Contemporary art frequently finds itself in a difficult situation. Many works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries occasionally seem incomprehensible and initially leave viewers in a state of puzzlement. An authorial sextet (Hans Dickel, Liane Nelius, Henry Thorau, Marian Wild, Albrecht Wilkens and Lorenz Wilkens) seeks to remedy this situation through the description and decipherment of fifty outstanding works of art—above all contemporary and modern pieces, but also several historical “favorites.” The artists recount personal pivotal moments of insight in encountering art, provide fundamental information concerning the developmental history, composition, and iconographical significance of the individual works of art and, not least of all, endeavor to excite readers with the flying sparks of their own enthusiasm. This volume presents and discusses works by such artists as Max Beckmann, Joseph Beuys, Christian Boltanski, Daniel Buren, Caravaggio, Thea Djordjadze, Elmgreen & Dragset, Isa Genzken, Giotto, Katharina Grosse, Donald Judd, Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian, Blinky Palermo, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, Richard Serra, Jan Vermeer van Delft and Jeff Wall.