Paintings by famous artists with titles and authors. The most famous paintings in the world

Every modern man should know what painting is. The masterpieces of world significance that are presented in our article cannot leave anyone indifferent. You can also find out where to find full list paintings that are famous all over the world. Painting plays important role in everyone's life. Thanks to it, you can form a multifaceted personality.

What is painting? general information

Painting is a type of fine art. Thanks to him, the artist conveys visual images by applying paint to any surface. The emergence of painting in Russia is associated with the development of realism and iconicity. Experts identify five main types of painting:

• easel;
• monumental;
• decorative;
• theatrical and decorative;
• miniature.

For a long period of time, it was believed that the story begins with a Dutch artist named Jan van Eyck, who created his paintings in the 15th century. Many experts call him the creator of oil fine art. This theory is also described in specialized literature. However, this cannot be confirmed. There are several known artists who worked with oil paints long before van Eyck.

Great masterpieces of painting allow us to find out how people lived many years ago. Leonardo da Vinci argued that paintings are created by man, nature and time. Painting can be executed on absolutely any basis. She participates in the formation of the artificial and natural environment.

Painting is illusory. Plotinus argued that there is no need to copy nature, it is necessary to learn from it. The development of painting has long gone beyond the understanding of its main tasks of “reproducing reality.” That is why many artists abandon irrelevant methods of self-expression and influence on the viewer. New directions in painting are emerging.

Famous masterpieces of painting and this type fine arts in general can perform the following functions:

• cognitive;
• religious;
• aesthetic;
• philosophical;
• ideological;
• social and educational;
• documentary

Color has the main and most meaningful meaning in painting. It is believed that he is the bearer of the idea.

There is a wide variety:

• portrait;
• scenery;
• marina;
• historical painting;
• battle;
• still life;
• genre painting;
• architectural;
• religious;
• animalistic;
• decorative

Painting plays a huge role in self-development. Masterpieces of world significance, demonstrated to a child, help shape his personality and teach him to appreciate a particular object of art. Often painting helps alleviate the condition of a patient who has a particular disease. Art therapy not only involves familiarization with types of fine art, but also allows you to try to create a masterpiece yourself.

Leonardo da Vinci, "Mona Lisa"

Some paintings (masterpieces of world painting) contain many secrets and mysteries. It is still difficult to solve them. "Mona Lisa" is a painting painted by Leonardo da Vinci. She is considered one of the most famous works paintings all over the world. Its original is in the Louvre (Paris). There it is considered the main exhibit. This is no coincidence, because most tourists visit the Louvre every day precisely to look at the painting by Leonardo da Vinci.
Today, the Mona Lisa is not in better condition. That is why the museum’s management announced several years ago that the work of art would no longer be given away to any exhibitions. You can see the portrait only in the Louvre.
The painting became popular after it was stolen by a museum employee in 1911. The search for the stolen masterpiece continued for two years. All this time they wrote about her in magazines and newspapers and featured her on the covers. Gradually, the Mona Lisa became an object of copying and worship.

Paintings (masterpieces of world painting) are actively studied by specialists. "Mona Lisa" was created more than 500 years ago. Scientists say it changes as real woman. Over time, the portrait has faded, yellowed, and in some places there are dark spots. The wooden supports were wrinkled and cracked. It is known that the painting contains 25 secrets.

9 years ago, museum visitors were able to enjoy the original color of the painting for the first time. Unique photographs developed by Pascal Cottet allowed us to see what the masterpiece looked like before it began to fade.

Photographs taken using a unique technology make it possible to find out that after creating the masterpiece, Leonardo changed the position of Gioconda’s hand, her facial expression and smile. It is known that there is a dark spot in the area of ​​the eye in the portrait. Scientists claim that this damage occurred due to the fact that water got into the varnish coating. His education is associated with the fact that the painting hung in Napoleon’s bathroom for some time.

The artist worked on the painting for more than two years. It is included in the list of "500 masterpieces of painting of world significance." There is a theory according to which the portrait does not depict the Mona Lisa at all. The painting received its name based on the words. Scientists of our time claim that this could be a mistake, and the masterpiece depicts a completely different woman. Largest quantity Gioconda's smile raises questions. There are many versions of its interpretation. Some argue that Gioconda is depicted as pregnant and her facial expression is associated with the desire to feel the movement of the fetus, while others believe that the smile betrays the hidden homosexuality of the artist himself. Some experts are sure that the Mona Lisa is a self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci.

"The Coronation of Napoleon", Jacques Louis David

Many people are attracted to painting. Masterpieces of world significance often show the viewer an episode of some important historical event. The painting, painted by Jacques Louis David, was commissioned by the Emperor of France, Napoleon I. "The Coronation of Napoleon" shows the events of December 2, 1804. It is known that the customer asked the artist to depict the coronation better than it actually was.

David created a masterpiece inspired by a painting by Rubens. He worked on it for several years. For a long period of time, the painting remained the property of the artist. She ended up in the museum after Jacques Louis David left. His work made a good impression on many. In 1808, the artist received an order from an American entrepreneur, who asked to create an identical copy.

The painting depicts about 150 characters. It is known that each image is incredibly accurate and realistic. In the left corner of the canvas all the emperor’s relatives are depicted. Behind Napoleon sits his mother. However, she did not attend the coronation. Experts say that, most likely, this was done in connection with the wishes of Napoleon himself. It is known that he treated her very reverently.

