Reference list · Romanticism

List of the 100 Most Famous Romanticism Paintings

1771 – 1895

The most famous Romanticism paintings are Eugène Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People (1830, Musée du Louvre), Francisco Goya's Saturn Devouring His Son (1819–1823, Museo del Prado), Théodore Géricault's The Raft of the Medusa (1818, The Louvre), Eugène Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People (1831, The Louvre) and John Constable's The Hay Wain (1821, National Gallery). This ranking lists the 100 best-known Romanticism paintings, painted between 1771 and 1895 by 54 artists, with the museum where each one hangs today.

Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, 1830, Musée du Louvre — famous Romanticism painting
No. 1 · Eugène DelacroixLiberty Leading the People1830 · Musée du Louvre, Paris
100works listed
54artists cited · Joseph Wright of Derby – Ivan Aivazovsky
45holding institutions, 26 cities
9in the The Louvre collection

List

The 100 best-known Romanticism paintings

Each entry records the artist, date, technique, dimensions and current collection, followed by a summary from the artwork's notice.

  1. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, 1830, Musée du Louvre
    1

    1830Oil on canvas260 × 325 cmMusée du Louvre, Paris

    Delacroix doesn't offer a detached observation; he plunges us directly into the heart of the conflict, amidst smoke, rubble, and determined revolutionaries. Rejecting the cool, calculated precision of Neoclassicism, Delacroix embraced passion, drama, and emotional intensity. The figures surrounding her represent a cross-section of French society united in their fight for freedom: The Bourgeois Gentleman: Representing the educated middle class joining the cause. The Worker with a Saber: Symbolizing the working class’s vital role in the uprising. Due to its scale and emotional weight, Liberty Leading the People requires a prominent display.

    Notable elementsdiverse group of revolutionariesfrench tricolor flagallegorical figure of Libertybarricade

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  2. Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya, 1819–1823, Museo del Prado
    2

    1819–1823Oil on canvas143.5 × 81.4 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    It adorned the walls of his own home, “Quinta del Sordo” (House of the Deaf Man), reflecting a deeply private and troubled state of mind. The artwork depicts the Greek myth of Cronus (Roman Saturn), who, fearing a prophecy that his children would overthrow him, devoured them upon their birth.

    Notable elementsdestructioncannibalismmyth of Saturnpowertyranny

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  3. The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, 1818, The Louvre
    3

    1818Oil on canvas491 × 716 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Completed in 1819, this over-life-size canvas (491 x 716 cm) immortalizes the harrowing aftermath of the 1816 wreck of the French frigate Méduse, a tragedy born from incompetence and corruption that shocked France. It became a national outrage when it was revealed that the captain, appointed due to political connections rather than naval experience, abandoned 150 passengers and crew on a hastily constructed raft.

    Notable elementspolitical scandalcannibalism (implied)shipwreck of the Méduse frigatesurvivors adrift

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  4. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, 1831, The Louvre
    4

    1831Oil on canvas260 × 325 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Painted in 1830, this monumental piece commemorates the July Revolution that toppled King Charles X, marking a pivotal moment in French history. The composition is a whirlwind of action, with figures arranged in a dynamic triangular formation that draws the viewer's eye to the central figure—a bare-breasted woman personifying Liberty.

    Notable elementsmixed social classes among revolutionariesdramatic use of light and shadowred flag of the French Revolution

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  5. The Hay Wain by John Constable, 1821, National Gallery
    5

    1821Oil on canvas130 × 185 cmNational Gallery, London

    Unlike earlier landscape traditions focused on idealized views, Constable sought to capture the authentic beauty of his native Suffolk, imbuing it with a personal and deeply felt connection. This dedication established him as a pivotal figure in the development of English landscape painting.

    Notable elementsdramatic skyriverhorse-drawn cartcottage

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  6. The Third of May 1808 (Execution of the Defenders of Madrid) by Francisco Goya, 1814, Museo del Prado
    6

    1814Oil on canvas266 × 345 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    Embracing the tenets of Romanticism, Goya eschews Neoclassical ideals of order and restraint in favor of raw emotion and dramatic intensity. The faceless, robotic French firing squad represents dehumanization and the cold efficiency of military power.

