I'll say right away - this is not a drawing manual, but, in my opinion, a very good book that would be good for anyone who draws to have with them. So that they can understand what's going on in the heads of these exhibition curators! (Joke). In fact, the authors of this book teach painting, not organize exhibitions. The book has an impressive title: 'Art. Why It's a Masterpiece.' Specifically, art, not painting, because there are sculptures and frescoes in it. But mostly paintings. The book has an equally catchy subtitle - 80 Stories of Great Works. The book has 10 sections, with 8 photographs (or other objects) in each. On the left is the image. On the right is the description. Truly famous, but not 'hackneyed' masterpieces. Of the hundreds of paintings, only the Mona Lisa comes to mind first. And then there's Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup. And Dürer, for example, has Self-Portrait at 13 (and it was this that impressed me the most). The book includes brief biographical notes on all the artists mentioned, a list of galleries housing the masterpieces included in the book, and a short introductory article. It's a joy to open the book, page after page, to peer, to read, to understand. If you're unsure what to ask for as a New Year's gift, ask for this book. It's a pleasure to have.