This chapter from Julian Porter’s essential companion to all the major European museums and galleries discusses some of the greatest paintings to be found in the museums and galleries of The Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden. His passion for art began with the seven years he spent as a student tour guide in Europe. In this segment he visits Amsterdam, Stockholm, The Hague, Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent and discusses works by the Dutch masters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Eyck, but also Van Gogh and Renoir.

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.

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