29 great works describe 29 diverse life stories, from the grin of the Mona Lisa to the Volga tracker, from the medieval elite to common folk. Focusing on the characters and their lives in different eras, this book features iconic figure paintings from the history of western art, such as the Mona Lisa and the Girl with Pearl Earring, which are well-known to Chinese readers, the Embarkation for Cythera, which portrays the daily lives of European nobles in the 18th century, and the Lavoisier and Lavoisier Couple from the chemistry textbook. L’Angelus, the Gleaners, Steel Mill, the Stonebreakers, and Barge Haulers on the Volga, among other works, illustrate the hardship of the working class in the periphery of Europe. These paintings, which have been handed down to the present day, allow us to witness a variety of life experiences since the individuals in them come from all times, social classes, occupations, and genders. Even though their lives may appear to be routine, closer inspection reveals the brilliant beauty that lies behind the mundane.