Over the centuries, pieces of art, primarily paintings, have been a cornerstone of humanities progress. The world has seen precocious talent emerge across the world and produce world class art in different forms. These pieces of art worth billions of dollars make way to auction houses internationally. Out of the tens of thousands of paintings, a few get to transcend geographical and time boundaries and become household names. Preserved in galleries and museums across the world for viewing due to their high value, they have provided enormous joy to millions of art lovers. We have created a list of some of the greatest paintings of all time
- Mona Lisa – Greatest Painting Number 1
It is no surprise that this world’s famous painting has a mysterious woman wearing an enigmatic smile. The magnificent piece of art was done by Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1519. The painting is preserved at Louvre Museum in Paris. Historians claim that Mona Lisa was obscure in the art circles before the 20th Century. However, one act made the painting famous: a former employee of the Louvre Museum stole the picture and kept it out of sight for two years. The incident cemented the place of the painting in popular culture.
2. The Last Supper
Contrary to many oil and canvas hangings, this painting is not found in a museum or gallery. It is located in Milan, Italy, covering the back wall of the Santa Maria dining hall. The painting is 28.9 feet wide and 15 feet high, making it a massive fresco with viewing memories. Leonardo da Vinci did it during the 15th Century depicting the moment when Jesus had the last supper surrounded by his disciples. It has survived wartime threats twice and is considered among the best attractions in Milan.
3. The Starry Night
This painting was done by Vincent Van Gogh, a Dutch artist in 1889. The picture is found in New York City at the Museum of Modern Art. Being an abstract piece of art, it is a signature innovation by Vincent Gogh in using bold and thick strokes of a brush. It is said that the painting inspired Don McLean’s song- Vincent. The painting depicts Saint Remy City in the swirling sun. The painting was done during the mental breakdown of Vincent in 1988. It is said that during this time, the artist had cut off his ear, and was inspired by the view he had from his window room. The painting is a renowned piece of art in contemporary culture.
4. The Scream
Edvard Munch did the famous painting in 1893. According to the British Museum’s blog, this piece of art comprises two paintings and pastels coupled with numerous prints. It is a frightening painting found in Oslo, Norway, at The National Gallery. The inspiration behind this was a real-life experience Munch had when having a stroll during sunset in Oslo. His senses were overwhelmed by a dramatic red hue. Contrary to popular belief, the paint is not screaming but blocking a piercing shriek inflicted by nature. Just like the Mona Lisa, The Scream was stolen but eventually recovered.
5. Guernica
The painting is found in Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid. It was wonderfully pieced together by Pablo Picasso in 1937. It is among the recent pictures symbolizing the aerial effects of bombing Guernica town by Germans in the time of the Spanish civil war. The painting is defined by the Picasso style of being distinctive as it examines the horrors of the civil war. During the Second World War, the art was moved to New York for safekeeping with Picasso requesting for its extended stay in the USA until when normalcy resumed in Spain. In 1981, it was returned to Madrid after the passing on of Gen. Francisco Franco who was perceived to be a dictator in Spain.
6. The Kiss
The Kiss is a talented piece of art done by Gustav Klimt between 1907 and 1908. The paint is displayed at the Upper Beldevere museum in Austria, Vienna. The artistic influence in the drawing is signified by a passionate couple wearing robes that are highly decorated. The allegory drawn from this painting is that love is at the center of human existence. It radiates a magnetic appeal that resonates with many people. While this piece of art is not for sale, other paintings by Gustav Klimt are traded for colossal amounts of money.
7. Girl with a Pearl Earring
This is a favorite piece of art that is merely intriguing. Johannes Vermeer did the painting in 1665. It is famously known as the “Dutch Mona Lisa” since many comparisons are made with “The Mona Lisa”. The girl in the painting wears gold and blue turban with an oversized pearl earring. The painting is displayed at the Mauritshius in the Hague, Netherlands. Between 2012 and 2014, the Mauritshius was under renovation and the painting went on a tour in Japan, the USA, and Italy. This helped to cement its status as an iconic piece of art in the world.
8. The Birth of Venus
The Birth of Venus is among the oldest paintings since it was done in 1845 by Sandro Botticelli. It is displayed at Le Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence, Italy. When it comes to the most sensuous painting category, it competes with “The Kiss”. The Birth of Venus significantly differs from other works of Botticelli: the painting is on canvas and not wood as popularly used. Secondly, there is the daring element of nudity in the painting with only intimate parts of the body barely covered by a hand. Such a scene was rare during the time of the painting.
9. Las Meninas
The painting was done by Diego Velazquez in 1656. It is displayed in Museo del Prado, Madrid. This makes Madrid a unique city since it hosts two of the world’s most famous paintings; Guernica and Las Meninas. Las Meninas is the largest and most famous piece of art by Diego. Its complexity has left art critics around the world fascinated for ages. King Phillip IV, who reigned from 1621 to 1665, officially commissioned the painting. It was taken to the Prado in 1819 after having stayed in the royal palace since its commissioning.
10. The Creation of Adam
The painting was done between 1508 and 1512 by Michelangelo, a renowned artist. The painting covers a section of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. To view it, you have to look up the ceiling. The painting shows a scene where God and Abraham have stretched out their arms, trying to reach each other, with their fingers almost touching. Many images in history have replicated this painting. Having been dull because of candle smoke, the chapel’s ceiling was extensively cleaned in 1989. Michelangelo then embarked on the painting which fascinated many using vibrant and bright colors.
William Henry Gates III is an American business magnate, investor, author, philanthropist, and humanitarian. He is best known as the principal founder of Microsoft Corporation.
