We relate to the history of art based on views that crystallized in the 19th century, Italian critic Philippe Daverio argues, and so we look to the past to understand the present, though the present is what truly matters to everyone. Challenging this perspective—and guided by his curiosity and personal taste—Daverio examines key masterworks to rediscover the true meaning and power they had before they became commoditized and clichéd, offering fresh commentary on Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Goya, Ingres, and Gainsborough, among many others.