The 16 greatest masterpieces at the Met right now

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is one of the world's most astounding art museums. But with two million square feet of exhibition space and thousands of objects on view at any given time, it can be challenging to decide what to see.

Christine Kuan, Director of the Sotheby's Institute of Art, New York, selected 16 must-­see works of art at the Met.

"The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a treasure trove of masterpieces from every culture, time period, and medium, so choosing a mere 16 is almost impossible," Kuan said. "The ones shown here are personal favorites - they stun me with their beauty, imagination, and power. More than just exceptional works of artistic achievement, these objects also demonstrate what human civilization can produce at its best."

Kuan also provided descriptions of these works, and told us why she thinks they're so important.