Ronald de Leeuw, director of the Van Gogh Museum for more than ten years before taking the helm of the Rijksmuseum, presents a richly orchestrated picture of 19th-century art, with Vincent van Gogh as leitmotiv. The book, illustrated in colour throughout, features highlights from the collection of the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, consisting of works originally assembled by Vincent and his brother Theo and representing Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monticelli and Pissaro. The Van Gogh context is established by some twohundred paintings, drawings and sculptures recently purchased by the museum, including works by Monet, Denis and Redon.