In those days, the film enjoyed fantastic success. After Napoleon was overthrown, the painting was kept in reserve for a long period of time and was not exhibited. Nowadays, the picture, just as before, delights many.

Valentin Serov, "Girl with Peaches"

Masterpieces of Russian painting are no less popular. "Girl with Peaches" is a painting painted by Valentin Serov in 1887. Nowadays you can see her live at the State Tretyakov Gallery. The painting depicts 12-year-old Vera Mamontova. She sits at a table on which there is a knife, peaches and leaves. The girl is wearing a pink blouse with a dark blue bow.

The painting by Valentin Serov was painted in the estate of Savva Ivanovich Mamontov in Abramtsevo. In 1871, trees were planted on the estate peach trees. A specially hired person looked after them. The artist first came to the estate in 1875 with his mother.

In August 1877, 11-year-old Vera Mamontova sat down at the table, picking up a peach. Valentin Serov invited the girl to pose. Vera accepted the artist's offer. She posed every day for almost two months. After the painting was painted, the artist gave it to Elizaveta Mamontova, the girl’s mother. It hung in one of the rooms for a long time. Currently there is a copy there, and the original is located in the museum. In 1888, the author of the painting was awarded the prize of the Moscow Society of Art Lovers.

The masterpieces of Russian painting contain a large number of little-known facts. "Girl with Peaches" is no exception. It is known that Vera Mamontova, depicted on canvas, lived only 32 years. The cause of her death was pneumonia. Her husband did not marry after the death of his chosen one. He raised three children on his own.

Special literature

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to visit museums of world significance. However, many people want to see masterpieces of painting. You can find photos of some of them in our article. It is worth noting that today there is great amount printed publications, which showcased the best films from around the world. You can find both modern and ancient works there. various artists. It is worth noting that some editions are produced in limited quantities and are not easy to find.

The magazine "50 Artists. Masterpieces of Russian Painting" is a weekly publication. It will be interesting to readers of absolutely any age. In it you can find photographs of world-famous paintings, the history of their creation and interesting facts about them. The first magazine, which was released six years ago, came with a binder for storing the publications and a reproduction of one of the paintings that could be placed on your desktop or wall. Each issue describes the work of one of the artists. The volume of the magazine is 32 pages. You can find it in the Russian Federation or nearby countries. "50 Russian Artists. Masterpieces of Russian Painting" is a magazine that will definitely appeal to connoisseurs of fine art. A complete collection of issues will allow you to study basic information about the most popular artists. The cost of the magazine does not exceed 100 rubles.

“Masterpieces of Russian Painting” is a book authored by L. M. Zhukova. It contains 180 pages. The publication includes 150 high-quality images. The book-album attracts many. This is no coincidence, because it demonstrates a huge number of reproductions. Thanks to them, you can trace how Russian painting was formed. The cost of the book ranges from 700 to 1000 rubles.

"Famous Museums of Italy. Masterpieces of Painting" is a book that was published this year. It presents the best paintings from six museums in Italy. In the publication, the reader can also get acquainted with the history of the creation of museums. The book contains 304 pages.

Those who want to see works of world significance will definitely like the electronic gallery of painting masterpieces. Today there are many resources and applications that present the most famous paintings.

Viktor Vasnetsov, "Bogatyrs"

“Bogatyrs (Three Bogatyrs)” is a painting that was painted by Viktor Vasnetsov in 1898. It is one of the masterpieces of art. Vasnetsov's paintings are known to many. The work "Bogatyrs" is considered a symbol Russian art. The basis of all Vasnetsov’s work is folklore themes.

Three Russian heroes are depicted. They symbolize the strength and power of the Russian people. Above creation of this work The artist worked in art for about 30 years. The first sketch was made by Vasnetsov in 1871.

One of the heroes depicted in the painting is Ilya Muromets. He is known to us as a character in Russian epics. However, few people know that this hero really existed. Many stories about his exploits are real, and Ilya Muromets himself is a historical figure.

Dobrynya Nikitich, who is also depicted in the painting, according to folk legends was very educated and courageous. There are many things associated with his personality incredible stories. You can often hear stories about his enchanted sword and armor.

Alyosha Popovich differs from the other two heroes in age. He is young and slender. In his hands you can see a bow and arrows. There are many in the picture small parts, which will help to carefully study the character of the characters.

Mikhail Vrubel, "The Seated Demon"

Another well-known painting is “Seated Demon”. Its author is Mikhail Vrubel. It was created in 1890. You can see its original in the Tretyakov Gallery. It is believed that the picture personifies the doubts inherent in man.

Experts believe that the artist was obsessed with the image of a demon, because it is known that he wrote many similar works. There is information that during this period, Vrubel’s acquaintances noticed that the artist was developing a mental disorder. The occurrence of the disease is associated with experienced stress. It is known that Vrubel had a son with a so-called cleft lip. The artist’s relatives noted that due to the onset of a mental disorder, his craving for art increased. However, it was almost impossible to be near him. In the spring of 1902, the disease reached a critical point. The artist was placed for treatment in a psychiatric hospital. Despite difficult fate Vrubel, his paintings never cease to attract new fans of his work and art connoisseurs around the world. His works are shown at various exhibitions. "Demon Seated" is one of the most popular paintings artist.

