Visit some of Europe’s greatest museums and galleries in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide.

"Who can resist an art critic with attitude?"
– Former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, Ian Binnie

"It was wonderful! Julian shared his enormous knowledge of the world’s best art with a panache that is irresistible."
– Justice Stephen Goudge, Ontario Court of Appeal

This essential companion to all the major European museums and galleries discusses some of the world’s greatest paintings from Giotto through to Picasso. Julian Porter’s passion for art began with the seven years he spent as a student tour guide in Europe. Since then, he has conducted countless tours of Europe’s famous galleries – The Louvre, The Prado, The Hermitage, The Rijksmuseum, the Sistine Chapel, and many others.

In the usually pretentious arena of art connoisseurs, Porter’s voice stands out as fresh and original. He finds the best of the best, which he describes with entertaining irreverence, and spares you hours of sore feet and superfluous information.

Julian Porter is a barrister who noted for his jury addresses. His passion in art began as a tour guide in Europe. Since then he has made countless pilgrimages to see the great works, often returning to some paintings more than 30 times to explore their mysteries and discover novel aspects. He has lectured in galleries from Madrid to St. Petersburg, and currently lives in Toronto.

Julian Porter's profile page

...a remarkable book, the finest one to be printed in Canada in the just-completed year.

Toronto Sun

It’s a collection of cheeky quips on select paintings in galleries like the Louvre, the Tate Britain, the Uffizi, and the Hermitage.

CanadianLawyerMag.ca