If the Paintings Could Talk

"This book unlocks the hidden history of masterpieces in the National Gallery, until now buried in larger books, articles or archives. Meander through the pages as you would around a fine gallery and immerse yourself in a treasury of facts, discoveries and anecdotes. Many are touching, some are highly amusing and others are startling, but all are addictive reading." "If the Paintings Could Talk presents these accounts in an A-Z format, richly illustrated and skillfully cross-referenced, leading art lovers on an intriguing journey."--BOOK JACKET.

Michael Wilson is former head of Exhibitions and Display at the National Gallery, London, and author of numerous books on 18th- and 19th-century French art.