This book deals with the history of ancient Greek painting in both its earliest phases (Crete, Thera, Mycenae) and in the classical, late, and Roman periods.

The surviving frescoes and vase paintings offer original views of this art, but there are also descriptions of the forever lost works, the so-called "expressions." These became the subject of study during the Renaissance, with efforts made to reconstruct them by the artists of the time.

The Sycophancy, for example, by Sandro Botticelli, is a reconstruction of an "expression" by Lucian, while the "images" of Philostratus inspire many Renaissance artists.

For the writing of this book, all relevant literature was utilized, and the illustrations include all significant cases that could be identified. Thus, the study of ancient painting is secured, the art that the Ancients, according to the sources, admired more than sculpture.