Artist and writer Matthew Collings returns to British television for a thoughtful and visually ravishing exploration of the subject of beauty in art.

Collings chose ten of what he considers to be the most indisputably beautiful artworks ever created, from prehistoric cave art via the masterpieces of the Renaissance to the cutting edge of hi-tech contemporary design. What is it that staggers him about them? What has beauty in art meant to different times and places? What does it mean to us now?

This one-off documentary film was broadcast on BBC2 in Nov 2009, as part of its Modern Beauty Season. For more information about the programme click here.