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More than $850 million — that’s the estimated value of the legendary Mona Lisa painting. Nevertheless, one of the most famous paintings and an iconic Renaissance art piece is not for sale. Under French heritage law, an artwork declared priceless is prohibited from being bought or sold. Although you might not be able to take the painting home, you can still take a glimpse at the iconic smiling lady in the Louvre for less than the cost of a meal at Mickey D’s.

However, Leonardo Da Vinci, arguably one of the most famous portraitists who ever lived, isn’t the only face behind some of the best artworks of all time. Art and history fanatics, and just regular folks, really, must know other famous artists such as Michelangelo, Salvador Dalí, the geniuses behind some of the most famous still life paintings, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, and many other talented painters who changed art history forever. Luckily, there is no need to be an art major to recognize some of their most famous paintings. 

Below, we’ve compiled a list of famous artworks from some of the most brilliant artists who brought color to history. Famous watercolor paintings, lifelike portrait paintings, and the best of still life, you name it! There’s plenty to recall (or discover). We even threw some dark, even scary paintings into the mix! Take a look and let us know which famous artwork or painter is your favorite. Also, while it was our job to gather the most famous paintings, it’s now up to you to rank them. The more upvotes the artwork receives, the higher it will be on the list, so get upvoting your favorites!

#1

The Starry Night By Vincent Van Gogh

Starry Night painting with swirling sky and bright stars, one of the most famous paintings in art history.

Artist: Vincent van Gogh | Year (completed): 1889 | Movement: Post-Impressionism
 
The Starry Night perfectly fits the Post-Impressionist aesthetic because it is rife with meaning. The meaning of it is typically connected to Van Gogh's deteriorating mental state. In this painting, he returned to the blues he had used when fighting mental illness. His mental state can also be indicated by the erratic brushstrokes. The dark church he painted from memory is reminiscent of his highly devout upbringing. Since cypress trees are frequently connected with cemeteries and death, it might be that Van Gogh wanted the tree to represent his struggles with mental illness.

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#2

Girl With A Pearl Earring By Johannes Vermeer

Famous painting of a girl with a pearl earring, wearing a blue turban, set against a dark background.

Artist: Johannes Vermeer | Year (completed): 1665 | Movement: Dutch Golden Age
 
The Girl With A Pearl Earring, one of Vermeer's most famous paintings, was created in 1665, ten years before his terrible demise. The work has gone by several names throughout the ages, and only in the 20th century did it receive its current title. A young woman is depicted in the painting in a small, dark environment that focuses the viewer's attention solely on her. She is decked out in a gold jacket with a visible white collar underneath, the titular pearl earring, and a blue and gold headpiece. Unlike many of Vermeer's subjects, she is not focused on a routine task and unaware of the viewer. Instead, she turns her head over her shoulder and meets the viewer's gaze, her lips parted as if she was about to speak.

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#3

The Creation Of Adam By Michelangelo

Famous painting featuring two figures reaching out, showcasing a pivotal moment in art history.

Artist: Michelangelo | Year (completed): 1512 | Movement: Renaissance
 
Michelangelo drew two similar bodies that were both powerful and robust, taking his cue from the Genesis 1:27 line, "God created man in his own image." Adam, lying on the ground, is on the left, while God, surrounded by angels, is on the right. Many people wonder what the real meaning and significance of this magnificent work of art are since the scene is intricate and has many layers of symbolism. Considered one of the most iconic images in European art history, in a sense, this image illustrates more than just the formation of the first man, which is suggested in the title of the artwork. Instead, it shows the very beginning of the species that would eventually give rise to the human race.

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#4

Flaming June by Frederic Leighton

A famous painting of a woman in an orange gown asleep on a cushioned seat, bathed in warm sunlight.

Artist: Frederic Leighton | Year (completed): 1895
 
Frederic Leighton's most well-known piece Flaming June was a tribute to Michelangelo's Night statue, which Leighton regarded as one of the pinnacles of western civilization. Leighton's version of the reclining figure is a rush of warm, carnal color in contrast to Michelangelo's cool, solemn marble: the saffron gauze shift draped around the curled-up body; the long auburn hair; the blush of the cheek that suggests the woman is aware she is being watched and is only pretending to be asleep. The oleander in the upper corner may represent how close sleep and death are to one another.

