Silver Spring, MD — Every Picture Tells a Story, a lively, informative look at the secrets behind eight masterpieces, debuts on home video from Athena on June 2, 2009. Works by da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Giorgione, Caravaggio, and van Eyck take on new and deeper meanings in this engaging eight-part series. Bonus features include a 20-page viewer’s guide and exclusive extras that take the educational experience beyond the screen. Every Picture Tells a Story (2-volume, $39.99, www.AcornOnline.com) is one of the first releases in the Athena line, Acorn Media Group’s new home video brand for consumers interested in lifelong learning through documentary programming.

With his characteristic wit, noted U.K. art critic Waldemar Januszczak turns his educated eye to eight masterpieces of European painting, unraveling the secrets behind each. What did Gainsborough intend for the conspicuous void in Mr and Mrs Andrews? Why did Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa capture the world’s imagination? How did Manet shock French society with his Le déjeuner sur l’herbe (“Luncheon on the Grass”)? From New York City to Paris to Rome, Januszczak searches out the art experts, literary and artistic allusions, and historical records—not to mention juicy gossip—to expose long-held secrets within the gilded frames.

Produced in 2003, Every Picture Tells a Story was shot on location in major European cities and museums. It aired in the U.S. on the Ovation Channel.

Writer and filmmaker Waldemar Januszczak has been the art critic for The Sunday Times (U.K.) since 1992. He has twice been honored as Critic of the Year by the Press Association of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Special Features: 20-page viewer’s guide with highlights, questions to consider, avenues for further learning, featured artwork, and more; “The Rest of the Story”: stories behind the story; artist biographies; and exclusive web extras.

Athena releases provide an authoritative and entertaining learning experience through high quality, informative, non-fiction programming. Athena’s other debut releases are The Adventure of English, Playing Shakespeare, and The People’s Republic of Capitalism. Special web content for every Athena release will be available at www.athenalearning.com. Athena’s DVD sets are available from select retailers, catalog companies, and direct from Acorn at (888) 870-8047 or www.acornonline.com.