Thompson, Kate: A handbook to the public picture galleries of Europe: with a brief sketch of the history of the various schools of painting, from the 13th century to the 18th inclusive (London: Macmillan and Co., 1880)

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

I wish to say a few words as to the origin of this little
book. During the last five years I have accompanied
my father, Sir Henry Thompson, on his annual tour on
the Continent, where, among other things, one of our main
objects was to visit and study together the Picture Galleries
in the great capitals of Europe. Following his advice, I
began by making a few notes on the spot of each chief
work, and by consulting authorities respecting them and
the history of their painters. At the same time he sug-
gested that I should make a chronological table of artists
of all schools, adding a few chief biographical incidents
relating to each as a pursuit for my own information and
profit. It was not until this little exercise was nearly
complete that it happened to be named in the hearing of
my friend Mr. George Grove, who was pleased to think
that I had collected materials for a small manual which
might be of some service, at all events to the untravelled
tourist. Accordingly the whole manuscript was carefully
revised and somewhat enlarged, with a view to meet this
purpose. In working for this object I must be permitted
to add that I have been greatly indebted to my father for
hints and guidance both as to the arrangement and the
matter of my work.
What I have tried to accomplish is then as follows :—
1. An examination of every one of the chief Public
Picture Galleries of Europe, and most of the smaller ones,
so as to be able to point out the principal and most in-
teresting pictures in each ; invariably adding their numbers