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#5

The Lady Of Shalott By John William Waterhouse

A woman in a boat in a famous painting, surrounded by trees and water, wearing a white dress with intricate patterns.

Artist: John William Waterhouse | Year (completed): 1888 | Movement: Romanticism
 
The Lady of Shalott by Waterhouse is a famous work and possibly one of his most well-known oils. The poem of the same name by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, about the Arthurian girl who fell in love with Sir Lancelot, was the inspiration for the painting. However, her feelings for Sir Lancelot are unrequited. She’s cursed and imprisoned in a tower close to King Arthur's Camelot. According to the poem's author, the lady was prohibited from gazing directly at the outer world and was doomed to view it through a mirror. The scene in the painting suggests that the woman is on a boat, having just escaped from the tower. To tell the story based on the poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, he employs symbolism and realism.

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#6

Nighthawks By Edward Hopper

Nighttime diner scene from one of the most famous paintings in art history.

Artist: Edward Hopper | Year (completed): 1942 | Periods: Modern art, Realism, American Realism, Modernism, Social realism
 
"Unconsciously, probably, I was painting the loneliness of a large city," Edward Hopper reflected regarding his masterpiece. In the piece, we can observe three patrons seated at a counter in an all-night diner, each appearing deep in thought and disconnected from the other two. In Nighthawks, Hopper created a calm, lovely, yet enigmatic setting. Although Hopper was inspired by a restaurant he saw on Greenwich Avenue in New York, the painting does not accurately represent the actual location. Observers of the picture are left with questions regarding the characters, their connections, and this imaginary setting.

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Kenny Kulbiski
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always loved this one. The guy with his back to us just walked out on a two timing dame. She, of course, begged him not to.

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#7

The Japanese Footbridge And The Water Lily Pool, Giverny by Claude Monet

Famous painting of a serene garden scene with a bridge over a lily pond, surrounded by lush greenery.

Artist: Claude Monet | Year (completed): 1899 | Movement: Impressionism
 
Monet's gardens at Giverny and the sequence of paintings they sparked are two of his finest accomplishments. They are both represented by Water Lilies and the Japanese Bridge in his famous painting. An 1899 painting by Claude Monet is on display in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It exemplifies the harmony between the natural and man-made worlds through the carefully chosen plants and a bridge and the careful attention to lighting and object placement.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Monet's deteriorating eyesight was a factor in his style too, but his artistic "sight" or vision remains inspirational.

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#8

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

Famous painting depicting a group of people seated at a long table.

Artist: Leonardo da Vinci | Year (completed): 1498 | Movement: Renaissance
 
The Last Supper, also known as The Lord's Supper, was Jesus' last dinner with his followers in an upper room in Jerusalem. It was the catalyst for establishing the Eucharist, a practice still performed in many Christian churches today. Many renowned artists have attempted to paint The Last Supper. However, in contrast to artists before and after him, Leonardo da Vinci decided against giving Jesus Christ a halo. Although da Vinci received a Catholic funeral, some art historians think Leonardo da Vinci was more of a believer in nature than God.

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DennyS (denzoren)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like to think what they're all saying like the guy to the right of Jesus with his finger up, "I'm not drunk, I've only had one glass of wine" or he one to the far right, "what do you mean I have to give more, I've already given twice what I usually give".

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#9

The Ninth Wave by Ivan Aivazovsky

Dramatic seascape painting with a raft battling turbulent waves under a vivid, glowing sky.

Artist: Ivan Aivazovsky | Year (completed): 1850 | Movement: Romanticism
 
The Ninth Wave, a masterpiece by Ivan Aivazovsky, is a powerful depiction of Hope itself. In a ferocious storm, the painting displays survivors of a shipwreck holding onto a piece of wreckage for their life. According to nautical tradition, the ninth wave is said to be the worst, most potent, and most devastating wave. However, the light of hope shines through the darkness of the night. Through centuries, the artwork developed allegorical interpretation and symbolic resonance, inspiring belief in the victory of a human, humanity, and life itself.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it would be a difficult piece of art to live with in a house day to day.

