149 Paintings You Really Need to See in Europe

Starred review from February 17, 2014
Packing your bags for a European trip that includes visits to art galleries and museums? Be sure to tuck in this guide written for the "gallery-going novice." Not only will it save its readers time, sore feet and frustration by providing essential information about gallery locations, hours, closures and ticket-booking procedures, but Porter, a barrister and art critic, offers fresh insights into works in those famous galleries. The 149 "show-stoppers" he has chosen as mustâsees are accompanied by reproductions, and his comments about the paintings' historyâtime, place, customs, context, style, and techniqueâare refreshingly distinct from the usual gallery audio tour. He is forthright, sometimes irreverent, always entertaining, insightful, sensitive, and exceptionally attentive to unique details. The paintings come from 62 galleries in Eastern and Western Europe and Scandinavia, including the Louvre, the Prado, the Hermitage, the Rijksmuseum, the Sistine Chapel, and the National Gallery. The book's bold title reflects Porter's justified confidence in his critiquesâsufficient to allow him to give a thumbs-down to the number one choice of the 1985 Illustrated London News's top 20 paintings in the world. Luckily, this "must-have" travelling companion is available as an e-book for easy packing.