More than 80% of the images for the book were provided by the library, which spent months creating the photography. This involved generating new details and commissioning fresh photography from some of the world's most respected museums.

Over 2,500 paintings will be reprinted in the book, which DK described as "unique".

The book was printed by Star Standard Industries in Singapore and will be released on 1 October this year.

A spokeswoman for DK and the Bridgeman Art Library told PrintWeek it is always a challenge for printers and publishers to translate the vibrancy and textures of an original artwork on to the page.

She said: "Van Gogh's works, for example, can look flat and insipid when printed in books, on posters or postcards – a pale imitation of the original canvas.

"The collaboration between DK and Bridgeman has resulted in a fresh and stunning visual history of art that helps breathe life into iconic works, and provides exciting new close-up details to graphically illustrate the artist's technique and style."