Paula Rego (b. 1935) is acknowledged to be one of the leading figurative artists at work today. Influenced by Surrealism, folklore, dreams, and Disney animation, she creates strongly narrative works imbued with a sense of subversive mystery.

Fiona Bradley provides a thorough and searching account of Rego's life and work, drawing on new interviews with the artist that shed light on Rego's own assessment of her art. Six key works, demonstrating the development of her working methods, are discussed in depth.