Art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon continues his travels from southern to northern Spain, revealing a stunning and informative array of artworks. In this program, he journeys to the provinces surrounding Madrid—where, during the 16th and 17th centuries, many of the world’s great artists flourished against a backdrop of imperialism and fervent Catholicism. In Toledo, El Greco’s mystical style is studied; at the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Zurbarán’s stark yet sensuous monk portraits come to light. And in Madrid, viewers discover the greatness of Velázquez, who rejected religious subject matter and instead held a mirror up to a crumbling empire. The Escorial, Ávila, and Trujillo are also visited. Contains some objectionable language and images. Original BBCW broadcast title: The Dark Heart. (52 minutes)