In this exploration of the idea of the masterpiece, over fifty world masterpieces, from cave paintings to Cézanne, are brought to life by internationally acclaimed writers, scholars and artists.Many of the contributors are celebrated artists in their own right (Antony Gormley, Quentin Blake and Tom Phillips); others are popular writers (Philip Pullman, Germaine Greer); and many hold positions at well-known institutions, including the Prado, the Van Gogh Museum, the Louvre, the National Gallery and the Sapienza University. Each masterwork is illustrated in full, and key details are selected and separately illustrated, alongside illuminating comparatives.

Over the course of history there sometimes emerge works of art of such quality that they transcend boundaries of period and place. In this exploration of the idea of the masterpiece, distinguished artists, critics and art historians write about their personal encounters with the greatest artworks of all time, representing cultures from all over the world, and stretching from prehistory and the birth of art to Cezanne at the cusp of Cubism.

WhatMakes a Masterpiece? begins with the forms of animals inscribed on the walls of Chauvet Cave in France, and travels through the worlds of the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks and Romans, embodied by images of royal or martial potency and mysterious religious rites. Medieval representations of Christ are celebrated alongside images of Vishnu, the Buddha and his priests, and the royal figures of South American and African civilizations. The jewels of the Ouattrocento are on show beside the lesser-known triumphs of Aztec and Japanese court artists, while the masters of the European Renaissance and Baroque mingle with Mughal, Arab and Chinese virtuosos. The journey ends with the 19th century, depicted as an age of revolution, introspection and modernization.

This collection of famous works is more than the sum of its parts: it presents a remarkable cultural chronicle,showing how artists throughout history have seen their world and chosen to represent it. Here are seventy answers to the question 'What makes a masterpiece?'

Introduction: Making Masterpieces

CHRISTOPHER DELL

1 THE BIRTH OF ART: UP TO S00 BC

The Chauvet Cave

JEAN CLOTTES

The Mycerinus Triad

TOM PHILLIPS

Olmec Colossal Head 8

MICHAEL D. COL

Ashurbanipal's Lion Hunt

JULIAN READE

The 'New York Kouros'

JAS ELSNER

2 THE ART OF POWER: 500 BC-AD 1000

The 'Seven Against Thebes'

Relief

GIOVANNI COLONNA

The Ludovisi 'Throne'

ROBIN OSBORNE

The Riace Bronzes

ROBIN OSBORNE

The Lady of Elche

RUBi SANZ GAMO

The Villa of the Mysteries,

Pompeii

MARY BEARD

The Equestrian Statue of

Marcus Aurelius

NANCY H. RAMAGE

The Buddha Preaching the

First Sermon

JOHN GUY

……

3 THE BLENDING OF CULTURES: 1000-1300

4 A NEW BEGINNING: 1300-1500

5 PERFECTING THE ART: 1500-1600

6 PAST AND PRESENT: 1600-1800

7 TOWARDS THE MODERN WORLD: AFTER 1800