These are some of the world’s greatest works of art – from Michelangelo to Bernini. It is a personal selection of art that moves me.
Pieta – Michelangelo
Michelangelo’s Pieta – The magnificent depiction of Mother Mary holding her crucified son, Jesus Christ. Beauty, elegance, restrained yet intense emotion.
source: Pieta (Creative Commons) wiki
Mona Lisa – Leonardo Da Vinci
The enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa has captured the imagination of the world. The Mona Lisa gives a glimpse of immortality in an anonymous lady.
The Lady With An Ermine – Leonardo Da Vinci
One of Leonard’s portraits.
David – Michelangelo
The sublime depiction of the human form. Michelangelo transcended the great classic masters of the past with this flawless sculpture.
Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo
Michelangelo ‘s four-year epic. Unsurpassed scale and greatness that leaves visitors breathless.
Michelangelo Basilique San Pietro in Vincoli
Rome, Basilique San Pietro in Vincoli, Moïse de Michel Ange
Cafe Terrace at Night – Vincent Van Gogh
The genius of Vincent Van Gogh is captured in this atmospheric portrayal of French cafe life at night.
Bridge Across the Seine – Van Gogh
Bridge across the Seine at Asnieres by Vincent Van Gogh
Sunflowers – Vincent Van Gogh
The genius of Vincent Van Gogh is captured in this painting of 12 sunflowers. Has become one of the most recognisable of his works.
Ecstasy of St Therese – Bernini
The Ecstasy of St Therese – Bernini in Cornaro Chapel.
Water Lilies – Claude Monet
Claude Monet is one of the great impressionist painters. Quite a few of his pictures could be chosen. But, his Water lily pictures are perhaps the zenith of his artistic impressionism. A wonderful elucidation of light and nature
Haystacks – Monet
Haystacks by Monet
Soleil Levant – Monet
Soleil Levant – Monet
Poppies in a Field – Claude Monet
Claude Monet is one of the great impressionist painters. This wonderful pastoral scene captures the essence of how the impressionists captured the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Inspiration of St Matthew – Caravaggio
Caravaggio was commissioned to provide three paintings for the Contarelli Chapel in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi. This is one of the three paintings. The other two being the martyrdom of St Matthew and the calling of St Matthew.
Calling of St Matthew – Caravaggio
The Taking of Christ – Caravaggio
The Girl With a Pearl Earring – Jan Vermeer
Jan Vermeer was relatively unknown in his lifetime. But, this fascinating portrait (somewhat reminiscent of the Mona Lisa) is a wonderful example of the Baroque style.
View of Delft – Jan Vermeer
View of Delft – Jan Vermeer
Primavera – Botticelli
Primavera (1482) – Botticelli –
The Jewish Bride – Rembrandt
The identity of the Jewish Bride is uncertain. This may have been deliberate on the part of the artist, who created a masterpiece of human love that borders on the divine.
Christ in the Storm of the Sea of Galilee – Rembrandt
Rembrandt captures the drama and emotion of this epic scene from the Gospels. Note his effective use of light and dark to highlight the effect.
The Last Supper – Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci paints one of the most famous scenes in the bible – The Last Supper. It is after Christ has said one of the disciples will betray him.
Le Moulin de la Gallette – Auguste Renoir
A leading impressionist, Auguste Renoir captures the buzz and excitement of this outdoor scene in Paris.
By Water – August Renoir
By Water – August Renoir
Peace – Picasso
The simplicity of this symbol of peace by Pablo Picasso remains one of the most powerful pieces of art.
The Fighting Temeraire – John Turner
John Turner, an English Romantic painter, is often referred to as the ‘artist of light’. This scene is a wonderful example of his portrayal of sunlight,
Shipwreck – John Turner
Shipwreck – John Turner
The Haywain – John Constable
The Haywain by John Constable
The Cornfield – John Constable
The Cornfield – John Constable
The Crucifixion – Raphael
Crocefissione – Raphael
The School of Athens – Raphael
L’Estaque – Paul Cezanne
1883-1885 by Paul Cezanne
“The Great Wave”
Tsunami by Hokusai 19th century.jpg
The Ambassadors
The Ambassadors – Hans Holbein the Younger – 1 January 1533
Las Meninas
Las Meninas, by Diego Velázquez, from Prado 1656
Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan. “Great Works of Art,” Oxford, UK. www.biographyonline.net. Published 18 November 2008. Last updated 8 February 2019.
Greatest Works of Art
Related pages
Artists – A list of the great artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
One Comment
So awesome how Jan Vermeer and Rapheal made paintings look so real and alive.