This book is an exemplary investigation of a series of, so far, poorly documented works that will prove of great interest to those in the field. Most of the 15th- or early 16th-century panel paintings presented here are northern European, a large number German, which have been neglected in English language studies. They are all almost unknown, and certainly none of them have been subjected to modern techniques of investigation – infrared, x-ray, micro-photography – until now.
 
What makes these works of importance is their fine quality, which is reflected in some of the most spectacular examples such as the beautiful 15th century Dormition of the Virgin by the Master of the Vienna Marienaltar and The Holy Trinity (Seat of Mercy) with saints and donor by Peter Hemmel and his circle from 1479.