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, "Bathing the Red Horse"

Every modern person should know the masterpieces of painting. The photos presented in our article will help you familiarize yourself with them. "Bathing the Red Horse" is a painting painted by the artist in 1912. Its author is Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin. Painting the horse in unusual color, the artist uses the traditions of Russian icon painting. The color red is a symbol of the greatness of life and sacrifice. The indomitable horse symbolizes the incomprehensibility of the Russian spirit. Bright pink color associated with the image of the Garden of Eden.

On November 10, 1912, an exhibition was held in Moscow. Above front door placed the painting by Petrov-Vodkin, believing that it would become a kind of banner. However, this opinion was wrong. The painting was not appreciated by both some visitors to the exhibition and the artists. Controversy surrounded the pioneering work. In 1914, an exhibition was held in Sweden, where 10 works by Petrov-Vodkin were presented, including “Bathing the Red Horse.” They were valued at tens of millions of dollars.
The age of the painting is more than 100 years. Today its role in the development of painting is obvious. However, even in our time there are many art connoisseurs who did not like the work of Petrov-Vodkin.

Salvador Dali, "The Persistence of Memory"

Many people are interested in painting. Masterpieces of world art continue to amaze today. All of Salvador Dali's work is paradoxical and difficult to analyze logically. The painting "The Persistence of Memory", painted in 1931, attracted the attention of many critics. Main image The works are most often explained by the complexity and non-linear nature of the time. Salvador Dali's favorite symbols are collected in one painting. The sea symbolizes immortality, the egg symbolizes life, and the olive symbolizes wisdom. The painting depicts the evening time of day. Evening is a symbol of melancholy. It determines the general mood of the work. It is known that the three clocks in the picture are the past, present and future. It is believed that the blurry object with eyelashes is a self-portrait of the sleeping author. Salvador Dali argued that sleep releases all subconscious thoughts, and a person becomes defenseless. That is why in the picture his figure is presented as a blurry object.

Surprisingly, the image of the work arose in the artist after he looked at processed cheese. He created the painting in a few hours.

The painting by Salvador Dali is small in size (24x33 cm). The work has become a symbol of surrealism. The painting was first exhibited in Paris in 1931. There it was sold for $250.

Let's sum it up

Painting plays an important role in our lives. Masterpieces of fine art remain relevant today. There are many worthy paintings that have global significance. Our article contains some of them. Each picture presented has individual details and images. It is worth noting that some of them are associated little known facts and mysteries that are not fully understood today.

Painting plays a role in the lives of children and teenagers special role. By studying masterpieces, they learn to analyze, express their point of view and form an independent and highly intelligent personality. Painting plays an important role not only in the lives of children, but also of adults. It is no secret that a modern person must be a comprehensively developed personality. It is important to study all areas of life, including painting, in order to feel worthy in educated society, and perhaps find your calling in art.

The most famous and significant paintings of the world for the history of art for your inspiration.

The immortal paintings of great artists are admired by millions of people. Art, classical and modern, is one of the most important sources of inspiration, taste and cultural education of any person, and even more so a creative one.

There are certainly more than 33 world-famous paintings. There are several hundred of them, and all of them would not fit into one review. Therefore, for ease of viewing, we have selected several that are most significant for world culture and are often copied. Each work is accompanied interesting fact, explanation artistic meaning or the history of its creation.

Raphael "Sistine Madonna" 1512

Kept in the Old Masters Gallery in Dresden.

The painting has little secret: The background, which appears to be clouds from a distance, turns out to be the heads of angels upon closer inspection. And the two angels depicted in the picture below became the motif of numerous postcards and posters.

Rembrandt "Night Watch" 1642

Kept in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

The true title of Rembrandt’s painting is “The Performance of the Rifle Company of Captain Frans Banning Cock and Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburg.” Art critics who discovered the painting in the 19th century thought that the figures were standing out against a dark background, and it was called “ The night Watch" Later it was discovered that dark picture creates a layer of soot, but the action actually takes place during the day. However, the painting has already been included in the treasury of world art under the name “Night Watch”.

Leonardo da Vinci "The Last Supper" 1495-1498

Located in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

Over the more than 500-year history of the work, the fresco has been destroyed more than once: a doorway was cut through the painting and then blocked, the refectory of the monastery where the image is located was used as an armory, a prison, and was bombed. The famous fresco restored at least five times, with the last restoration taking 21 years. Today, to view the art, visitors must reserve tickets in advance and can spend only 15 minutes in the refectory.

Salvador Dali "The Persistence of Memory" 1931

According to the author himself, the painting was painted as a result of the associations that Dali had with the sight of processed cheese. Returning from the cinema, where she went that evening, Gala quite correctly predicted that no one, once they saw The Persistence of Memory, would forget it.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder "Tower of Babel" 1563

Kept in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.

According to Bruegel, the failure that befell the construction Tower of Babel, are not guilty of suddenly arising according to biblical story language barriers, and mistakes made during the construction process. At first glance, the huge structure seems quite strong, but upon closer examination it is clear that all the tiers are laid unevenly, the lower floors are either unfinished or are already collapsing, the building itself is tilting towards the city, and the prospects for the entire project are very sad.