    Notable elementsdramatic lightingfaceless soldierscentral figure with raised arms

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  7. Wanderer above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich, 1818, Hamburger Kunsthalle
    7

    1818Oil on canvas94.8 × 74.8 cmHamburger Kunsthalle

    Completed around 1818, this oil on canvas resides prominently within the Hamburger Kunsthalle, cementing its place in art history as a symbol of the movement’s core ideals—a rejection of Enlightenment rationalism in favor of emotion, intuition, and communion with nature. “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” emerged during a pivotal moment in European intellectual history—the early 19th century—when artists and writers were actively challenging Enlightenment dogma.

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  8. The Third of May by Francisco Goya, 1808
    8

    1808Oil on canvas

    The painting directly commemorates the aftermath of the Dos de Mayo Uprising in Madrid on May 2nd, 1808. When Spanish citizens bravely revolted against the French occupation, Napoleon responded with ruthless retribution. This work, alongside his series The Disasters of War, offers a stark contrast to traditional glorifications of battle, focusing instead on the human cost of conflict.

    Notable elementsfaceless firing squadlantern lightcorpsescentral figure with outstretched arms

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  9. The Ninth Wave by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1850
    9

    1850Oil on canvas221 × 332 cm

    Created in 1850, this monumental seascape depicts a dramatic scene of survival and struggle against the elements. The painting showcases Aivazovsky's unparalleled ability to convey the sublime beauty and terrifying force of the ocean, making it one of his most celebrated works. Aivazovsky, a prolific artist who created around 6,000 paintings, was renowned for his marine art and held numerous solo exhibitions in Europe and the United States.

    Notable elementschristian metaphor for salvation from earthly sinturbulent waves and intense, fiery skysmall boat struggling against overwhelming forces

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  10. NIGHTMARE (THE INCUBUS) by Henry Fuseli, 1781, Detroit Institute of Arts
    10

    1781Oil on canvas101 × 127 cmDetroit Institute of Arts

    The central figure is a woman in deep sleep, her body contorted in an unnatural position that suggests distress or fear. "The Nightmare" was first exhibited in 1782 at the Royal Academy of London, where it caused a sensation due to its overt sexuality and haunting imagery. The painting reflects the folkloric beliefs of the time, particularly Germanic tales about demons and witches that tormented sleepers.

    Notable elementsthe spectral horse emerging from the curtainsthe use of chiaroscuro for dramatic lightingthe contorted pose of the sleeping womanthe demonic incubus crouching on her chest

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  11. The Kiss by Francesco Hayez, 1859, Pinacoteca di Brera
    11

    1859Oil on canvas112 × 88 cmPinacoteca di Brera, Milan

    Interestingly, early versions of the painting incorporated the colors of the French flag – a deliberate reference to the crucial alliance between France and Sardinia that fueled Italy’s unification efforts. Francesco Hayez was a pivotal figure in Italian art, renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend historical narrative with emotional intensity.

    Notable elementspassionate embrace

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  12. Death of Sardanapalus by Eugène Delacroix, 1827, The Louvre
    12

    1827Oil on canvas395 × 496 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    This act of defiant destruction forms the core narrative. Lord Byron's play amplified this story, portraying Sardanapalus as a figure consumed by sensual indulgence and resolute in the face of annihilation. Measuring an impressive 395 x 496 cm, the artwork overwhelms the viewer with its sheer size.

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  13. 3rd May 1808 in Madrid by Francisco Goya, 1808, Museo del Prado
    13

    1808Oil on canvasMuseo del Prado

    Completed in 1814 after a period of intense personal turmoil for the artist, this monumental work depicts the execution of Spanish rebels by French firing squads on May 3rd, 1808, during Napoleon’s invasion of Spain. WahooArt is proud to offer meticulously crafted, hand-painted reproductions of Goya’s “The Third of May 1808.” These reproductions capture not only the painting's visual power but also its emotional depth.

    Notable elementsfiring squadcrowd

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  14. Fishermen at Sea by J. M. W. Turner, 1796, Tate Gallery
    14

    1796Oil on canvas91 × 122 cmTate Gallery, London

    Turner was influenced by the tradition of nocturnal subjects popularized by artists such as Horace Vernet, Philip James de Loutherbourg, and Joseph Wright of Derby. It influenced subsequent generations of artists, particularly those associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, who admired Turner's ability to capture the essence of nature. Fishermen at Sea by William Turner Joseph Mallord William Turner Victorian Painting Night in Paintings (Western Art)

    Notable elementsmoonlight effect

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  15. Man and Woman Contemplating the Moon by Caspar David Friedrich, 1824, Nationalgalerie
    15

    1824Oil on canvas34 × 44 cmNationalgalerie, Berlin

    This evocative painting captures the essence of Romanticism —an era that celebrated nature's sublime beauty and the emotional depth of human experience. The artwork depicts two figures standing on a path in a dark, forested landscape under a moonlit sky. Created in 1824, this painting reflects the Romantic era's shift towards spirituality and introspection.

