This book is basically concerned with painting but also includes sculpture of outstanding importance and some collections of sculpture, particularly those in parks and gardens. For reasons of space I have limited the works described to the western tradition from the early Renaissance to the present day. I have included all the major museums and a vast selection of minor but equally fascinating museums, churches, villas and houses. My approach has been empirical; I have tried to respond to the experiences that each city has to offer. - Note on the contents.