Why Did Vincent Van Gogh Cut Off His Own Ear? | The Great Artists

Delve into the life of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a renowned English artist known for his Pre-Raphaelite works. The episode highlights Rossetti's passionate affair with Jane Morris, wife of his friend William Morris, amidst the idyllic backdrop of Kelmscott Manor. Despite Rossetti's artistic achievements and his role in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, his tumultuous relationships and struggles with addiction lead to personal turmoil and premature death. Through interviews and analysis, the episode paints a portrait of Rossetti's complex character, blending medieval imagery with modern sensibilities in his enduring artistic legacy. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits!

Recognized as the foremost Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes underwent a transformative journey in his extensive career. Shifting from cheerful and lighthearted works to paintings steeped in profound pessimism, Goya's evolution raises the intriguing question: What prompted this dramatic change in his artistic expression?

Four professional bakers leave their modern businesses behind to experience what their profession was like in the past as they bake their way through the Victorian era. It is now the 1870s and they're moving into an urban bakery during the Industrial Revolution. The bakers must now bake through the night to meet demand and start to add adulterants. 💚 Join the Absolute History club to get access to exclusive member benefits! 📺 You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

Born in 1732, George Washington's early life in Virginia was shaped by his family's modest wealth from tobacco plantations and the guidance of his elder half-brother, Lawrence. He gained practical skills in surveying, which later helped him acquire land and build connections with influential figures like Lord Fairfax. He led diplomatic missions and military engagements against French forces in the Ohio Valley, notably the skirmish at Great Meadows and the failed defense at Fort Necessity, which drew attention from the British government. With his military experience, Washington became a logical choice to lead the Continental Army in 1775. He endured hardships like the winter at Valley Forge, strengthening the troops with the help of Prussian officer Baron von Steuben, and led the army through a series of strategic retreats and counterattacks, crucial for the Patriots' eventual success. Elected unanimously as the first U.S. president in 1789, Washington served two terms before retiring in 1797. His leadership in both war and peace set foundational precedents for the new nation.

Has there ever been a more succesful general than Alexander the Great? Admired throughout history by many of history's most powerful and terrible figures, who was the real Alexander and what made him so effective? Odyssey is your journey into the world of Ancient History; from the dawn of Mesopotamia to the fall of Rome. We'll be bringing you only the best documentaries that journey into the mysteries and ruins of worlds long lost.

Glimpse into the unconventional and natural existence of a unique herd of dairy cows at the HF Farm in southwestern Germany. Farmer Alexander Zulich priorities the well-being of his cows, allowing them to roam freely in lush meadows during the summer. The documentary follows the oldest cow, Samura, who serves as the cow leader, radiating calm and stability. From courtship rituals to calving, the film captures various aspects of these cows' lives, emphasising the farmer's commitment to a sustainable and animal-friendly environment.