    Notable elementscontemplative figuresmoonlit skygnarled treescentral path

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  16. Pandemonium by John Martin, 1841, Musée du Louvre
    16

    1841Oil on canvas123 × 184 cmMusée du Louvre, Paris

    The viewer is immediately confronted by the sheer, terrifying scale of Hell’s capital, where the architecture of a fallen civilization rises amidst a landscape of fire and shadow. Technically, Pandemonium represents a pinnacle of Martin’s ability to merge historical painting with the vastness of landscape art.

    Notable elementsfiery lavalightningdemonic figures

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  17. The Naked Maja by Francisco Goya, 1798, Museo del Prado
    17

    1798Oil on canvas97 × 190 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    The composition centers the figure against a subdued, dark background, which accentuates her luminous flesh tones and enhances the sense of depth and three-dimensionality.

    Notable elementsrealistic depiction of a reclining nude womanmasterful use of lightshadowdetailed textures

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  18. Newton by William Blake, 1795
    18

    William BlakeRomanticism

    Newton

    1795Monotype, ink and watercolor on paper46 × 60 cm

    Stripped bare and hunched over a rocky outcrop – seemingly submerged in a dark, watery abyss or the vastness of space – Newton is intensely focused on geometric diagrams he meticulously drafts with a compass upon a scroll. “Newton” exemplifies Blake’s distinctive Romantic style, rejecting the rigid Neoclassicism prevalent in his time.

    Notable elementsmarine life/otherworldly formationscompassscrollnude figurerocky outcrop

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  19. Rain Steam and Speed, the Great Western Railway by J. M. W. Turner, 1843, National Gallery
    19

    1843Oil on canvas121 × 90 cmNational Gallery, London

    This innovative approach allowed Turner to convey both the tangible presence of the train and the intangible power of nature. Painted near the end of the Industrial Revolution, this work celebrates the transformative impact of rail travel on British society. The Great Western Railway, engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, symbolized progress and modernity.

    Notable elementssymbolic hare running along the trackdynamic composition with diagonal linesvibrant warm tones and cool misty backgrounddepiction of a train crossing Maidenhead Railway Bridge

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  20. The Sea of Ice by Caspar David Friedrich, 1824, Hamburger Kunsthalle
    20

    1824Oil on canvas97 × 127 cmHamburger Kunsthalle

    Executed in oil on canvas, “The Sea of Ice” exemplifies Friedrich's signature style: Romantic Realism.

    Notable elementsarctic seascapeice floesshipwreck

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  21. The Massacre at Chios by Eugène Delacroix, 1824, The Louvre
    21

    1824Oil on canvas419 × 354 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Completed in 1824, this colossal canvas – measuring over four meters tall – plunges the viewer directly into the heart of a horrific event: the Ottoman Empire's merciless assault on the island of Chios. “The Massacre at Chios” was initially met with mixed reactions upon its debut at the Salon de 1824.

    Notable elementssuffering figures

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  22. Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, 1851, Metropolitan Museum of Art
    22

    1851Oil on canvas379 × 648 cmMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York

    This version met a violent end during the chaos of World War II, when a British bombing raid in 1942 destroyed the work. The artist likely intended this imagery to spark hope in the wake of the failed Revolutions of 1848 in Europe, offering a visual example of national identity and the power of collective determination.

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  23. Young Christian Martyr by Paul Delaroche, 1855, The Louvre
    23

    1855Oil on canvas171 × 148 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Delaroche, a master of the Romantic movement yet firmly rooted in the academic traditions of his time, expertly blends dramatic narrative with an intensely personal emotional resonance. The setting—the Tiber River—is laden with historical significance, evoking the story of Saint Cecilia, who was reportedly drowned in its waters after refusing to marry a Roman official.

    Notable elementshalochiaroscuro

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  24. View of Dresden in the moonlight by Johan Christian Dahl, 1839, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
    24

    1839Oil on canvas78 × 130 cmStaatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

    View of Dresden in the moonlight is an oil on canvas landscape painting created by Johan Christian Dahl. The work was executed in 1839. The work was acquired by the collection in 1937. The painting remains in the city of Dresden, where it has been part of the institutional holdings since it was acquired in 1937.

