In this collection of essays on art, Updike looks at Vermeer's magnificent Townschape of Delft, Modigliani's Gand Nude and Monet's Mischevious la Japonaiste. He discusses the exhibition of Renoir and reflects on the subject of Adam and Eve. Elsewhere he lavishes attention on the complete ouevre of, France`s little known but foremost living sculptor Jean Ipousteguy. And he ends with a look at the artist as writer with a few examples of his own line drawings.