A luxury villa on the Gulf of Naples – could there be a more pleasant summer retreat for an educated man like the ancient rhetoric professor and art connoisseur Philostratus? Here, one can also enjoy exquisite Greek paintings in peace, but only until the ten-year-old son of his host finds him and wants explanations of the artworks. For him, the visiting students, and all who read this book today, 65 fascinating interpretations of the paintings emerge. In these interpretations, pathos alternates with sober detail accuracy, rich metaphor with precise analysis, panoramic perspective with a focused view. The new translation and its explanations provide all art and language enthusiasts with insight into the aesthetics of antiquity while also unlocking the timeless cultural technique of viewing images.