This illustrated volume brings together a collection of the paintings found in the Vatican City, one of the world's great artistic repositories. World-famous masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio are shown alongside works from the private rooms of the Papal apartments. Presented in chronological order from the 11th to the 18th centuries, the book gathers works from all three of the collections that constitute the Vatican Museum - the museum proper, the Vatican Library and portions of the Vatican Palace. Introductory essays by members of the Vatican's professional staff place the works in context and a fold-out of Michelangelo's recently restored Sistine Chapel ceiling is also included.