Kazimir Malevich “Black Square” 1915

According to the artist, he painted the picture for several months. Subsequently, Malevich made several copies of “Black Square” (according to some sources, seven). According to one version, the artist was unable to complete the painting on time, so he had to cover the work with black paint. Subsequently, after public recognition, Malevich painted new “Black Squares” on blank canvases. Malevich also painted “Red Square” (in two copies) and one “White Square”.

Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin "Bathing the Red Horse" 1912

Located in the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

Painted in 1912, the painting turned out to be visionary. The red horse acts as the Fate of Russia or Russia itself, which the fragile and young rider is unable to hold. Thus, the artist symbolically predicted with his painting the “red” fate of Russia in the 20th century.

Peter Paul Rubens "The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus" 1617-1618

Stored in Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

The painting “The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus” is considered the personification of manly passion and physical beauty. The strong, muscular arms of young men pick up young naked women to put them on horses. The sons of Zeus and Leda steal their cousins' brides.

Paul Gauguin "Where did we come from? Who are we? Where are we going?" 1898

Kept in the Museum fine arts in Boston.

According to Gauguin himself, the painting should be read from right to left - three main groups of figures illustrate the questions posed in the title. Three women with a child represent the beginning of life; middle group symbolizes the daily existence of maturity; in the final group, according to the artist’s plan, “the old woman, approaching death, seems reconciled and indulged in her thoughts,” at her feet “a strange White bird...represents the futility of words.”

Eugene Delacroix "Liberty Leading the People" 1830

Kept in the Louvre in Paris

Delacroix created a painting based on the July Revolution of 1830 in France. In a letter to his brother on October 12, 1830, Delacroix writes: “If I did not fight for my Motherland, then at least I will write for it.” The bare chest of a woman leading the people symbolizes the dedication of the French people of that time, who went bare-chested against the enemy.

Claude Monet "Impression. Rising Sun" 1872

Kept in the Marmottan Museum in Paris.

The title of the work is "Impression, soleil levant" with light hand journalist L. Leroy became the name artistic direction"impressionism". The painting was painted from life in the old outport of Le Havre in France.

Jan Vermeer "Girl with a Pearl Earring" 1665

Kept in the Mauritshuis Gallery in The Hague.

One of the most famous paintings by the Dutch artist Jan Vermeer is often called the Nordic or Dutch Mona Lisa. Very little is known about the painting: it is undated and the name of the girl depicted is unknown. In 2003 novel of the same name Tracy Chevalier was filmed Feature Film“Girl with a Pearl Earring”, in which the history of the creation of the painting is hypothetically restored in the context of biography and family life Vermeer.

Ivan Aivazovsky “The Ninth Wave” 1850

Kept in St. Petersburg in the State Russian Museum.

Ivan Aivazovsky is a world-famous Russian marine painter who devoted his life to depicting the sea. He created about six thousand works, each of which received recognition during the artist’s lifetime. The painting “The Ninth Wave” is included in the book “100 Great Paintings”.

Andrey Rublev "Trinity" 1425-1427

The Icon of the Holy Trinity, painted by Andrei Rublev in the 15th century, is one of the most famous Russian icons. The icon is a board in a vertical format. The kings (Ivan the Terrible, Boris Godunov, Mikhail Fedorovich) “overlaid” the icon with gold, silver and precious stones. Today the salary is kept in the Sergiev Posad State Museum-Reserve.

Mikhail Vrubel "Seated Demon" 1890

Kept in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

The plot of the film is inspired by Lermontov’s poem “The Demon”. The demon is an image of the strength of the human spirit, internal struggle, doubt. Tragically clasping his hands, the Demon sits with sad, huge eyes directed into the distance, surrounded by unprecedented flowers.

William Blake "The Great Architect" 1794

Kept in the British Museum in London.

The title of the painting “The Ancient of Days” literally translates from English as “Ancient of Days.” This phrase was used as the name of God. The main character of the picture is God at the moment of creation, who does not establish order, but limits freedom and marks the limits of imagination.

Edouard Manet "Bar at the Folies Bergere" 1882

Kept at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.

The Folies Bergere is a variety show and cabaret in Paris. Manet often visited the Folies Bergere and ended up painting this painting, his last before his death in 1883. Behind the bar, in the middle of a crowd of drinking, eating, talking and smoking, a barmaid stands absorbed in her own thoughts, watching the trapeze acrobat, who can be seen in the upper left corner of the picture.

Titian "Earthly Love and Heavenly Love" 1515-1516

Kept in the Galleria Borghese in Rome.

It is noteworthy that the modern name of the painting was not given by the artist himself, but began to be used only two centuries later. Until this time, the painting had different titles: “Beauty, Embellished and Unadorned” (1613), “Three Types of Love” (1650), “Divine and socialite women"(1700), and, finally, "Earthly Love and Heavenly Love" (1792 and 1833).

Mikhail Nesterov "Vision to the youth Bartholomew" 1889-1890

Kept in the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

The first and most significant work from a series dedicated to Sergius of Radonezh. Until the end of his days, the artist was convinced that “Vision to the Youth Bartholomew” was his best work. In his old age, the artist liked to repeat: “It’s not me who will live. “Youth Bartholomew” will live. Now, if thirty, fifty years after my death he still says something to people, that means he’s alive, that means I’m alive too "

Pieter Bruegel the Elder "Parable of the Blind" 1568

Kept in the Capodimonte Museum in Naples.

