Peter Paul Rubens

Shows how artists, from the ancient Greeks to the new realism of today, have glorified the undraped human form in painting and sculpture in expressing their views of life and seeking out the hidden meaning of nature.

Illustrates episodes from the entry into Jerusalem through Christ's passion and ascension, using paintings, prints, carvings, etchings, and manuscript illuminations.

Surveys the great epochs of art through works from the National Gallery of Art. Presents stylistic analyses of major paintings in order to provide a clear comparison of styles, their sources--both artistic and social-- and consequent influences.