From the glories of the High Renaissance in Italy to the emotional visions of the Romantics, and from the groundbreaking techniques of the Impressionists to the radical canvases of the Abstract Expressionists, this book provides a fascinating look at the major movements in the history of western painting.A clear chronological structure allows the reader to see each movement in its historical context, and to appreciate the patterns which emerge.The historical framework shows the extent to which the powers of royalty, religion and revolution have exerted their influence in the artistic sphere.From the sacred beauty of Botticelli’s Birth of Venus to the revolutionary realism of David’s Death of Marat, this book reveals the very best of the visual adventure that is western painting.Great artists change the way we look at the world and this book is a beautifully illustrated summary of painting’s greatest works.More than 160 beautiful reproductions.