This record of the collections of one of the world's great art museums has more than 300 colour reproductions, accompanied by a detailed commentary. Each of the 37 sections is introduced by a brief illustrated essay, followed by individual discussion of up to five major works. The text covers five centuries of British and international art. It treats the present as continuous with the past, giving equal attention to the work of the historic old masters, that of the established masters of the modern era, and the more controversial achievements of the most recent generations of artists.