In this utterly engaging, award-winning book, acclaimed art writer Justin Paton takes us on a journey of exploration through the centuries and across the painted world - from the luscious fruit of Italy's Caravaggio to the lonely landscapes of New Zealand's Rita Angus, the dazzling panoramas of America's Lari Pittman and the mysterious 'tombstones' of Japanese artist On Kawara.

Whether you're a keen art collector, a student of art, or just visit a gallery occasionally, this brilliant exposition of painting in all its forms will open your eyes to things you've never seen before.