10 Most Famous Paintings In The World (2024)

Based on the results, the world’s 10 most-searched-for paintings include some of the most iconic and recognizable works of art. These masterpieces have captured the imagination of people across the globe, making them the subject of countless searches and discussions. The list features renowned paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” celebrated for its enigmatic smile, and Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” known for its swirling, vibrant depiction of the night sky. Edvard Munch’s haunting “The Scream” also ranks highly, reflecting its powerful expression of human anxiety. Other famous works include “The Last Supper” by da Vinci, “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dalí, and Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica,” depicting the horrors of war, and Claude Monet’s serene “Water Lilies” series are also frequently searched. Rounding out the list are Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss,” known for its golden tones and romantic theme, and Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, particularly “The Creation of Adam,” which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

1. ‘Mona Lisa’

Artist:Leonardo da Vinci

Estimated date:1503 to 1519

Where to see it: Louvre Museum (Paris)

Unsurprisingly, the most famous painting in the world is the mysterious woman with an enigmatic smile. However, there are few certainties about this iconic work of art beyond her smile.

The woman in the painting is believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Florence merchant Francesco del Giocondo, but experts are not completely certain. This artwork was groundbreaking for its time, as it is the earliest known Italian portrait to focus so closely on the subject in a half-length format, according to the Louvre, where it was first displayed in 1804.

Did you know?Before the 20th century, the “Mona Lisa” was not widely known outside art circles. However, in 1911, a former Louvre employee stole the painting and kept it hidden for two years. This theft brought the portrait into the spotlight, making it famous worldwide and introducing millions of people to Renaissance art.

2. ‘The Last Supper’

Artist:Leonardo da Vinci

Estimated date:1495 to 1498

Where to see it: Santa Maria delle Grazie (Milan, Italy)

Leonardo, known as the original “Renaissance Man,” is the only artist with two paintings featured on this list.

Painted when religious themes were prevalent in art, “The Last Supper” portrays the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion.

The painting is a massive fresco, measuring 4.6 meters (15 feet) in height and 8.8 meters (28.9 feet) in width, making it a truly memorable sight.

Did you know? The fresco has endured two major wartime threats. Napoleon’s troops used the wall it was painted on for target practice, and it was also exposed to the elements when the roof of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan was destroyed during World War II.

3. ‘The Starry Night’

Artist:Vincent van Gogh

Date:1889

Where to see it:Museum of Modern Art (New York City)

This abstract painting showcases Van Gogh’s bold and innovative use of thick brushstrokes. Its striking blues and yellows, along with the dreamy, swirling atmosphere, have captivated art lovers for decades.

Did you knowthatVan Gogh created “The Starry Night” while receiving treatment for mental illness in an asylum in Saint-Rémy, France? The painting was inspired by the view from his room’s window.

4. ‘The Scream’

Artist:Edvard Munch

Date:1893

Where to see it: National Museum (Oslo, Norway – opening in 2020) and Munch Museum (Oslo – through May 2020)

First things first—“The Scream” isn’t just one piece of art. It includes two paintings, two pastels, and several prints. The paintings are housed in the National Museum and the Munch Museum. In 2012, one of the pastels sold for nearly $120 million at auction.

Like the “Mona Lisa,” daring thefts of the two paintings of “The Scream” in 1994 and 2004 boosted public awareness of the artworks. Both versions were eventually recovered.

Did you know?The androgynous figure in this Art Nouveau-style painting isn’t making the scream but is trying to block out a piercing sound from nature. It was inspired by Munch’s real experience during a sunset stroll in Oslo, where the dramatic red hue overwhelmed his senses.

5. ‘Guernica’

Artist:Pablo Picasso

Date:1937

Where to see it: Museo Reina Sofía (Madrid)

This is the most recent painting on the list and depicts the German bombing of Guernica, a town in the Basque region, during the Spanish Civil War.

The painting features Picasso’s distinctive style and provides a stark examination of the horrors of war, making it a significant work in 20th-century culture and history.

Did you know? “Guernica” was temporarily relocated to the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York during World War II for safekeeping. Picasso requested that it remain there until democracy was restored in Spain. The painting returned to Madrid in 1981, six years after the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.

6. ‘The Kiss’

Artist:Gustav Klimt

Estimated date:1907 to 1908

Where to see it: Upper Belvedere Museum (Vienna, Austria)

At No. 6, we transition from depicting turmoil to expressing love with Gustav Klimt’s cherished masterpiece, “The Kiss.”