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#10

Cafe Terrace At Night by Vincent van Gogh

Famous painting of a vibrant night cafe scene with a starry sky.

Artist: Vincent van Gogh | Year (completed): 1888 | Periods: Post-Impressionism, Cloisonnism
 
One of Van Gogh's earliest nighttime paintings was Café Terrace at Night, completed during his stay in Arles. Most individuals who view it have many questions, from how the painting was created to the meaning it is meant to convey. The painting's most striking feature is the stark contrast between the warm colors under the marquise, which are yellow, green, and orange, and the deep blue of the starry sky, which is accentuated by the dark blue of the houses in the distance. "I believe that an abundance of gaslight, which, after all, is yellow and orange, intensifies blue," commented Van Gogh on the outcome. Apparently, the cafe portrayed in the painting is still open today under the name Café Van Gogh.

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#11

The Night Watch by Rembrandt

Famous painting depicting a group of people in historical attire, capturing a dramatic and lively scene.

Artist: Rembrandt | Year (completed): 1642 | Movement: Dutch Golden Age
 
The Night Watch, a painting by Rembrandt, is arguably the most well-known of his works. It depicts a militia company, units of physically fit men who might be called upon to defend the city or quell riots if needed. The company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq and his lieutenant, Willem van Ruytenburgh, are shown in the artwork encircled by sixteen of their men. The final picture is today acknowledged as one of the most significant pieces of art ever produced. It's displayed in a specially constructed room at the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands.

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#12

Dance At Le Moulin De La Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Painting of a lively dance scene with people socializing in vibrant attire under trees and lanterns.

Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir | Year (completed): 1876 | Periods: Impressionism, Modern art
 
The Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, one of the most famous Impressionist works of art, is a stunning example of Renoir's skill at capturing dappled light. Its modernism is a result of both its theme, a typical Sunday afternoon in working-class Paris, and its loose Impressionist brushstrokes. Aware of the rich, vividly colored brushstrokes but unable to focus on any one form, the viewer's attention glides across the form- and motion-filled surface. While Renoir employed some professional models, most of the people in Dance at le Moulin de la Galette were his friends. Hence, it might be claimed that the scene he painted is more like a collection of portraits than an accurate portrayal of Moulin's clientele.

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sofacushionfort
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clubbing on display: the man seated in the foreground didn’t use a wingman, and the woman is the striped dress’ friend is leaning in to block.

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#13

The Birth Of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

Birth of Venus by Botticelli, one of the most famous paintings in art history, depicting Venus arriving on a seashell.

Artist: Sandro Botticelli | Year (completed): 1486 | Movement: Renaissance
 
The artwork depicts the goddess of love and beauty setting foot on the island of Cyprus after being carried there by the winds Zephyr and, possibly, Aura. The goddess is perched on a massive scallop shell that is as flawless and pristine as a pearl. Botticelli draws inspiration from classical statues for Venus' modest pose, where she covers her nakedness with long, shiny hair. The artwork essentially captures the geopolitical, social, cultural, and spiritual upheaval that followed the tumult of the Middle Ages.

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Melissa Schermerhorn
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I seriously can not believe a site that calls itself "a leading site for artists" is censoring nudity in art. Terrible

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#14

The Astronomer by Johannes Vermeer

A person studying a globe beside a window, in a famous painting setting.

Artist: Johannes Vermeer | Year (completed): 1668 | Period: Dutch Golden Age
 
In The Astronomer, the scientist is depicted sitting at a table with a celestial globe, which is thought to have been created by Jodocus Hondius and displays the positions of the stars and constellations in the sky. The astronomer is holding open the book "Institutiones Astronomicae" ("On the Investigation of the Stars"), written by Adriaan Metius and published in 1621, in front of him. A flat astrolabe, an essential tool for navigation, is also on the table. It has been determined that the robe worn by the astronomer in the painting is a Japanese Rok, a garment given as a gift to Dutch traders during their visits to the Japanese Court.

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#15

The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Hokusai

Famous painting of a large wave with Mount Fuji in the background, depicting traditional Japanese art style.

