The Scottish National Gallery's outstanding collection of French paintings is described fully in this two-volume illustrated catalogue. Underpinned by extensive scholarly research, this comprehensive work includes many of the great names, including Monet, Degas, Cezanne, Poussin, Watteau and Delacroix. Since opening its doors in 1859, the Scottish National Gallery's collection of French paintings has grown continuously, reflecting changing tastes and priorities, thanks to inspired and enlightened purchases and many generous donations. The collection's fascinating history is related in the introductory essay. Each artist is introduced by a concise biography, followed by a study of their individual works featuring the most up-to-date research. Illustrating and describing 189 works of art, this catalogue is the definitive authority on the French paintings in Scotland's national collection. AUTHORS: Researched and written by Michael Clarke CBE, former Director of the Scottish National Gallery, and Professor Frances Fowle, Senior Curator at the National Galleries of Scotland with conservation notes from Lesley Stevenson, Senior Paintings Conservator at the National Galleries of Scotland. SELLING POINTS: . A beautifully illustrated comprehensive catalogue of all French paintings from 1500–1900 in the collection of the Scottish National Gallery. Each of the 189 works is reproduced at a generous size and is accompanied by a descriptive text, technical notes, and provenance and exhibition history. There is also a concise and informative biography of each featured artist . An engaging and authoritative introductory essay by the authors provides an overview of the history of the Scottish National Gallery's collection of French art, including major acquisitions, bequests, loans and exhibitions . The first appearance in print of the previously unknown Van Gogh self-portrait discovered on the back of Head of a Peasant Woman 200 colour illustrations