Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Artemisia Gentileschi.
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Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Artemisia Gentileschi. (Photo: (clockwise from top left) (1) The Met viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain; (2)The Art Institute of ChicagoviaWikimedia Commons, Public domain; (3) Argentina. Revista Vea y Lea viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain; (4) viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
When we think about the greatest of all time, what does that really mean?
What earns someone that title?
Is it sheer genius and innovation?
Leonardo da Vinci, “Mona Lisa,” ca. 1503-1516 (Photo:Galerie de tableaux en très haute définitionviaWikimedia Commons)
Hard work and perseverance?
In the history of art, there are a lot of incredible painters.
So who are the greatest painters of all time?
Michelangelo, “The Creation of Adam,” c. 1511 (Photo: Public domain viaWikimedia Commons)
Many of these artists were considered avant-garde because they pushed boundaries and made startling innovations.
Though relatively few Michelangelo paintings survive, those that do are considered some of the best in the world.
She was also young and producing professional art by the age of 15.
Raphael, “Self Portrait,” 1504–1506 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Turneris known as a forerunner of modern art.
Coming from traditionalNeoclassical painting, Turner began striving for realism in his workwhich was unheard of at the time.
Through thousands ofwatercolorsand oil paintings, he experimented with light, color, and brushwork.
Artemisia Gentileschi, “Judith Slaying Holofernes,” 1614-1620 (Photo: viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
He even worked on his oil paintings outside, something that would later influence theImpressionists.
Since the early 20th century, however, his masterful paintings have been prized for their expressive emotion.
Filled with dramatic brushstrokes and bold color, thePost-Impressionistpainter’s artwork is a roadmap to modern art.
Rembrandt, “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp,” 1632 (Photo:Mauritshuis online catalogueviaWikimedia Commons)
He is most well-known for the collection of glistening, gilded works he produced during hisGolden Phase.
Whileflower paintingis a long-held tradition, no one had ever done it quite like O’Keeffe.
Id never seen anything like it before, but it fitted to me exactly.
JMW Turner, “‘Fishermen at Sea,” 1796 (Photo: viaWikiArt, Public domain)
Today, her work continues to be used as inspiration for designers and is emblematic of this Golden Age.
Bydripping painton the canvas, theAbstract Expressionistcreated dynamic, abstract artwork that revolutionized the art scene.
Famous works of art:No.
Paul Cézanne, “Mont Sainte-Victoire,” c. 1895 (Photo: viaWiki Art, Public domain)
Claude Monet, “Water Lilies,” 1906 (Photo: viaArt Institute of Chicago, Pubic domain)
Mary Cassatt “The Child’s Bath,” 1893. (Photo: viaWikimedia Commons, Pubic domain)
Vincent van Gogh, “Starry Night,” 1889 (Photo: viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Gustav Klimt, “The Kiss,” oil and gold leaf on canvas, 1907–1908 (Photo: Belvedere viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Pablo Picasso, “Le Demoiselles d’Avignon,” 1907. (Photo:MoMAviaWikimedia Commons, Fair Use)