Artist: Hokusai | Year (completed): 1831
 
This woodblock print is an iconic piece of world art thanks to its beautiful composition. It's believed to have inspired Debussy's La Mer (The Sea) and Rilke's Der Berg (The Mountain). Ingeniously manipulating perspective, Hokusai made the tallest mountain in Japan appear like a little triangular mound within the trough of the cresting wave. The artist rose to fame for his original landscape paintings utilizing imported Prussian blue and indigo as primary colors.

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#16

The Persistence Of Memory by Salvador Dalí

Surreal landscape with melting clocks, famous painting in art history by Salvador Dalí.

Artist: Salvador Dalí | Movement: Surrealism
 
The Persistence of Memory is one of Dali's earliest Surrealist works and perhaps one of his most important. Hieronymus Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights heavily influenced the painting, which he paired with a Catalan heritage, a recurring theme in much of his early work. He used his "paranoid-critical" technique, in which he portrays his own psychological struggles and fears. Some art historians believe that the three "melting clocks" in the picture may represent the past, present, and future, while the fourth clock, which is face-down and undistorted, may represent objective time.

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#17

Water Lilies by Claude Monet

Famous painting of serene water lilies on a pond by Claude Monet.

Artist: Claude Monet | Year (completed): 1899 | Movement: Impressionism
 
Monet emphasized the water's surface in each "Water Lilies" painting. Only their reflection in the water is depicted, with no indication of the land or sky. The only clue of willow trees in these paintings is just a reflection. The water reflects the sky's white clouds, making the sky and the water's blue the same shade. The only thing that makes the observer realize that this is a reflection is the presence of the water lilies.

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#18

Wanderer Above The Sea Of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich

A man stands atop a rocky peak gazing over a misty landscape, in one of the most famous paintings in art history.

Artist: Caspar David Friedrich | Year (completed): 1818 | Periods: Romanticism, German Romanticism
 
Some believe Friedrich's painting Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog is a self-portrait. The young person in the frame is thought to have the same fiery red hair as the artist. The individual is seen standing in a state of introspection and reflection, entranced by the sea fog as though it were a religious or spiritual experience. He is thinking about the improbable future at that precise moment. He isn't shutting people out by turning his back on them; instead, he allows them to share and understand his unique perspective by allowing them to see the world through his eyes.

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sofacushionfort
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Petarch was the first human known to have climbed a mountain just to appreciate the view. He also imagined base-jumping but forgot to write it down.

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#19

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

Famous painting featuring a woman with a subtle smile, set against a detailed landscape background.

Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci | Year (completed): 1506 | Period: Renaissance
 
Leonardo has frequently been referred to as the prototypical "Renaissance man," a person whose seemingly limitless curiosity was only surpassed by his inventiveness. He is regarded as one of the finest artists and possibly the person with the broadest range of talents ever. However, Leonardo was and is primarily known for his paintings. The Last Supper and the portrait of the Mona Lisa, two of his creations, are arguably the most well-known, frequently imitated, and often parodied paintings of all time. Leonardo da Vinci was one of the first painters to use aerial perspective. His work was among the first portraits to show the subject in front of a made-up landscape. Before him, portraits lacked mystery; artists merely depicted physical attributes without considering the soul. If they did, they attempted to convey the soul through gestures, symbolic items, or inscriptions. The Mona Lisa remains a mystery to this day; the soul is present yet inaccessible.

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Nicky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

PBS did a documentary about how a second version of DaVinci's painting was made and is now in a Swiss vault.

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#20

Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez

Painting depicts a group of people in a room, showcasing one of the most famous artworks in art history.

Artist: Diego Velázquez | Year (completed): 1656 | Period: Baroque
 
Las Meninas has captivated art lovers for more than 350 years. King Philip IV of Spain's court is vividly depicted in this intricate oil painting by Diego Velázquez. This masterwork from 1656, arguably one of the most significant paintings in the entire history of Western art, still impacts artists today. As the title translates, Ladies in Waiting is a turning point in art history for Velázquez's departure from the stiff, formal portraits that typically denoted royalty. The king's daughter, Infanta Margaret Theresa, is depicted on the enormous canvas surrounded by her entourage as Velázquez works behind an easel.

