In this exploration of the idea of the masterpiece, over fifty world masterpieces, from cave paintings to Cézanne, are brought to life by internationally acclaimed writers, scholars and artists.Many of the contributors are celebrated artists in their own right (Antony Gormley, Quentin Blake and Tom Phillips); others are popular writers (Philip Pullman, Germaine Greer); and many hold positions at well-known institutions, including the Prado, the Van Gogh Museum, the Louvre, the National Gallery and the Sapienza University. Each masterwork is illustrated in full, and key details are selected and separately illustrated, alongside illuminating comparatives.

Table of Contents

Contents include: Avigdor Arikha on Las Meninas, by Velázquez • Quentin Blake on The Crucifixion, by Tintoretto • Mary Beard on The Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii • Anthony Caro on Isis, Messenger of the Gods, by Rodin • Antony Gormley on the reclining Buddha of Polonnaruwa • Germaine Greer on Judith Slaying Holofernes, by Gentileschi • Martin Kemp on the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo • John Julius Norwich on the Cefalú mosaics • Grayson Perry on The Garden of Earthly Delights, by Bosch • Tom Phillips on the Mycerinus Triad • Philip Pullman on A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, by Manet • Pierre Rosenberg on The Phocion Paintings, by Poussin • David J. Roxburgh on The Court of Gayumars, by Sultan Muhammad and Marina Warner on The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, by Bernini.