This authoritative catalogue of the Corcoran Gallery of Art's renowned collection of pre-1945 American paintings will greatly enhance scholarly and public understanding of one of the finest and most important collections of historic American art in the world. Composed of more than 600 objects dating from 1740 to 1945.

"A uniquely practical illustrated guide to all the popular techniques used in painting and drawing today. More than 250 full-colour pictures. More than 300 photographs and illustrations in two-colour and black-and-white. Photographs show the materials and equipment described. Step-by-step sequences illustrate technique. More than 100 Old Masters and contemporary paintings are analysed for materials and techniques used. Pencil drawing/pen and ink/charcoal/pastels/gouache/water colours/tempera/acrylics/oil painting. Additional chapters on framing and mounting/print making/drawing aids/airbrushing/exterior painting/fresco. How to make your own pigments/how to stretch your canvas/how to lay grounds/how to make varnishes. Historical background to the development and use of artists' materials." -back cover.

Profiles the life and work of a nineteenth century pioneer of photography and offers a selection of her portraits of women