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J Baker
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Watch at least one YouTube video describing this painting. Is it time traveling? Are we (the viewers) the king and queen reflected in the mirror at the back? Why did the artist knight himself with the red Cross several years before he was actually knighted? There's lots to unpack.

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#21

Judith Beheading Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi

Two women depicted in a dramatic scene, showing intense emotion, in a famous historical painting.

Artist: Artemisia Gentileschi | Year (completed): 1620 | Period: Baroque
 
One of the scene's bloodiest and most vivid renderings is this painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, completed in Florence in 1620. It surpasses the version by Caravaggio, the arch-realist of Baroque Rome, in its immediacy and horrifying realism. Artemisia was undoubtedly familiar with Caravaggio's depiction of the subject because her father, Orazio, who gave her an artistic education, was a close friend and admirer of the artist. The teenage Artemisia was motivated and perhaps even challenged by Caravaggio's artwork. Comparing the two reveals not only Judith's debt to the more experienced artist but also a number of subtle changes that intensify the physical fight, the amount of bloodshed, and the mental and physical fortitude of Judith and her maidservant, Abra.

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iblewsheep
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this one needs to be higher just due to the fact that it was a woman artist in an era where that was for all purposes unheard of.

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#22

Lady Agnew Of Lochnaw by John Singer Sargent

Portrait of a woman in a white and lavender gown on a floral chair, representing famous paintings in art history.

Artist: John Singer Sargent | Year (completed): 1892 | Movement: Impressionism
 
Lady Agnew (born Gertrude Vernon) is the subject of this painting, which was ordered by her husband, the Scottish barrister Sir Andrew Noel Agnew. The lady establishes a strong rapport with the observer through her direct stare and informal stance. Her exquisite white gown with lilac accent blends well with the vibrant, patterned upholstery of the Chinese silk wall hanging from the eighteenth century and the French chairs. Sargent’s smooth brushstrokes exude an air of luxury and comfort. The artist said he sometimes got his best results only after a few sittings. He finished the Portrait Of Lady Agnew Of Lochnaw in six sessions. The work’s exhibition at the Royal Academy in London in 1893 helped establish Lady Agnew as a society hostess and the Sargent’s portrait painter status.

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#23

In A Roman Osteria by Carl Bloch

Group of people dining in a traditional setting with a cat nearby, from a famous painting in art history.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man doesn't like the artist looking at "his" women while they - in contrast - are looking rather coquettish. Meanwhile the cat is "Is anybody gunna remember I need feeding too?"

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#24

The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard

A woman in a pink dress swings in a lush, forested scene, capturing elegance in famous paintings.

Artist: Jean-Honoré Fragonard | Year (completed): 1767 | Period: Rococo
 
In The Swing, we can see a young woman fly through the air inside a lovely garden wearing a voluminous pink dress. Her suspension above the ground is made possible by a swing made of a seat cushioned in red velvet and two ropes fastened to the knobby branches of a huge tree. An older man sitting on a stone bench on the far right assists in operating the apparatus. He pulls the swing back to provide the woman the momentum she needs to move forward using a network of interconnected ropes. A young man, positioned at the bottom of the large pedestal, stares at the swinging woman's open skirt.

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Mad Dragon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her lover is hiding in the bushes and she is giving him a peek up her dress.

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#25

Judith And Her Maidservant by Artemisia Gentileschi

Two women with a sword in a famous painting, dramatic lighting creates a sense of tension and focus on their expressions.

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#27

Vase Of Flowers by Ambrosius Bosschaert

Floral still life painting in a vase, showcasing vibrant flowers from art history.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Delicate rendering of the flowers - much skill needed for this.

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#28

The Scream by Edvard Munch

A person on a bridge holds their face in anguish under a swirling sunset; famous painting by Edvard Munch.

Artist: Edvard Munch | Year (completed): 1891 |  Movement: Proto-Expressionism
 
The Mona Lisa of our time, Munch's The Scream, is a classic work of modern art. Munch captured the anxiety-ridden, unsettling nature of the modern era, much as Leonardo da Vinci did while evoking the Renaissance ideal of calm and restraint. It's acknowledged that The Scream was inspired by an actual past event from Munch's life. Apparently, he created The Scream as a response to the horror and dread he experienced one day while out for a stroll with two friends. The peaceful environment he had planned to venture into was abruptly disturbed by changes in the sky brought on by the setting sun. Since, Munch's The Scream has become a universal, timeless picture and symbol of the human condition and alienation.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering the number of posts regarding American angst, this painting represents it well!

