There are countless masterpieces when it comes to paintings. Names like Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and the likes have lasted for centuries with their works worth millions of dollars and often make the headlines whenever paintings from the old masters are sold or seen. For anyone who likes or loves the arts, there are certain works which you must see and below are the 10 that would make a lot of difference if you did.
Jackson Pollock’s ‘No 5’ painted in 1948 is a combination of modern art and one of his most remarkable works. After all, Pollock is the man who brought the techniques of ‘drips’ into the art world which he exuded so marvellously in this piece. It was the most expensive painting by Pollock to date.
Andy Warhol and his interpretation of pop art has already changed the world and most particularly in the art industry around the world. There is perhaps no one who could have single-handedly influenced any industry the way Warhol did and his “Campbell’s Soup Cans” painting remains as one of the most recognized artwork of all time. the 32 cans of Campbell’s soup cans was made in 1962 and remains as one of the main references of art by students and practitioners alike.
The “Portrait de l’artiste sans barbe” which is the self-portrait without a beard by Vincent Van Gogh is also a must-see painting while Salvador Dali’s ‘The Persistence of Memory’ is at seventh. Van Gogh’s ‘Cafe Terrace’, which is at number six is perhaps one of the most iconic paintings ever done. Although it was use a simple and common view as the subject matter, it was the masterstroke of van Gogh that makes this painting one of the most expensive paintings ever. In fact, the exact spot where Van Gogh sat and set up his easel when painting this masterpiece is still around and remains as one of the most popular tourist spot in Arles, France.
At number five is Jan Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ painting. This piece of work by the Dutch painter retains some of the mystery about the girl in the portrait which have often been referred to as the ‘Dutch Mona Lisa’.
At number four is Pierre Auguste Renoir’s ‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’ painting where he painted a group of his friend relaxing along the Maison Founaise in Chatou, France. Among the people in the group was Aline Charigot, who would become Renoir’s wife in the future.
The top 3 paintings in the world that you must see are from Klimt, Van Gogh and Da Vinci respectively and these are masterpieces that have become legends in their own respectiev ways. ‘The Kiss’ by Gustav Klimt is perhaps one of the most remarkable paintings ever seen. It remains as a symbol and icon for art in many ways where a couple is sharing a kiss amidst shades of gold and other symbols. This painting is widely regarded as an expression of eroticism from Klimt who was 45 years old when he painted it.
Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ is yet another painting that you must see and it is by far the most sought-after painting by van Gogh among his many others. The painting the depicted the night view outside his sanitarium window in Arles is the most acclaimed and popular work from the great master although records showed that he was not entirely happy with the painting. He had also indicated that he thought ‘Starry Night’ was not his best work which would ironically become one of the biggest icons in art.
Of course, at the top of the top 10 list of paintings you must see is none other than Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’. This painting is perhaps one of the most celebrated pieces of artwork ever seen and it is the most famous painting of all time. In fact, the Mona Lisa has become quite the emblem of what art represents in every way. The painting is so valuable and distinguished that there are actually no actual value which can be placed on it. The last known value that the Mona Lisa is known is at more than $700million which speaks volume in itself.
One of the main reasons why the Mona Lisa is so popular was because it was done by Da Vinci at the time when the Renaissance movement was at its peak in Italy. It is now owned by the French government and hung at the globally popular The Louvre in Paris. Typically, the popularity of Mona Lisa is not only on its value but also on the portrait’s smile which exudes almost every possible emotion imaginable. The fascination of Mona Lisa’s smile has gone on for centuries since it was made and was once hung in Napoleon’s bedroom before it was stolen and then recovered later.