Other titles of the painting are “The Blind”, “Parabola of the Blind”, “The Blind Leading the Blind”. The plot of the film is believed to be based on biblical parable about the blind: “If a blind man leads a blind man, they will both fall into a pit.”

Victor Vasnetsov "Alyonushka" 1881

Kept in the State Tretyakov Gallery.

It is based on the fairy tale “About Sister Alyonushka and Brother Ivanushka.” Initially, Vasnetsov’s painting was called “Fool Alyonushka.” At that time, orphans were called “fools.” “Alyonushka,” the artist himself later said, “seemed to have lived in my head for a long time, but in reality I saw her in Akhtyrka, when I met one simple-haired girl who struck my imagination. There was so much melancholy, loneliness and purely Russian sadness in her eyes ... Some special Russian spirit emanated from her.”

Vincent van Gogh "Starry Night" 1889

Kept in the Museum contemporary art in NYC.

Unlike most of the artist's paintings, " Starlight Night"was written from memory. Van Gogh was at that time in the Saint-Rémy hospital, tormented by attacks of madness.

Karl Bryullov “The Last Day of Pompeii” 1830-1833

Kept in the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.

The painting depicts the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. e. and the destruction of the city of Pompeii near Naples. The artist's image in the left corner of the painting is a self-portrait of the author.

Pablo Picasso “Girl on a Ball” 1905

Stored in Pushkin Museum, Moscow

The painting ended up in Russia thanks to industrialist Ivan Abramovich Morozov, who purchased it in 1913 for 16,000 francs. In 1918, the personal collection of I. A. Morozov was nationalized. IN currently the painting is in the collection State Museum fine arts named after A.S. Pushkin.

Leonardo da Vinci "Madonna Litta" 1491

Kept in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

The original title of the painting was “Madonna and Child.” Modern name The painting comes from the name of its owner - Count Litta, owner of the family art gallery in Milan. There is an assumption that the figure of the baby was not painted by Leonardo da Vinci, but belongs to the brush of one of his students. This is evidenced by the baby's pose, which is unusual for the author's style.

Jean Ingres "Turkish Baths" 1862

Kept in the Louvre in Paris.

Ingres finished painting this picture when he was already over 80 years old. With this painting, the artist sums up the image of bathers, the theme of which has long been present in his work. Initially, the canvas was in the shape of a square, but a year after its completion the artist turned it into round picture- tondo.

Ivan Shishkin, Konstantin Savitsky "Morning in a pine forest" 1889

Stored in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow

"Morning in pine forest"- painting by Russian artists Ivan Shishkin and Konstantin Savitsky. Savitsky painted the bears, but the collector Pavel Tretyakov, when he acquired the painting, erased his signature, so now Shishkin alone is indicated as the author of the painting.

Mikhail Vrubel "The Swan Princess" 1900

Stored in the State Tretyakov Gallery

The picture is based on stage image the heroine of N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” based on the plot of the fairy tale of the same name by A. S. Pushkin. Vrubel created sketches for the scenery and costumes for the 1900 premiere of the opera, and his wife sang the role of the Swan Princess.

Giuseppe Arcimboldo "Portrait of Emperor Rudolf II as Vertumnus" 1590

Located in Skokloster Castle in Stockholm.

One of the few surviving works of the artist, who composed portraits from fruits, vegetables, flowers, crustaceans, fish, pearls, musical and other instruments, books, and so on. "Vertumnus" is a portrait of the emperor, represented as the ancient Roman god of seasons, vegetation and transformation. In the picture, Rudolph consists entirely of fruits, flowers and vegetables.

Edgar Degas "Blue Dancers" 1897

Located in the Museum of Art. A. S. Pushkin in Moscow.

Degas was a big fan of ballet. He is called the artist of ballerinas. The work "Blue Dancers" refers to late period Degas's work, when his eyesight weakened and he began to work in large patches of color, giving primary importance to the decorative organization of the surface of the picture.

Leonardo da Vinci "Mona Lisa" 1503-1505

Kept in the Louvre, Paris.

The Mona Lisa may not have gained worldwide fame if it had not been stolen in 1911 by an employee of the Louvre. The painting was found two years later in Italy: the thief responded to an advertisement in the newspaper and offered to sell “Gioconda” to the director of the Uffizi Gallery. All this time, while the investigation was ongoing, the “Mona Lisa” did not leave the covers of newspapers and magazines around the world, becoming an object of copying and worship.

Sandro Botticelli "Birth of Venus" 1486

Kept in Florence in the Uffizi Gallery

The painting illustrates the myth of the birth of Aphrodite. A naked goddess swims to the shore in an open shell, driven by the wind. On the left side of the painting, Zephyr (the west wind), in the arms of his wife Chloris, blows on a shell, creating a wind filled with flowers. On the shore, the goddess is met by one of the graces. The Birth of Venus is well preserved due to the fact that Botticelli applied a protective layer of egg yolk to the painting.