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#29

Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte by Georges-Pierre Seurat

Famous painting depicting people relaxing in a park by a river, showcasing pointillism art style.

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RoanTheMad
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's actually 2 sides to this painting, the other side is "Bathers at Asnières" which shows the working class bathing in the other side of the river, in contrast to the much posher other side.

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#30

Portrait Of Madame X by John Singer Sargent

Famous painting of an elegant woman in a black dress, posed beside a table, set against a plain background.

Artist: John Singer Sargent | Year (completed): 1884 | Periods: Impressionism, American Renaissance
 
John Singer Sargent was the most famous portrait painter of his time, also hailed as the "leading portrait painter of his generation." In 1874 he went to Paris to study painting. Ten years later, in 1884, at the Paris Salon, Sargent debuted arguably one of his best-known paintings, Portrait Of Madame X, which portrays a Parisian beauty named Madame Gautreau. Sargent thought it was his best work and was unpleasantly startled when it sparked a stir because reviewers thought it was eccentric and provocative. After failing in Paris, Sargent relocated permanently to London. His art didn't instantly appeal to the English taste. However, it all changed in 1887. That year, his painting of two little girls lighting Japanese lanterns won the British public's hearts. He started to receive extraordinary acclaim in England and the United States. Clients flocked to his studio in Chelsea, where he charged around $5,000 for a full-length portrait. However, despite it bringing him a bunch of money, in 1907, Sargent gave up on painting portraits on commission. He referred to the genre that had made him famous in his letter to his lifelong friend Ralph Curtis as "paughtraits," using his unique and satirical spelling. "I abhor and abjure them and hope never to do another, especially of the Upper Classes."

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RoanTheMad
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This painting had to be edited iirc because the original was too "scandalous" because the strap of her dress had slipped down her arm. I love both versions.

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#32

Vase With Fifteen Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh

Famous painting of sunflowers in a vase with a yellow background, showcasing iconic art style and use of color.

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Tuzi Tuzi Harlem
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it took me 20 seconds or so to realize it's fifteen, I originally thought it was fourteen.

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#33

Pink And Blue by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Two girls in frilly dresses with pink and blue sashes, a scene from a famous art painting.

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Kelsey Rivera
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel the girl in the pink dress frl her face shows it all and my face looks the same way rn... (this is funny odd sad and exactly what I needed to see rn for some reason)

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#34

Little Girl In Blue Armchair by Mary Cassatt

Girl lounging on a blue chair, with a small dog nearby, in one of the famous paintings in art history.

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Nicky
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this one. We also need more female artists of non-European heritage higher up!

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#35

The Garden Of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch

A famous painting featuring surreal, vivid scenes of heaven and hell, depicting the complexity of human morality.

Artist: Hieronymus Bosch | Year (completed): 1505 |  Period: Northern Renaissance
 
The crux of the painting shows an unrestrained, wildly imaginative romp. However, Bosch’s main point - and the elaborate, cunning symbolism that drives it - is unquestionably more complicated. A lot is going on, and multiple sittings at the painting may not be enough to analyze the whole picture. It’s replete with sin, punishment, and hell themes. Few pieces of art better capture the crazed thrill and bizarreness of lust than Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights. A cluster of naked people can be seen in one place, intertwining and devouring a giant, juicy strawberry. Others sway rapturously from something resembling clumsy reproductive organs and seed pods about to explode. Fruits are picked, clear blue water flows directly into the mouth, open clam shells and plump nectarines are strewn about. More than 500 years later, it’s hard to distinguish a single message left by the author. Some people thought it was about how mankind fell into sin and lust, ultimately meeting their own demise in hell. Some believe it was painted with moralistic and religious motives. Whatever the reason, Hieronymus Bosch’s triptych, known to modern audiences as The Garden of Earthly Delights, and arguably his most puzzling work, gives a graphic portrayal of the anxieties that characterized medieval life.

