On each double page layout, a large color reproduction is combined with smaller reproductions in color or black & white, which all have a common theme. The theme is named, then explored in a short write-up which should be facinating to anyone of any age who loves looking at fine pictures. Themes are quite varied: people outdoors, bridges, small princes, let's pretend, cooks and kitchens, famous actresses, children and pets, smiles - to name a few. The artists are also varied - Renoir, da Vinci, Botticelli, to name a few at random. I like the way the book is laid out, and how I can pick it up at any time, enjoy it for a bit, and put it down to be picked up another day. ( )

My mom read this book to my kids a couple of years ago: one one-page spread at a time, once a week. It is a lovely introductiion; each painting is in color. It's very well done. ( )