Michelangelo "Creation of Adam" 1511

Located in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

Although I think that the profession of a designer is not related to art, it seems to me that cultural education and the development of taste are important for every designer. Therefore, today’s post will be a little general education.

I would like every person to admire the immortal paintings of great artists. In this article I have collected the best and most iconic paintings of various masters of fine art.

Get inspired for good health (clickable)!

Leonardo da Vinci "La Gioconda"

It seems to me that we should start the review with the most probably famous painting in the world - Mona Lisa (or “Mona Lisa”) by Leonardo da Vinci. This is a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, painted approximately 1503-1505. On this moment kept in the Louvre.

A significant feature of the painting is the famous mysterious smile of Mona Lisa. In the most famous smile There are several secrets in the world that excite minds to this day. The first secret: it is difficult to understand whether Mona Lisa is actually smiling or just seems to be smiling. The second and third riddles can only be seen live, having been in the Louvre: from any place in the hall it seems that the portrait is looking at you and smiling only at you; gradually passing by the portrait from left to right, you can notice how the girl in it is getting older. I personally observed the last two phenomena and can confirm that they actually take place.

Raphael "Sistine Madonna"

This picture is often used for various Christmas cards. Or rather the angels from below. The painting was commissioned from Raphael in 1512. Currently kept in the Old Masters Gallery in Dresden.

Leonardo da Vinci "The Last Supper"

The fresco depicts Christ's last supper with his disciples. It was painted in 1495-1498 in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Approximate size 4.5 m x 8.7 m.

Sandro Botticelli "Birth of Venus"

Painting famous Italian kept in Florence in the Uffizi Gallery. The painting was painted in 1486. And it depicts the goddess of beauty born from sea foam and coming onto land.

Salvador Dali "The Persistence of Memory"

Probably the most famous painting by Salvador Dali. Personally, the picture goes straight to my brain and makes me doubt the reality of the world around me. Painted in 1931 and currently housed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Kazimir Malevich " Black square"

This canvas, measuring 79.5 x 79.5 centimeters, was iconic and gave rise to a new direction in painting. At the same time, “Black Square” is also the most controversial painting. There are quite a few people who don’t see art here and say that they will draw just as well. Since 1915, Malevich painted 7 identical paintings.

Interesting fact: many critics suggest that Malevich originally painted a different picture, and subsequently covered it with black paint. Investigations into the location were carried out repeatedly, but art historians were outraged, arguing that irreparable harm could be caused to the painting.

Vincent van Gogh "Starlight Night"

One of my favorite paintings in general. Painted by a Dutch artist in 1889. Currently kept at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Karl Bryulov " The last day of Pompeii"

The Russian painter painted this picture in 1830 after visiting Pompeii. The film tells the story of the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which buried the whole city. Currently stored in the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.

Pablo Picasso "Girl on the Ball"

The painting was painted by the famous Spanish artist in 1905 and depicts a group of traveling acrobats. Currently stored in the Pushkin Museum, Moscow.

Ivan Aivazovsky "The Ninth Wave"

The picture amazes with its riot of colors and shows the helplessness of man in the face of the elements. Painted by the world famous Russian artist in 1850. Exhibited in St. Petersburg at the State Russian Museum.

In fact, this list can be continued indefinitely. There are a huge number of works of art in the world. I recommend watching all of them live.

No inspiration? I advise you to choose a time and visit a good museum.

When the great and terrible Salvador Dali was asked whether it was difficult to paint, he replied: “It is either easy or impossible.” It is also impossible to imagine that the name of the artist may be unknown to someone. However, like the names of Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Picasso. In the end, Serov, Vasnetsov and Malevich... But even if this happened, you are not an art critic, not an artist, and in general, a person far from the world of art. But you are familiar with their work!

At least once in our lives, each of us has seen pictures without which it is difficult to imagine world culture, while their citation in mass culture is enormous. They look at us from advertising and from the pages of books, turn into Internet memes, and become art objects themselves.

Here they are - the most famous paintings in the world with names that you know for sure!

This bright face of the wife of a rich Florentine merchant is familiar to everyone civilized man. Without exaggeration, the Mona Lisa is considered the most famous painting in the world.

“Mona Lisa”, “La Gioconda” - painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

Scream

“The Scream” is a painting by Edvard Munch.

The painting “The Scream,” painted by Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch in 1893, has gained incredible popularity these days. The number of parodies, reinventions, and use of a recognizable image in advertising, even in cinema (and don’t say you haven’t heard of the horror film “Scream”) is countless. Meanwhile, the author created his masterpiece in order to get rid of the painful feeling of loneliness and suffering. Against the background of a blood-red sky, a figure with a face distorted from a scream can, of course, be interpreted in different ways.

Of all his riches artistic heritage- and this is about 800 paintings, perhaps the most famous even among the inexperienced public were the paintings “Sunflowers” ​​and “Starry Night”. But the latter is preferred for the reason that the village of Saint-Rémy was written from memory.

Starlight Night

The fantastic “Starry Night” today is a fantastically popular and famous picture.

"Starry Night" - painting by Vincent van Gogh.

Another science fiction artist is, of course, Salvador Dali. Considered to be its most popular painting work is "Persistence of Memory".

“The Persistence of Memory” - painting by Salvador Dali.

