daugher] or "brat cioteczny [my uncle's son] " , "siostra stryjeczna" [my dad's brother's daugher] or "brat stryjeczny" [my dad's brother's son] :) With kindest regards, Anna
Thank you for giving us a vision of that tormented/beatific soul Vincent, meeting the real Mary of his dreams. Still is to document his encounter with Walter Whitman in a never ending starry night. Thank You...
I love how the halos on the painting at 9:10 catch the light and become luminescent.
At 16:22, he talks about Mary Magdalene wearing a Jesus and Mary Chain. What is it exactly? I could only find info on the band when I searched online.
Does anyone know where that painting of artemisia is located? Can't seem to find it anywhere
Very interesting and entertaining! Thank you.
anyone knows the title of the painting at 43:00 ? he said it's by Artemisia but I can't find it.
Does anyone know the name or location of the Gentileschi Penitent Magdalene, seen at 43:17? I'm interested in writing about female pleasure in Gentileschi's art, but I've never seen that one.
Now that's the best map of Italy I've seen so far! 😀
Excellent work 🙏👍
He is Marvelous. What great fun.
EXCELLENT!!!
THANK YOU.