Klimt’s “The Kiss” comes from his “Golden Period,” where the influence of Byzantine art is evident in the richly ornate robes that envelop the life-sized, passionate couple.

According to the Upper Belvedere, Klimt’s “The Kiss” expresses a universal message about love being central to human existence. Its captivating allure suggests that many people resonate with this idea.

Did you knowthat in 2016,Oprah Winfrey sold Gustav Klimt’s 1907 Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II for $150 million, making a $60 million profit?

7. ‘Girl With a Pearl Earring’

Artist:Johannes Vermeer

Estimated date:1665

Where to see it:Mauritshuis (The Hague, Netherlands)

“Girl With a Pearl Earring” is often compared to the “Mona Lisa,” but the two have significant differences. Unlike the “Mona Lisa,” this piece isn’t technically a portrait. It’s a “tronie,” a Dutch term used to describe a painting of an imaginary figure with exaggerated features.

The oil-on-canvas masterpiece is stunning in its simplicity. The focus is on the girl, who wears a blue and gold turban and oversized pearl earrings set against a dark background.

Did you know? While the Mauritshuis was renovated from 2012 to 2014, “Girl With a Pearl Earring” went on tour in the United States, Italy, and Japan. The painting attracted large crowds, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s most famous artworks.

8. ‘The Birth of Venus’

Artist:Sandro Botticelli

Estimated date:1485

Where to see it:Le Gallerie Degli Uffizi (Florence, Italy)

“The Birth of Venus,” the oldest painting in the top 10 and a rival to “The Kiss” for its sensual appeal, was likely commissioned by a member of the influential Medici family, who were prominent patrons of the arts and rulers of Florence for centuries.

Blending a revived interest in ancient Greek culture with Early Renaissance techniques, Botticelli creates a memorable image of the Goddess of Love emerging from a giant scallop shell in “The Birth of Venus.”

Did you know? Botticelli’s “Venus” stands out from other works of its time in two significant ways.

First, Botticelli used canvas instead of the more common wood for painting. Secondly, nudity was uncommon in art during this period, making it bold for Venus to be fully exposed, with only her flowing hair and a hand partially covering her most intimate areas.

9. ‘Las Meninas’

Artist:Diego Velázquez

Date:1656

Where to see it: Museo del Prado (Madrid)

Madrid is the only city on this list to feature two of the top 10 most famous paintings. Besides “Guernica,” which ranks No. 5, Madrid is also home to “Las Meninas,” which ranks No. 9.

Displayed at the extensive Prado Museum, “Las Meninas” is not only Diego Velázquez’s most renowned work but also one of his largest. Its intricate details have intrigued both art critics and the public for centuries.

The painting serves a dual purpose: it is a group portrait of Spanish royalty and a self-portrait of Velázquez himself, who is depicted working on the left side of the canvas.

Did you know?“Las Meninas” was commissioned by King Philip IV of Spain, who reigned from 1621 to 1665. The painting remained in the royal palace until 1819 when it was moved to the Prado Museum.

10. ‘Creation of Adam’

Artist:Michelangelo

Date:1508 to 1512

Where to see it: Sistine Chapel (Vatican City)

Michelangelo’s most famous work, “The Creation of Adam,” adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. This iconic scene shows God and Adam with outstretched arms, their fingers almost touching, and is one of the most replicated images in history.

Michelangelo’s talent extends beyond painting; his “David” is one of the world’s most renowned sculptures. The towering marble statue can be seen at the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence.

Did you know? The Sistine Chapel’s ceiling had darkened over centuries due to candle smoke and other factors. After an extensive cleaning process that concluded in 1989, people were amazed to see the bright, vibrant colors Michelangelo originally used.

Five more paintings that came close

Here are five more famous paintings that nearly made it into the top 10 list:

“American Gothic”

• (Grant Wood, Art Institute of Chicago)

“Water Lilies” series

• (Claude Monet, various museums around the world)

“The Persistence of Memory”

• (Salvador Dali, Museum of Modern Art in New York)

“The Night Watch”

• (Rembrandt, Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam)

“The Garden of Earthly Delights”

• (Hieronymus Bosch,Museo del Prado, Madrid)

Conclusion

The world’s 10 famous paintings reflect a rich tapestry of artistic brilliance and historical significance. From Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic “Mona Lisa” to Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring “Creation of Adam,” these masterpieces have captured imaginations across centuries. Each painting showcases its creator’s unique style and vision and tells a compelling story that resonates globally. As they continue to inspire and fascinate, these artworks remain central to our understanding of art history and human creativity.

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