The National Gallery's collection of European paintings from the 13th to the early-20th century is one of the richest and most comprehensive in the world. The complete illustrated catalogue provides concise and up-to-date information on every work owned by the National Gallery and on permanent or long-term loan. There are over 2000 entries, each of which includes the title of the picture, its date, attribution, accession number and available information on support, medium and dimensions. The text describes the subject matter of every work, its origin, function and provenance. All the works are illustrated, the majority in colour; reconstructions of altarpieces and paintings too large to be represented clearly in the body of the Catalogue are reproduced in greater detail at the back. Inscriptions are transcribed and translated. Each artist is given a brief biography and a bibliography at the end of the Catalogue lists major sources for further reading. A comprehensive index provides easy access to the information found in the Catalogue and enables readers to refer quickly to particular artists and paintings.