This is an exquisite table top book that you won't want to shelve anytime soon. Lavish in detail the book has 275 paintings that are world famous. The time period covered is the 12th right up through the 20th century. No easy task to get a sampling from the Prado, one of the greatest museums in the world. The author manages just that as he doesn't over emphasive the "known" masters and unveils some of the lesser and even unknown artists.Since the author, Santiago Alcolea Blanch, a renowned art historian, is Spanish, there is a leaning towards the works of the well known Spanish masters like El Greco and Velasquez, right up to the more modern Picasso. This is not to say that it only features Spanish artists as it includes the masters from throughout Europe. Anyone interested in art will love and benefit from this book. There is much to be learned from superb works that have withstood world wars and other atrocities of mankind and been viewed by millions of people. The first paintings revealed are those painted on murals and board, eventually working its way to oil on canvas. Since much of the works from the masters is of a religious nature one will find superb paintings inspired from the divine, mans earliest works as manifested through his interpretations of God and his glory. Marveling at these works leaves no doubt about the everlasting impression this subject matter must have had on the artists. That we would be given the opportunty to view such inspirational works from the comforts of our living rooms is an additional blessing. The works are not limited to religious themes as there are countless portraits of the nobility and loyalty that shaped the world events of their time and even directed the course of history. These were the photographs of their day, long before digital images could be loaded instantly on a computer, only the wealthy could afford such a luxury. The works, as percieved through the eyes of the artist are uncommon and magnificent testimonials of a bygone era. As an additional bonus the book is also a history book. The first 139 pages are a concise explanation of the origins of the Royal Collection and the Academy of Fine Arts. Included in the historical tour are great black and white photographs of the Prado in various time periods, including draft plans for the additions. Each director is profiled in story book fashion to illustrate the achievements and problems encountered during their time as directors. Captivating and informative, the written word in this book is an excellent source of information for the art historian. Follow the trial and tribulations of those most influential in giving the world one of it's greatest museums. For furhter exploration there is also a pretty extensive bibliography. This is a quality book that any lover of art will cherish, highly recommended for those that like the works of the masters.

Take a tour of the fabulous Prado museum with this lavishly illustrated volume. Featuring over 300 full page photos, this work reveals the astounding depth of the Prado's collection. The book is arranged by "schools" of nationalities, just as the museum is, and features many of the most classic and cherished paintings Europe has produced from medieval triptychs to Picasso's "Guernica". These aren't the only paintings featured, however. The reader is invited to see the collection longitudinally. I really enjoyed, for example, seeing the wonderful variety of Velasquez' paintings - those he did in the employ of the royal court were markedly different than his early work.

The book is not just colorplates, though. The first 125 pages give a detailed history of the museum itself, which is very fascinating (especially the travails of the building and the collection during the civil war). There is also included a reprinting of the royal proclamation establishing the museum in 1432.

The book is published by Abrams' reprint service, but the quality is still exceptional. The colors are beautiful and the binding is very nice and durable as well. Enjoy it!

Gives you the idea of minimalist interior designing. Nice pictures, simple ideas. A coffee table book.

Excellent book. Just the title speaks for it self. Basic and essential pieces.

Minimalist interior is quite good coposition and clear photo and well explained. Great selelcting and view of photo attract customer! Well explonation for what architect try to show with thier each project with clear concept point of view. I'm confident that recommened this book to interior designer as well as architect and builder(construction).