For centuries, Bible stories and ancient Greek and Roman mythology were the main subjects of Western art. Old Masters such as Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt and countless others rendered these stirring, poignant, bloodthirsty and often erotic tales on panel or canvas, in the process creating a familiar way of visualizing our collective imagination.
Here, Patrick de Rynck examines over two hundred of these works. The result is a book that explores the roots of Western civilization from three different angles: it introduces (or re-introduces) the reader to the best-known stories from the Bible and mythology; it presents a selection of masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest painters; and it shows the reader how those painters interpreted these famous scenes.

De Rynck’s journey – and his conclusions – will fundamentally change the way we look at art.

A highly useful guide for those who have either forgotten their classical references or never knew them ’ – RA Magazine
`As Patrick de Rynck pervasively shows us, a fresh pair of eyes can always rejuvenate the oldest of stories`– The World of Interiors
`Art books need to be useful, informative and visually ravishing. One of the most useful and delightful … is a companionable new reference book from Thames & Hudson, `Understanding Paintings`. This book takes apart, spread by spread, over 200 of the greatest Old Masters on classical or Christian themes by the likes of Titian, Raphael and Durer, quotes the relevant texts, and then explains their stories to us`– Michael Glover, The Independent