The third in a series of systematic catalogues of the collection of the National Gallery of Art, British Paintings includes paintings that were produced from the 16th to the 19th century by British artists or foreign artists who spent the greater part of their working lives in Britain. Largely the result of generous donors—primarily Andrew W. Mellon, P. A. B. Widener, Ailsa Mellon Bruce, and Paul Mellon—the Gallery’s collection of British paintings, though by no means a comprehensive survey of the field, stands as a distinguished representation of the accomplishments of that great national school. Entries are arranged alphabetically by artist and provide biographical and bibliographical details. The catalog also summarizes conservation reports from the time of publication, and provides additional information concerning provenance and exhibition history in as much detail as possible.