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#36

Paris Street; Rainy Day by Gustave Caillebotte

Couple with umbrellas on a Paris street, a scene representing famous paintings in art history.

Artist: Gustave Caillebotte | Year (completed): 1877 | Movement: Realism
 
Parisian audiences used to the formal, academic style were thrilled by the painting's finely detailed surface, exacting perspective, and expansive size. A more radical sensibility was sparked by its asymmetrical composition, irregularly cut shapes, rain-washed tone, and truly modern theme.

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Amanda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first glance thought was a photograph. Such clean lines.

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#39

Luncheon Of The Boating Party by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

People dining outdoors in a famous painting, capturing a lively social gathering with friends and family.

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O G
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People never change. Of course, she put her doggo on the table.

#40

Napoleon Crossing The Alps by Jacques-Louis David

A famous painting showing a man in historical attire riding a rearing horse against a dramatic landscape.

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DennyS (denzoren)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't it really a mule but I guess you can't have a commissioned painting with you on a mule. Lol

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#41

A Bar At The Folies-Bergère by Édouard Manet

A woman stands behind a bar with bottles and a bowl of oranges in one of the most famous paintings in art history.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Captures the exhaustion of the server after a long hard night behind the bar.

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#43

Lady With An Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci

A woman in a Renaissance painting holds an ermine, showcasing art history's famous paintings.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He captures the squirminess of the restless animal - and suggests that maybe the young woman too has an untameable inner life.

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#46

Young Hare by Albrecht Dürer

A detailed painting of a hare, showcasing famous art history techniques.

Artist: Albrecht Dürer | Year (completed): 1502 | Period: Northern Renaissance
 
A Young Hare is one of the best-known examples of Dürer's studies of nature and animals. This artwork is notable for displaying Dürer's extraordinary knack and sheds light on his idea of the relationship between art and nature. Dürer's artistic creativity was heavily influenced by studying nature. Biodiversity, or the idea that every specimen and element of nature has a unique character that can and should be captured, was another fundamental concept in Dürer's understanding of nature. Perfectly capturing the hare’s timid and delicate nature, Dürer painted the animal with extraordinary skill, paying close attention to even the tiniest details, like the critter’s whiskers and eyes.

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#47

Pygmalion And Galatea by Jean-Léon Gérôme

A classic painting depicting a sculptor passionately embracing a statue in his studio, illustrating famous art history.

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#51

España Y Filipinas by Juan Luna

Two women in elegant dresses ascend stairs adorned with flowers in this famous painting.

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Amanda
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Should be much higher. Especially with so many van Gogh, I think people put so much of him because one of few artists people whom have no knowledge of art can pick out and say"know who painted that"

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#53

Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals

A man in ornate attire and large hat, depicting a famous painting from art history.

Artist: Frans Hals | Year (completed): 1624 | Periods: Baroque, Dutch Golden Age
 
Frans Hals, a highly skilled portrait artist, had a remarkable ability to characterize and give his subjects a lifelike appearance. His most well-known painting is this vivacious portrait of a young man, age 26, dressed in flamboyant attire. He is dressed in a lavish jacket embroidered with symbols of love's joys and pains, such as a blazing cornucopia, lovers' knots, and arrows, which may indicate that the painting is a betrothal portrait. The man's sly face, upturned hat and mustache, and confident attitude with his left hand on his hip, give the photo a remarkable liveliness. The black sash really stands out because it demonstrates Hals' brilliant ability to paint with a limited color pallet.

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#54

The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough

Portrait of a boy in a blue outfit from an iconic painting in art history, capturing intricate details and rich colors.

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Marisol L. Banks
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up with a print of this on my bedroom wall, along with its mate, “Pinkie”. Even as a kid I wondered who they were and why they were acceptable bedroom wall art when my friends had lambs and Humpty Dumpty and cows jumping over the moon. 😆

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#55

The Flagellation Of Christ by Caravaggio

Famous painting depicting a dramatic scene with four figures, highlighting the intensity and emotion of historical art.