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  25. The Last Day of Pompeii by Karl Bryullov, 1830–1833, The State Russian Museum
    25

    1830–1833Oil on canvas466 × 651 cmThe State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

    His skill in capturing likenesses is evident in works such as Princess Yuliya Pavlovna Samoilova Leaving a Ball with Adopted Daughter Amacilia Pacini from 1832 and the 1833 portrait of Georg Kleberg. In 1835, he produced Genserich's Invasion of Rome, a work characterized by Baroque -inspired drama and intense emotion.

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  26. La maja desnuda by Francisco Goya, 1797–1800, Museo del Prado
    26

    1797–1800Oil on canvasMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    Goya's technique in La maja desnuda is characterized by fluid, organic lines that follow the natural contours of the figure's body. The painting has been in the Museo del Prado in Madrid since 1901. The subject matter of La maja desnuda is a nude female figure reclining on a bed, symbolizing both beauty and fragility.

    Notable elementscontrast with La maja vestidabold gaze of the modelfull frontal nude depiction

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  27. The Fighting 'Temeraire' by J. M. W. Turner, 1838, National Gallery
    27

    1838Oil on canvas91 × 122 cmNational Gallery, London

    Painted in 1838, shortly after the Napoleonic Wars concluded, the work reflects Turner’s broader fascination with the changing landscape of Britain.

    Notable elementsship's demise

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  28. Two Men Contemplating the Moon by Caspar David Friedrich, 1819, Gemäldegalerie
    28

    1819Oil on canvas35 × 44 cmGemäldegalerie, Dresden

    Two Men Contemplating The Moon is not simply a landscape; it is an emotional threshold. The two figures, positioned with their backs to us, act as Rückenfigur —a signature Friedrich device that allows the viewer to project themselves into the scene, sharing in the characters' quiet awe.

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  29. The Cornfield by John Constable, 1826, National Gallery
    29

    1826Oil on canvas143 × 122 cmNational Gallery, London

    The composition is carefully orchestrated to draw the viewer into the scene. "The Cornfield" emerged during the Romantic era, a period that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the sublime power of nature. The painting reflects a growing appreciation for rural life in 19th-century England, as industrialization began to transform the nation's landscape.

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  30. The Witches' Sabbath by Francisco Goya, 1821, Museo del Prado
    30

    1821Oil on plaster (originally mural)44 × 31 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    The central figure, dressed in dark robes, commands attention, suggesting themes of power, mystery, and the occult. Created during a period of political and social upheaval in Spain, "Witches' Sabbath" reflects Goya's disillusionment with the values of the Spanish Inquisition and the superstitious beliefs rife in society.

    Notable elementscentral figure of a goat-like Satancoven of witches in a moonlit landscapeinverted symbols and dark atmosphere

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  31. Seventh Plague of Egypt by John Martin, 1823, Museum of Fine Arts
    31

    1823Oil on canvas144.1 × 214 cmMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston

    This is the moment of the seventh plague, a celestial onslaught that turns the sky into a swirling vortex of dark clouds and jagged flashes of light. Amidst the chaos, the people of Egypt—including the Pharaoh himself—cower in the shadows of towering buildings, seeking refuge from the fire raining from the heavens.

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  32. The Progress of Love: the Meeting by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, 1773, The Frick Collection
    32

    1773Oil on canvas317.5 × 243.8 cmThe Frick Collection, New York City

    Fragonard skillfully portrays a scene brimming with youthful exuberance—a woman seated on the ground, her gaze fixed upwards towards a man standing before her. The Comtesse du Barry, a celebrated courtesan known for her influence over Louis XV, sought to surround herself with symbols of romance and sophistication—a deliberate choice that underscores the painting's significance within its historical context.

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  33. Joan of Arc by John Everett Millais, 1865
    33

    1865Oil on canvas82 × 62 cm

    The painting captures not the fervor of the charge, but the quiet aftermath—a moment suspended between divine calling and human frailty. The overall impression is one of magnificent contradiction: the unyielding strength symbolized by the metal juxtaposed against an expression steeped in melancholy and deep contemplation.

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  34. Stańczyk by Jan Matejko, 1862, Muzeum Narodowe
    34

    Jan MatejkoRomanticism

    Stańczyk

    1862Oil on canvas88 × 120 cmMuzeum Narodowe, Warsaw

    The painting presents us with the legendary court jester, not in the midst of a comedic performance or a moment of levity, but captured in a state of deep, melancholic introspection. The composition is a masterclass in Romantic Grandeur, where every element serves to heighten the emotional tension. To understand Stańczyk is to understand the heartbeat of 19th-century Poland.