This picture is entirely a game of association. The endless passage of time is depicted here literally. It’s interesting, but it was Gala Dali, the artist’s eternal muse, who first said that the painting “The Persistence of Memory” will never be forgotten. And her words turned out to be prophetic. Painted in 1931, the painting remains more than famous even in 2017. And who would have thought that processed cheese inspired Dali to pick up a brush.

Black square

The end of the artist’s traditional objective thinking was predicted even earlier by Kazimir Malevich. You may not know this name, but it is almost impossible not to know “Black Square”. In the history of world art it is difficult to find a painting with greater fame. “Black Square” is the same Madonna, an icon, only for futurists.

Black suprematist square- the work of Kazimir Malevich.

Controversial. Ambiguous. Unique. Any epithets can be applied to this picture, except one – unknown. By the way, foreign art connoisseurs call the “Black Suprematist Square” the most famous Russian a work of art. No more, no less.

But for the common man there is no nicer and more understandable painting by another Russian artist - Ivan Shishkin. The popularity of the work “Morning in a Pine Forest” is phenomenal. However, like folk love: people far from art know this plot under a different name - “Three Bears”, and they did not see it in art gallery, and on candy wrappers.

“Morning in a pine forest” - painting by Ivan Shishkin and Konstantin Savitsky.

The canvas also has a secret! It turns out that the authorship is double. The painter Ivan Shishkin depicted the forest, and those same bears were painted by Konstantin Savitsky. The name of the second Russian artist was erased at the personal request of the gallery owner, Pavel Tretyakov. But a masterpiece – even if it is completely nameless – remains a masterpiece.

And now - an oil painting, which after 2016 absolutely everyone started talking about. “Girl with Peaches” by Valentin Serov, and until last year, was not only the most famous work Russian artist, but also one of best portraits in the world.

“Girl with Peaches” - painting by Valentin Serov.

But in the year of Serov’s 150th anniversary, the sudden excitement around the exhibition, kilometer-long queues, memes and even jokes associated with the painting and its author, brought “Girl with Peaches” to the top. By the way, the employees themselves helped with this. Tretyakov Gallery, reviving the heroine of the portrait. The girl spoke and told the story of the creation of the work.

And finally, “The Unknown” by Ivan Kramskoy is rightfully considered one of the most famous paintings. There is no less mystery in this painting than popularity. Maybe that’s why the stranger is called the Russian Gioconda?

“Unknown” - painting by Ivan Kramskoy.

For more than 130 years, it has been unknown who this girl is. And it doesn’t matter where she looks at us from: from a box of chocolates, from the Tretyakov Gallery itself, from a painting textbook. This “Unknown” is the most famous.

If you think that all great artists are in the past, then you have no idea how wrong you are. In this article you will learn about the most famous and talented artists modernity. And, believe me, their works will remain in your memory no less deeply than the works of maestros from past eras.

Wojciech Babski

Wojciech Babski – modern Polish artist. He completed his studies at the Silesian Polytechnic Institute, but associated himself with. IN Lately draws mainly women. Focuses on the expression of emotions, strives to obtain the greatest possible effect using simple means.

Loves color, but often uses shades of black and gray to achieve the best impression. Not afraid to experiment with different new techniques. Recently, he has been gaining increasing popularity abroad, mainly in the UK, where he successfully sells his works, which can already be found in many private collections. In addition to art, he is interested in cosmology and philosophy. Listens to jazz. Currently lives and works in Katowice.

Warren Chang

Warren Chang - modern American artist. Born in 1957 and raised in Monterey, California, he graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena in 1981, where he received a BFA. Over the next two decades, he worked as an illustrator for various companies in California and New York before embarking on a career as a professional artist in 2009.

His realistic paintings can be divided into two main categories: biographical interior paintings and paintings depicting people at work. His interest in this style of painting dates back to the work of the 16th century artist Johannes Vermeer, and extends to subjects, self-portraits, portraits of family members, friends, students, studio interiors, classrooms and homes. His goal is to create mood and emotion in his realistic paintings through the manipulation of light and the use of muted colors.

Chang became famous after switching to traditional fine arts. Over the past 12 years, he has earned numerous awards and honors, the most prestigious of which is the Master Signature from the Oil Painters of America, the largest oil painting community in the United States. Only one person out of 50 is given the opportunity to receive this award. Warren currently lives in Monterey and works in his studio, and he also teaches (known as a talented teacher) at the San Francisco Academy of Art.

Aurelio Bruni

Aurelio Bruni – Italian artist. Born in Blair, October 15, 1955. He received a diploma in scenography from the Institute of Art in Spoleto. As an artist, he is self-taught, as he independently “built a house of knowledge” on the foundation laid in school. He began painting in oils at the age of 19. Currently lives and works in Umbria.

Bruni's early paintings are rooted in surrealism, but over time he begins to focus on the proximity of lyrical romanticism and symbolism, enhancing this combination with the exquisite sophistication and purity of his characters. Animated and inanimate objects acquire equal dignity and look almost hyper-realistic, but at the same time they do not hide behind a curtain, but allow you to see the essence of your soul. Versatility and sophistication, sensuality and loneliness, thoughtfulness and fruitfulness are the spirit of Aurelio Bruni, nourished by the splendor of art and the harmony of music.

