The Greatest Impressionist Artists - Ranker
You can rank all of these famous impressionists and artists, from Vincent van Gogh to Claude Monet.
notable works of art
Famous Impressionist artists - unsurprisingly - created famous Impressionist paintings, many of which are among the most <anchor>notable works of art</anchor> from any period in history. From French Impressionist painters (the movement originated in Paris during the 19th century) to Impressionists artists of other nationalities, these wonderful artists brought the world a unique style of painting. Works of the Impressionist period are characterized by small, yet visible brush strokes; open composition; an emphasis on accurate depiction of light and its changing qualities, ordinary subject matter, depictions of movement, and unusual visual angles.
The 185+ Best Paintings Of All Time, Ranked By Fans
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The Best Paintings Of All Time

# The Best Paintings Of All Time

Ranker Art

Updated July 3, 2024314.9K views188 items

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Vote up the best paintings from the medium's history

Art is a window to human history, emotion, and the boundless creativity of our species, and over the centuries, some works have risen to the forefront as the best paintings of all time. These pieces have transcended the era of their creation to become timeless icons. This list aspires to showcase not just the well-known masterpieces that have adorned museum walls and the pages of history books but also the famous pieces of art that have become cultural touchstones.

Compiled with a discerning eye by art enthusiasts, the collection spans a rich tapestry of work covering various periods and styles. From the grandeur of the Baroque period and the groundbreaking figures of the Renaissance, to the intimate portraits that feel almost alive, these paintings are the pinnacle of artistic achievement.

While the artist's fame often contributes to a painting’s renown, with creators like Picasso and Frida Kahlo drawing crowds, sometimes the works themselves eclipse the names behind them. Lesser-known artists such as Jan Brueghel the Younger also find their creations standing shoulder to shoulder with these giants. Additionally, explorers of this list might find new favorites in pieces like Franz Marc's vibrant Tiger or Juan Luna's evocative España y Filipinas.

From Peter Paul Rubens' meticulous detail to the expressive brushwork of Matisse, this selection captures the variety and evolution of painting throughout history. Whether you gravitate towards the classics or seek out the less heralded gems, every painting included here represents a unique story and moment in time, earning its place among the greatest.

As you peruse this gallery of history's most exquisite creations, remember that each stroke, color, and composition was a revolutionary act in its day, and together, these paintings chart the course of human expression through art.



- 1

## The Starry Night

The Starry Night, painted by the post-impressionist Vincent van Gogh in 1889, stands as one of the most recognizable and celebrated works in art history. Created during his stay at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, van Gogh's masterpiece is an emotional portrayal of the night sky as viewed from his window, characterized by swirling clouds, glowing stars, and a tranquil village beneath. The painting is a testament to Van Gogh's innovative use of color and bold, expressive brushwork that became a hallmark of the post-impressionist movement. It is lauded as one of the best paintings of all time for its powerful combination of beauty, emotion, and its ability to capture the imagination, representing a deeply personal reflection of the artist's psyche and his quest for solace through the act of painting. The ethereal and dreamlike quality of The Starry Night continues to captivate viewers, securing its status as a timeless piece of art that resonates well beyond the era of its creation.

- Artist: Vincent van Gogh
- Subject: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- Period / Movement: Post-Impressionism

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- 2

## The Creation of Adam

The Creation of Adam is a quintessential masterpiece by the Renaissance maestro, Michelangelo Buonarroti. Painted between 1508 and 1512, it forms part of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling frescoes in Vatican City, illustrating a biblical moment from the Book of Genesis where God breathes life into the first man, Adam. This iconic work is revered as one of the best paintings of all time, not only for Michelangelo's revolutionary use of anatomical precision and sublime aesthetics but also for the painting's profound embodiment of the humanistic ideals of the Renaissance period. It captures the divine spark of creation with a touch that has become emblematic of the connection between man and the divine, inspiring awe and wonder for generations. The palpable energy and emotion conveyed through the nearly touching hands of God and Adam have cemented The Creation of Adam as a timeless symbol of artistic and spiritual grandeur.

- Artist: Michelangelo
- Subject: Adam
- Period / Movement: Italian Renaissance, Renaissance

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- 3

## The Last Supper

The Last Supper, a monumental fresco by Leonardo da Vinci, stands as one of the defining works of the Renaissance period and is widely considered one of the best paintings of all time. Completed in 1498 for the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, it represents the dramatic moment at the Last Supper when Jesus announces that one of his twelve apostles would betray him. Leonardo's mastery is evident in the composition's use of perspective, the arrangement of figures in space, and the emotional intensity and character expressions he captures. The work's innovative approach to grouping the apostles into dynamic clusters and the use of chiaroscuro — the contrast of light and shadow — showcases Leonardo’s profound understanding of human emotion and his skill in conveying narrative through art. The painting's deteriorating condition over time has only amplified its mystical allure and the urgency of preserving this pivotal piece of cultural heritage. Its lasting influence on art, its historical significance for religious narrative, and the technical prowess demonstrated by da Vinci secure The Last Supper's reputation as a masterpiece of Western art.

- Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
- Subject: Jesus Christ
- Period / Movement: High Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, Renaissance

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- 4

## Girl with a Pearl Earring

Girl with a Pearl Earring is a renowned work by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, created circa 1665. This exquisite piece is often referred to as the "Dutch Mona Lisa" and is emblematic of the Baroque period, celebrated for its rich detail and use of light. The painting portrays a young girl, her eyes bathed in a soft, enigmatic gaze, turning over her shoulder to look at the viewer, with a luminescent pearl earring dangling from her ear. It is considered one of the best paintings of all time for its captivating simplicity and the masterful depiction of the girl's delicate features, which have intrigued art enthusiasts for centuries. Vermeer's ability to convey emotion and character through subtle expression and the meticulous rendering of the effects of light on texture give this artwork its timeless allure and its place in the pantheon of great portraiture. Indeed, the mystery surrounding the subject's identity and the mesmerizing quality of her gaze contribute to the painting's enduring fascination and status as a masterpiece of Western art.

- Artist: Johannes Vermeer
- Period / Movement: Dutch Golden Age

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- 5

## The Ninth Wave

The Ninth Wave, an evocative marine painting by the Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky, is a luminous showcase of Romanticism and arguably one of the artist's most famous works. Painted in 1850, it depicts a group of shipwreck survivors clinging to a fragment of their broken mast as they are illuminated by the hopeful light of the morning after a tumultuous storm. Aivazovsky's masterful rendering of the sea at its most formidable and majestic—as well as the fragile state of the survivors—captures the power and beauty of nature that Romantic artists often emphasized. The artwork is considered one of the best paintings of all time for its technical brilliance, particularly Aivazovsky's ability to portray the transparency and movement of the waves with such realism that the viewer can almost feel the spray of the sea. Its emotional impact, combined with the painter's profound understanding of light and color, evokes a sense of awe and human vulnerability, leaving a lasting impression on those who view it. Through The Ninth Wave, Aivazovsky solidified his reputation as a preeminent painter of seascapes and his contribution to the Romantic movement.

- Artist: Ivan Aivazovsky

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- 6

## The Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lily Pool, Giverny

"The Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lily Pool, Giverny" (1899) is one in a series of water lilies paintings by French Impressionist artist Claude Monet.

- Artist: Claude Monet
- Period / Movement: Impressionism

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