For nearly two millennia, the Virgin Mary has inspired some of the finest achievements in painting, architecture, poetry and music. From tiny keepsakes to giant mosaics, artists including Michelangelo, Rembrandt and Caravaggio portrayed Mary as the sublime embodiment of womanhood, endowing her with all of humanity's virtues, joys and sorrows. Narrated by actress Jane Seymour and featuring readings by actor James Keach, Picturing Mary journeys through history, from ancient times to the present, to survey some of the world's most treasured art. The program visits museums, chapels and cathedrals in eight countries to view rare and sacred masterpieces in their original locations. Drawing on various faiths and traditions, Picturing Mary demonstrates, through local life and culture, how these images are as relevant to the faithful now as they were hundreds of years ago.

Sunday, 12/21/08 from 5-6 a.m. ET

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