This volume presents about 75 drawings from the Hermitage's magnificent collection of French drawings and is published to coincide with the exhibition at Somerset House, London, October 2001 - March 2002. Ranging from the 16th to the 20th centuries, it includes examples of works by all the leading French artsts; from Francois Clouet to the striking late mannerism of Jacques Bellange; from Poussin and Claude to the light elegance of Boucher and Fragonard; from the earthiness of Gustave Dore to the pure line of Matisse's sketches of Lydia Delectorskaya, and several early works by Picasso.