From cave art created thousands of years ago, to pottery and masterpieces painted with oils on canvas, humans have always been creative, and always found ways to express themselves through various different art forms.
Throughout the passage of time, however, art forms have changed considerably, and while modern graphic art can of course be stunning and evocative, nothing can match the appeal of classic works of art that we all know and love. Brimming with timeless appeal and conjuring up a wide range of emotions, the following 5 paintings by some of the best painters ever, are ones everyone will surely recognize:
Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
Undoubtedly one of the world’s most widely recognized and iconic paintings, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci – situated in Louvre, Paris – is a masterpiece that has been attracting global attention for many decades. Although art is entirely subjective, few can argue with the beauty of Mona Lisa’s smile, and the way in which she gazes back at her audience.
With a real lifelike quality, the beautiful blend of colors and tones are a treat for the eyes, and there are few signs that this famous painting will wane in popularity anytime soon.
Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
With his unique style of painting and emotional depth, this stunning painting was supposedly created while the artist was residing in a mental asylum. Who knows what Van Gogh might have been experiencing at the time, but the swirls and tumultuousness of the sky over a peacefully sleeping village, indicate that he might have been feeling particularly isolated, and battling with an inner turmoil.
Admired by people of all ages, all over the globe, the paintings’ vibrant, thick brushstrokes and wonderfully contrasting colors make for an iconic painting that once seen, is difficult to forget.
The Scream by Edvard Munch
While most people may only be aware of one version of this memorable painting, Munch did in fact, create several different versions of the image, each of which were added to a compilation series entitles ‘Frieze of Life.’ The painting evokes many emotions, and represents inner turmoil and existential angst in its most potent and haunting form. With the figure’s face so grotesquely distorted, and the vivid sky set in blood-red behind it, it’s hard to admire this painting and not be overcome with the deep sense of anxiety and utter despair it seemingly represents.
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer
Such an elegant painting, it epitomizes the beauty and simplicity of what was referred to then as the Dutch Golden Age, and remains as iconic a painting as ever there was.
Attention is drawn to the small pearl earring as you stand and admire the girl and her tilted gaze, along with the clever use of both light and shadow. Displaying such attention to detail in his painting, and remarkable use of color, the artist has recreated the soft scarf perfectly, and the rounded beauty of the pearl.
The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
This iconic image created by one of the greatest painters in history, Italian born Sandro Botticelli, has been recreated in many different forms over the years, and can be seen appearing on posters, notebooks, fridge magnets and the like. Thought to have been painted in the mid-1480s, the image depicts Venus the goddess, arriving at shore following her birth. Held in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, who can fail not to recognize this masterpiece?
If you haven’t seen at least one of these pictures in a gallery yet, perhaps it’s time you scheduled a visit so you can witness their beauty firsthand?
