Through an extremely restricted vocabulary, Robert Ryman became a leading figure on the fringes of Minimalist and Conceptual art. This anthology of essays reviews and charts the evolution of the artist's critical reception. A comprehensive selection of over 60 essays and exhibition reviews has been collated into one volume, including texts by some of the most influential art historians and critics.

The writings look at Ryman's work within the context of the 'challenge to painting' in the 1960s, as well as the artist's work in relation to other influential painters in art history.

Drawing upon the words of key contemporary thinkers, an introduction by Vittorio Colaizzi explores the importance of elements of 'support, colour, brushstroke' in Ryman's paintings.