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  35. Lunar night on Capri by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1841
    35

    1841Oil26 × 38 cm

    In this nocturnal scene, a large sailing vessel glides through the dark expanse, its silhouette cutting a steady path across the water. The sky above is heavy with clouds that catch the lunar glow, casting a dramatic light over the entire maritime gathering. Created in 1841, this work emerges from a period where the emotional power of nature takes precedence over static accuracy.

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  36. The Nude Maja (La Maja Desnuda) by Francisco Goya, 1800, Museo del Prado
    36

    1800Oil on canvas98 × 191 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    The late 18th century witnessed a growing interest in realism and an increasing questioning of traditional aristocratic values. The painting’s subject, Maja Pia, was a young woman who worked as a model for Goya, and her inclusion in this work sparked considerable controversy upon its exhibition. The Nude Maja remains one of Goya’s most celebrated works, influencing generations of artists.

    Notable elementsnudityfigures

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  37. Samson and the Philistines by Carl Bloch, 1863, Statens Museum For Kunst
    37

    1863Oil on canvas245.5 × 184 cmStatens Museum For Kunst, Copenhagen

    This mastery of chiaroscuro —a technique heavily influenced by his study of Rembrandt during his travels through the Netherlands and Italy—allows the light to act as a character in its own right. There is a quiet dignity in the way Bloch approaches even the most violent or dramatic moments, choosing to focus on the spiritual gravity of the encounter rather than mere spectacle.

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  38. The Lunatic of Étretat by Hugues Merle, 1871
    38

    1871Oil on canvas

    A woman sits amidst a desolate landscape, her form conveying a sense of heavy, unyielding grief. The composition is stark, marked by the presence of a weathered log and the suggestion of a crumbling stone wall. The piece was completed during a period of immense upheaval for France, following the defeat in the Franco-Prussian War.

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  39. Angelica attached to the rock by Jules Louis Machard
    39

    Oil on canvas

    A woman, her skin pale against the dark, jagged textures of a rocky landscape, clings to the precipice. The subject is Angelica, a princess of Cathay, caught in the violent intersection of myth and fate. The narrative tension is built upon several specific elements: The physical restraint of the princess against the stone. Jules Louis Machard employs a disciplined technique to render this dramatic episode.

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  40. A Ruined Gothic Church beside a River by Moonlight by Sebastian Pether, 1841, National Trust
    40

    1841Oil on canvas112 × 142 cmNational Trust, Basingstoke

    The artist, Sebastian Pether, captured this scene in 1841. It is a work of significant scale, presented in a landscape format with original dimensions of 112.0 x 142.0 cm. The composition focuses on the interplay between the architectural remnants and the natural movement of the water under a nocturnal sky. The painting is kept in the care of the National Trust in Basingstoke, United Kingdom.

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  41. Elohim Creating Adam by William Blake, 1795, Tate Gallery
    41

    1795Watercolor420 × 535 cmTate Gallery, London

    Blake’s genius lies not simply in his technical skill – though his mastery of watercolor is undeniable – but in his ability to imbue a familiar narrative with layers of symbolic meaning. The scene depicts God (or Elohim, as the Hebrew text suggests) reaching out to form Adam from a mound of clay.

    Notable elementssymbolic depthdynamic movement

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  42. Proserpine by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1874, Tate Gallery
    42

    1874Oil on canvas61 × 125 cmTate Gallery, London

    The central figure, draped in an elegant, flowing blue garment, gazes out with a look that captures the very essence of longing and quiet resignation.

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  43. Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull, 1817, United States Capitol
    43

    1817Oil on canvas366 × 549 cmUnited States Capitol, Washington, D.C.

    To stand before John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence is to be transported back to the very crucible of American revolution, a moment etched indelibly into the nation's collective memory. Trumbull, often revered as the "Painter of the Revolution," captures the solemnity of July 4th, 1776, with a precision that feels both immediate and eternal.

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  44. Cross in the Mountains by Caspar David Friedrich, 1808, Gemäldegalerie
    44

    1808Oil on canvas115 × 110 cmGemäldegalerie, Dresden

    A dense forest of dark evergreen trees surrounds the base of the rock, anchoring the cross to the earth while simultaneously emphasizing its ascent towards the heavens. Commissioned by the Duke and Duchess of Thun-Hohenstein for their private chapel at Schloss Tetschen (now Těšín Castle in the Czech Republic), the Tetschen Altar represents a pivotal moment in Friedrich’s career.

