In it reference will be found to painters of greatest note in the history of art, a careful analysis of the characteristics of their work, and abundant and well-arranged information concerning their most noted pictures, “ All in accordance with the decisions of the latest and most authoritative criticism. This latter feature will be found of unusual service to those who are preparing to visit the picture galleries of the Old World “. 

The significance of colors as used by the old masters and the emblems by which saints and other sacred personages, when found in an old picture, may be readily recognized, as well as the pronouncing vocabulary of artists' names, are useful features of the book. 

It also contains a list of pictures which have grown familiar to the public through reproduction, together with names of their painters and the places where they are to be found.