A team of experts reveal the untold mysteries and surprising techniques behind some of the world’s most famous paintings in order to recreate them. Can the reconstruction ever live up the original? Can only a master create a masterpiece?

THE KEY QUESTION: HOW DID THE MASTER DO IT?

Each aspect of the painting is unraveled and discovered, as if peeling back layer by layer of paint, color, history and magic. The team burns a cow’s skull to achieve the exact black that Rembrandt used! They investigate the Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” to confirm studies that have shown that it is not a ‘pearl’ at all – but then, what is it? Behind every brush stroke is a story; behind every tool, a journey. Where did the painter create, and why? Who is in the painting? What is it made of? From a modern master studio, the team of experts blend old-world craftsmanship with advanced techniques and technology to bring the masterpieces to life.

THE BIG REVEAL:

After five weeks comes the moment of truth. We are in the museum in which the original master is displayed. The museum director shines light on the reconstruction, which is now hanging right next to the original masterpiece. Has the team succeeded in discovering the master’s secrets?

The attentive viewer will see at the end of the program the difference between a reconstruction and the true masterpiece. Can a reconstruction ever live up to the original?