Alexandria Wyckoff
While art can be purely subjective, there are some pieces, and as such, artists that catch our eyes again and again. It may just be one work they are known for or a wide range of pieces, but these artists have endured the decades and even centuries, still inspiring us as we gaze upon their brushstrokes or techniques. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or not, you should recognize these six most famous artists in history for their contributions to the creative sphere.
6. Pablo Picasso
Starting our list of the most famous artists in history is Pablo Picasso. Picasso’s name is often synonymous with modern art, due in part to his innovations such as collage and Cubism. The break from traditional art allowed him to explore many mediums and forms, leading to a multitude of artworks. Some of his more famous pieces include Guernica, Bird of Peace, and Woman with Fan.
5. Edvard Munch
Fifth on our list of the most famous artists in history is Edvard Munch. While he may be most recognized for The Scream, Munch created several other artworks. He is seen as the precursor to Expressionism, becoming an influence for artists like Egon Schiele, Erich Heckel, and Max Beckmann. As for his Scream, the piece is iconic for evoking angst and fear, and some even refer to the painting as the Mona Lisa of anxiety.
4. Claude Monet
Next on our list of the most famous artists in history is Claude Monet. One of the most well-known artists from the Impressionist movement, he was also prolific in the world of Pop Art and Minimalism. Many of his paintings focus on the passing of seasons or nature, using shards of color in rapidly painted strokes to create his imagery. Some of his more famous pieces include Waterlilies, Women in Garden, and Impression Sunrise.
3. Vincent Van Gogh
Rounding out the top three on our list of the most famous artists in history is Vincent Van Gogh. While he may have been mentally unstable, Van Gogh’s paintings are some of the most famous and beloved of all time. Van Gogh is a post-Impressionist painter who used thick brushstrokes made of bright colors squeezed right from the tube. Some of his more famous pieces include Starry Night, Cafe Terrace at Night, and Sunflowers.
2. Michelangelo
Second on our list of the most famous artists in history is Michelangelo. Not just a painter, Michelangelo also dipped his toes into sculpting and architecture. Oh, and he wrote poetry, too. He is an extremely well-known artist, and while many know him for his painting of the Sistine Chapel, there are so many other iconic pieces that came from his mind. These include David and Pietà, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Julian II’s tomb, and The Last Judgement.
1. Leonardo Da Vinci
Last but not least on our list of the most famous artists in history is Leonardo Da Vinci. Not only is Leonardo da Vinci the most famous Renaissance artist, but he is also one of the most influential artists of all time. While many view him as just a painter, Da Vinci was also a scientist and inventor, creating drawings of the human body and many modern technologies. Some of his most famous artworks include the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and The Lady with an Ermine.