The National Gallery houses some of the world's greatest paintings, from early Renaissance altarpieces to the radical new approaches of Van Gogh, Cezanne and Picasso.

This DVD introduces the National Gallery and its collection, and acts as a virtual guided tour and an overall introduction to the history of Western European painting.

Dr. Nicholas Penny, the National Gallery's former Director, welcomes you and explains some of the history of the building and collection, then four experts lead you through private tours:

• Marc Woodhead explores early Renaissance painting, from gilded altarpieces to the stunning realistic portraits of Jan van Eyck
• James Heard guides us around sixteenth century art, from the High Renaissance mastery of Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, to the brilliant Venetian colours of Titian.
• Louise Govier focuses on seventeeth century art, from Caravaggio's intense religious paintings to Rembrandt's self-searching portraits, and the virtuoso techniques of Rubens and Velázquez.
• Jo Rhymer looks at paintings from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including Constable, Turner and the Impressionists.

Extras on the Visitor's Guide DVD include behind the scenes footage of conservation work and the National Gallery's scientific department, and a closer look at the distinctive mosaic floors designed by Boris Anrep.