This book -- the first such study in English -- traces the development of the Cologne school of painting over two centuries. It begins with the period before 1400, when the adaptation of French ideas to the indigenous tradition produced an elegant, genteel art, characterized by elongated figures and graceful gestures. A change was heralded by the Veronica Master's introduction of the International Courtly Style around 1400, with its sophisticated iconography, costly pigments, exquisite punchwork, gesso jewels and precious brocade fabrics; and the Dombild Master's introduction around 1440 of Eyckian proportions and realism. In the final phase of this development, the Master of the St Bartholomew Altarpiece opened the door to the Renaissance with his highly distinctive style and innovative iconography.

The book is fully illustrated and accompanied by a translation of the guild regulations; a biographical index of archbishops and lay patrons; and a handlist of cited panels grouped according to location.

This is a study of the German artist, Conrad Von Soest. It sets the artist in the context of the early Northern Renaissance and the society of Westphalian. The book also outlines the system of workshops and patronage prevalent at that time as well as production methods used in the artist's workshop.