Guido Reni’s famous for 17th century Italian frescos of 17th century. But here’s his masterpiece – Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist. It captures a Bible story with a singular image.

Caravaggio tells a compelling story in The Cardsharps painting. Our newbie in the green sleeves at front plays the leading man. He cares the most and this intensity makes us feel for him. This shows Caravaggio’s hand. He’s pulling for the kid.

The Annunciation marks a critical inflection point for Christianity. Keeping that in mind, painter Fra Angelico uses a golden laser beam to direct viewers’ eyes.

Birth of Venus serves up instant recognition. We’re all familiar with Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece. But have we looked at it? It’s a birth – messy baby business. But this portrait shows neither mess nor baby, only beauty.

Antonio Pollaiuolo’s 15th century Italian masterpiece explores the myth of Apollo and Daphne. It’s the classic tale of unrequited love, with a laurel-scented twist.

Lorenzo Lotto’s lady in an ornate dress refers to the tale of Lucretia from Livy’s History of Rome. Both Lucretias in the painting are bold, though trapped by public opinion.

The Flea by Guiseppe Crespi tells a story without revealing the main character. We only see the reaction to the flea, not the pest itself.