A list of the world’s most famous paintings

Ranking the world’s most famous paintings of all time is an arduous undertaking. Despite the advent of photography, film, and digital technology, painting has endured as a timeless form of expression. Throughout millennia, countless paintings have been created, but only a select few can be considered iconic masterpieces that have permeated public consciousness. These revered works, not coincidentally, were crafted by some of the most renowned artists in history.
The question arises: what combination of talent, genius, and circumstance leads to the birth of a masterpiece? Perhaps the answer lies in the simple fact that one can recognize a masterpiece when they see it, whether it be in the hallowed halls of New York City’s esteemed museums such as The Metropolitan Museum, the Guggenheim, MoMA, or in institutions scattered across the globe.
Naturally, we too have our own perspective on what constitutes greatness, and we proudly present our list of the finest paintings of all time.

1. Leonardo Da Vinci, Mona Lisa, 1503–19

Painted between 1503 and 1517, Leonardo da Vinci’s captivating portrait has been plagued by two enduring questions: Who is the subject and what is the secret behind her enigmatic smile? Over the years, numerous theories have emerged to address the former inquiry. Some suggest that she is the wife of the Florentine merchant Francesco di Bartolomeo del Giocondo, hence the alternative title of the artwork, La Gioconda. Others propose that she is Leonardo’s own mother, Caterina, brought to life through his nostalgic recollections of her during his childhood. Lastly, there is the intriguing notion that the painting is a self-portrait in disguise.

As for that famous smile, its mysterious allure has captivated minds for centuries. The reason behind Mona Lisa’s expression remains elusive, driving people to the brink of madness. Yet, regardless of the answer, her serene countenance harmonizes flawlessly with the idyllic landscape that unfolds behind her. Leonardo achieves this effect through his masterful use of atmospheric perspective, skillfully dissolving the scenery into the distance.
This iconic masterpiece continues to bewitch viewers with its enigmatic subject and the artist’s unparalleled technique. The allure of the Mona Lisa lies not only in the questions it poses but also in the timeless beauty it exudes.

2. Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring, 1665

Johannes Vermeer’s study of a young woman in 1665 is remarkably lifelike and possesses a strikingly modern quality, almost akin to a photograph. This artwork has sparked a debate regarding Vermeer’s potential use of a pre-photographic device known as a camera obscura to create such a realistic image. However, setting aside this discussion, the identity of the sitter remains unknown, although some speculate that she may have been Vermeer’s maid. In this painting, Vermeer portrays the woman glancing over her shoulder, engaging the viewer with a direct gaze, as if attempting to forge an intimate connection across the centuries. From a technical standpoint, it is important to note that “Girl” is not a conventional portrait but rather an exemplification of the Dutch genre known as a tronie—a headshot intended to capture the essence of facial features rather than striving for a precise likeness.

3. Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night, 1889

Vincent van Gogh’s most renowned masterpiece, “The Starry Night,” was crafted during his stay at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, where he voluntarily admitted himself in 1889. This captivating artwork appears to mirror his tumultuous mental state during that period, as the nocturnal sky bursts with vibrant swirls and celestial orbs. These frenzied brushstrokes emerge from the juxtaposition of his inner struggles and profound admiration for the wonders of nature.

4. Gustav Klimt, The Kiss, 1907–1908

Opulently gilded and extravagantly patterned, “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt is a mesmerizing portrayal of intimacy during the fin-de-siècle period. This masterpiece seamlessly combines Symbolism and Vienna Jugendstil, the Austrian variant of Art Nouveau. Klimt skillfully transforms his subjects into mythical figures, infusing them with a contemporary touch through the use of luxurious surfaces adorned with the latest graphic motifs. Undoubtedly, this artwork stands as a pinnacle of Klimt’s Golden Phase, which spanned from 1899 to 1910. During this period, the artist frequently employed gold leaf, a technique he discovered during a visit to the Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy in 1903. It was there that he encountered the awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics that inspired him to incorporate gold leaf into his own creations.

5. Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus, 1484–1486

Botticelli’s masterpiece, The Birth of Venus, holds a significant place in art history as the first full-length, non-religious painting since antiquity. Commissioned by Lorenzo de Medici, this captivating artwork is said to have been inspired by the enchanting Simonetta Cattaneo Vespucci, a woman whose affections were rumored to be shared by Lorenzo and his younger brother, Giuliano.
In this mesmerizing piece, Venus, the Goddess of Love, is depicted being gracefully blown ashore on a colossal clamshell by the wind gods Zephyrus and Aura. As she arrives, the personification of spring eagerly awaits her on land, draped in a cloak. The symbolism of rebirth and the arrival of a new season is beautifully captured in this scene.
However, it comes as no surprise that such a provocative portrayal of Venus stirred controversy. Savonarola, a Dominican monk known for his fundamentalist beliefs, led a crackdown on the secular tastes of the Florentines. His campaign famously included the “Bonfire of the Vanities” in 1497, during which “profane” objects such as cosmetics, artworks, and books were ruthlessly burned on a pyre. Astonishingly, The Birth of Venus was slated for destruction but miraculously escaped its fiery fate.
The incident, however, deeply unsettled Botticelli, to the extent that he temporarily abandoned his passion for painting. The profound impact of this event on the artist’s psyche is a testament to the power and influence of Savonarola’s campaign.
Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus not only showcases his exceptional artistic talent but also serves as a symbol of defiance against the oppressive forces that sought to suppress secular art. Its survival against all odds is a testament to the enduring power of beauty and the resilience of artistic expression.

6. James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, 1871

Whistler’s Mother, also known as Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1, exemplifies the artist’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of art for art’s sake. Painted by James Abbott McNeill Whistler in his London studio in 1871, this masterpiece transcends the boundaries of traditional portraiture, transforming into a captivating exploration of form. Within the painting, Whistler skillfully arranges various elements, including his mother Anna, in a symphony of right angles. Anna’s stern countenance harmonizes flawlessly with the composition’s rigid structure, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. Interestingly, despite Whistler’s original intention to focus solely on formalism, this painting has come to symbolize the essence of motherhood.

7. Jan van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait, 1434

One of the most notable works created during the Northern Renaissance, this composition is believed to be one of the earliest paintings executed in oils. It is a full-length double portrait, supposedly depicting an Italian merchant and a woman who may or may not be his bride. In 1934, the renowned art historian Erwin Panofsky suggested that the painting is, in fact, a wedding contract. What can be confidently stated is that this piece is among the first depictions of an interior using orthogonal perspective to establish a sense of space that appears seamlessly connected to the viewer’s own; it evokes a feeling as if one could step right into the painting.