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J Baker
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Caravaggio's lesser known work was"The flatulation of Christ" wherein Jesus looks sheepish and the soldiers look disgusted.

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#57

The Hangover by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Woman in famous painting seated at a table with a bottle and glass, in a pensive pose.

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Nell46
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quick! Where's Nanny? Alcohol depicted.....and not a grey box in sight..

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#60

The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet

Farmers gleaning in a field, scene from a famous painting in art history.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This illustrates the economic hardship of the poor of that time (and no doubt elsewhere in the world even today), who depended on this to get enough grain to get them through winter. Modern harvesting doesn't leave so much.

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#63

A Meadow In The Mountains: Le Mas De Saint-Paul by Vincent van Gogh

Famous painting of a vivid landscape with a house, trees, and mountains under a bright yellow sky.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of Van Gogh on this list. Why? There are lots more artists never shown!

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#64

By The Seashore by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Famous painting of a woman seated by the sea, wearing a blue dress and hat, framed in ornate gold.

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O G
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The model was Aline Charigot, his then-girlfriend, whom he married later.

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#66

Lucretia by Rembrandt

A famous painting of a woman in historical attire holding a rope in a dimly lit setting.

Artist: Rembrandt Van Rijn | Year (completed): 1666 | Periods: Baroque, Dutch Golden Age
 
Through Lucretia's melancholy and dejected expression, the bloodstains on her gown, and the dagger in her hand, Rembrandt conveys the story of Lucretia. Lucretia was a Roman nobleman's wife and was renowned for her virtue and devotion. Sextus Tarquinius, the tyrant's son, was enthralled by Lucretia's virtue and discreetly went to her house and was welcomed as an honorable guest. However, he turned on her by entering her chamber and sexually molesting her. Lucretia confessed the atrocity to her husband and father before taking her own life in front of them. At a time and place when a woman's perceived virtue was more valued than her life, she decided to end her life to avoid dishonor.

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#69

Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck

A famous painting depicting a couple in a 15th-century interior with a chandelier, mirror, and small dog.

Artist: Jan Van Eyck | Year (completed): 1434 | Period: Northern Renaissance
 
At first glance, Jan van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait looks like a detailed yet straightforward picture of a wealthy merchant and his bride. A second look, however, reveals a more captivating picture within this representation of the Arnolfini wedding. The setting where the Arnolfini betrothal is shown is cluttered with items that suggest wealth, have religious overtones, or are just odd. Although Giovanni Arnolfini and Costanza Trenta are presumed to be the couple in the Arnolfini wedding portrait, their identities are unknown. However, experts believe they were most likely wealthy members of the affluent Italian elite. The couple's matching gold and silver wrist bracelets and the elaborate beading on the edge of the woman's veil are just a few of the little, exquisite touches Van Eyck made sure to add. These not only demonstrated his gift for deft, delicate brushwork but also the obvious truth that the couple in the image was not only wealthy but also educated. They knew how to spend their money in a way that would reflect well on themselves.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These two always make me think of children doing dress ups in adult clothes.

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#71

American Gothic by Grant Wood

A famous painting depicting a stern-faced man with a pitchfork and a woman in front of a farmhouse.

Artist: Grant Wood | Date Completed: 1930 |  Period: Modernism
 
American painter Grant Wood is most recognized for his works that portray the American Midwest in its rural settings, one of which is the American Gothic, arguably one of the 20th century's most well-known works. When shown at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1930, the painting created an absolute stir with the public. It was rare in American art to portray brutal, cold realism and the subject's honest, straightforward, earthy nature. After finding two suitable models who were strangers to one another, Wood purposefully dressed them in vintage attire that he believed complemented this austere architectural style. The woman in the painting was actually Wood's sister, and the man was a local dentist. Wood seems to have stretched the windows and roof of the house and the subjects' faces to make them fit seamlessly within the painting. It may be that the picture feels particularly unsettling because of its peculiar distortion. The image has developed into one of American art's most well-known artistic icons due to its expressive portrait of the Midwest's diligent rural residents. 

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#73

The Sleeping Gypsy by Henri Rousseau

Famous painting of a sleeping figure by a lion under a moonlit sky.

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WordWeaver
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always liked this one. Inspires the imagination.