The title gives an impressive overview of the developments during the 19th and 20th centuries, from classical modern art, impressionism and symbolism to expressionism and abstract art. The book contains famous works from J.H.Tischbein (Goethe in the Campagna), landscapes from Corot and Gustave Courbet, and various works from Degas, Manet, Monet, von Stuck and other artists from the 19th century. The 20th century is widely represented with works of Franz Marc, Picasso, or the painters of ?Brcke? or ?Blauer Reiter'. The book presents artists of the Bauhaus movement such as Lyonel Feininger and Paul Klee and the work concludes with paintings from Max Beckmann.