Encyclopedia of themes and subjects in painting Introd. by John Berger : mythological, Biblical, historical, literary, allegorical and topical

The title of this book is self-explanatory as to what hurdles it will remove towards that comprehension. When at least we know the story we are better equipped to appreciate the picture. This novel book, a brilliant idea the likes of which are indeed quite rare, is an education. Identifying many recurring subjects and the stories behind them, it also provides a fair glimpse into the world of mythology and religion reflected in painting, both of which overwhelmingly inspired the masters and so much of the Western arts for the last millennium at least.