Aleksander Balos

Alkasander Balos is a contemporary Polish artist specializing in oil painting. Born in 1970 in Gliwice, Poland, but since 1989 he has lived and worked in the USA, in Shasta, California.

As a child, he studied art under the guidance of his father Jan, a self-taught artist and sculptor, so he early age, artistic activity received full support from both parents. In 1989, at the age of eighteen, Balos left Poland for the United States, where he school teacher and part-time artist Katie Gaggliardi encouraged Alkasander to enroll in art school. Balos then received a full scholarship to the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he studied painting with philosophy professor Harry Rosin.

After graduating in 1995 with a bachelor's degree, Balos moved to Chicago to attend the School of Fine Arts, whose methods are based on creativity. Jacques-Louis David. Figurative realism and portrait painting were most Balos' works in the 90s and early 2000s. Today Balos uses human figure in order to highlight features and show shortcomings human existence without offering any solutions.

The subject compositions of his paintings are intended to be independently interpreted by the viewer, only then will the paintings acquire their true temporal and subjective meaning. In 2005, the artist moved to Northern California, since then the subject matter of his work has expanded significantly and now includes freer painting methods, including abstraction and various multimedia styles that help express ideas and ideals of existence through painting.

Alyssa Monks

Alyssa Monks – modern American artist. Born in 1977, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. I began to be interested in painting when I was still a child. Studied at the New School in New York and State University Montclair and graduated from Boston College in 1999 with a B.A. At the same time she studied painting at the academy Lorenzo Medici in Florence.

Then she continued her studies in the master's degree program at the New York Academy of Art, in the department of Figurative Art, graduating in 2001. She graduated from Fullerton College in 2006. For some time she lectured at universities and educational institutions throughout the country, she taught painting at the New York Academy of Art, as well as Montclair State University and Lyme Academy of Art College.

“Using filters such as glass, vinyl, water and steam, I distort human body. These filters allow you to create large areas of abstract design, with islands of color peeking through - parts of the human body.

My paintings change modern look to the already established, traditional poses and gestures of bathing women. They could tell an attentive viewer a lot about such seemingly self-evident things as the benefits of swimming, dancing, and so on. My characters are pressed against the glass of the shower window, distorting own body, realizing that they thereby influence the notorious male gaze on a naked woman. Thick layers of paint are mixed to imitate glass, steam, water and flesh from afar. However, up close, the amazing physical properties oil paint. By experimenting with layers of paint and color, I find a point where abstract brushstrokes become something else.

When I first started painting the human body, I was immediately fascinated and even obsessed with it and believed that I had to make my paintings as realistic as possible. I “professed” realism until it began to unravel and reveal contradictions in itself. I am now exploring the possibilities and potential of a style of painting where representational painting and abstraction meet – if both styles can coexist at the same moment in time, I will do so.”

Antonio Finelli

Italian artist – “ Time Observer” – Antonio Finelli was born on February 23, 1985. Currently lives and works in Italy between Rome and Campobasso. His works have been exhibited in several galleries in Italy and abroad: Rome, Florence, Novara, Genoa, Palermo, Istanbul, Ankara, New York, and can also be found in private and public collections.

Pencil drawings " Time Observer"Antonio Finelli takes us on an eternal journey through inner world human temporality and the associated scrupulous analysis of this world, the main element of which is the passage through time and the traces it makes on the skin.

Finelli paints portraits of people of any age, gender and nationality, whose facial expressions indicate passage through time, and the artist also hopes to find evidence of the mercilessness of time on the bodies of his characters. Antonio defines his works by one thing, common name: “Self-portrait”, because in his pencil drawings he not only depicts a person, but allows the viewer to contemplate the real results of the passage of time inside a person.

Flaminia Carloni

Flaminia Carloni is a 37-year-old Italian artist, the daughter of a diplomat. She has three children. She lived in Rome for twelve years, and for three years in England and France. She received a degree in art history from the BD School of Art. Then she received a diploma as an art restorer. Before finding her calling and devoting herself entirely to painting, she worked as a journalist, colorist, designer, and actress.

Flaminia's passion for painting arose in childhood. Her main medium is oil because she loves to “coiffer la pate” and also play with the material. Similar technique she recognized the work of the artist Pascal Torua. Flaminia is inspired by great masters of painting such as Balthus, Hopper, and François Legrand, as well as various artistic movements: street art, Chinese realism, surrealism and Renaissance realism. Her favorite artist Caravaggio. Her dream is to discover the therapeutic power of art.

Denis Chernov

Denis Chernov - talented Ukrainian artist, born in 1978 in Sambir, Lviv region, Ukraine. After graduating from Kharkov art school in 1998 he remained in Kharkov, where he currently lives and works. He also studied in Kharkov state academy design and arts, department of graphics, graduated in 2004.

He regularly participates in art exhibitions, at the moment there have been more than sixty of them, both in Ukraine and abroad. Most of Denis Chernov's works are kept in private collections in Ukraine, Russia, Italy, England, Spain, Greece, France, USA, Canada and Japan. Some of the works were sold at Christie's.

Denis works in a wide range of graphic and painting techniques. Pencil drawings are one of his most favorite painting methods, a list of his topics pencil drawings is also very diverse, he paints landscapes, portraits, nudes, genre compositions, book illustrations, literary and historical reconstructions and fantasies.