    Notable elementsmountainspine treesdramatic skycross

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  45. A Storm (Shipwreck) by J. M. W. Turner, 1805, Tate Gallery
    45

    1805Oil on canvas171 × 240 cmTate Gallery, London

    The painting aligns with the Romantic movement's focus on emotion, individualism, and the power of nature. Reflects 19th-century Britain’s significant maritime trade and the inherent risks associated with sea travel.

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  46. Henri Iv Et Ses Enfants by Pierre Révoil
    46

    Oil on canvas

    Sunlight streams through a curtained window, casting a soft glow over a checkered floor that anchors this intimate scene. Around them, the atmosphere shifts from the formal to the deeply personal.

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  47. The Acrobats by Gustave Doré, 1874, Musée d'Art Roger-Quilliot
    47

    1874Oil on canvas225 × 184 cmMusée d'Art Roger-Quilliot, Clermont-Ferrand

    The scene unfolds with an almost photographic precision, meticulously rendered with Doré’s characteristic use of dramatic chiaroscuro, where pools of light illuminate the figures while deep shadows envelop them, intensifying their expressions and creating a palpable sense of atmosphere. "The Acrobats" was created during a pivotal period in European history – the mid- 19th century, a time of rapid industrialization, social upheaval, and artistic experimentation.

    Notable elementsdetailed sceneobjects

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  48. El Gran Dragón Rojo y la Mujer Vestida de Sol by William Blake, 1805–1810, WahooArt.com
    48

    1805–1810Hand-painted oil reproductionWahooArt.com

    This particular piece, commissioned as part of a larger project illustrating books of the Bible, is not simply a depiction of a scene from Revelation; it’s a complex allegory brimming with potent symbolism and charged with emotional intensity. The seven heads and ten horns are often interpreted as symbols of papal authority and corruption—a critique of the established Church that was central to Blake’s beliefs.

    Notable elementsred dragonwoman in sun

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  49. The Barque of Dante by Eugène Delacroix, 1822, Musée du Louvre
    49

    1822Oil on canvas189 × 241.5 cmMusée du Louvre, Paris

    Delacroix, born amidst the political upheaval following the French Revolution, rejected the rigid order and idealized forms favored by his contemporary Jacques-Louis David. Instead, he embraced emotion, drama, and a vibrant palette inspired by masters like Peter Paul Rubens and Titian. Virgil, stoic and resolute, steadies a fearful Dante as they navigate the turbulent waters towards the fiery city of Dis – a visual representation of Hell itself.

    Notable elementsdantevirgildamned Soulsriver Styx

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  50. The slave ship by J. M. W. Turner, 1840, Museum of Fine Arts
    50

    1840Oil on canvas90.8 × 122.6 cmMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston

    The work before us is titled The Slave Ship, an oil on canvas by J. While often referred to by this shorter name, the full title is Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying, Typhoon Coming On. It was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1840. This work is deeply rooted in the brutal realities of the Atlantic slave trade and the Middle Passage.

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  51. Bathory at Pskov by Jan Matejko, 1872, Nicolaus Copernicus Museum
    51

    1872Oil on canvas322 × 512 cmNicolaus Copernicus Museum, Frombork

    The composition is dynamic and crowded, with a central focus on two prominent figures seated at a table covered with documents and objects. The papal legate, Antonio Possevino, is also depicted, highlighting the role of the Catholic Church in these historical events. To see the original painting, visit the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland.

    Notable elementspresence of papal legate Antonio Possevinoallegorical representation of historical events

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  52. The Sirens and Ulysses by William Etty, 1837, Manchester Art Gallery
    52

    1837Oil on canvas297 × 442.5 cmManchester Art Gallery

    Utilizing dramatic diagonal lines, Etty guides the eye across a landscape defined by chaos and grandeur.

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  53. Ophelia by John William Waterhouse, 1894
    53

    John William WaterhousePre-Raphaelite Romanticism

    Ophelia

    1894Oil on canvas73 × 124 cm

    Waterhouse's approach aligns with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood’s emphasis on meticulous detail and a return to medieval artistic ideals – a desire for sincerity and beauty over academic convention. A recurring motif in art associated with mourning and sorrow, the willow tree’s drooping branches mirror Ophelia's despair and foreshadow her drowning.

    Notable elementswillowfloral motifs

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  54. The Stages of Life (Die Lebensstufen) by Caspar David Friedrich, 1835, Museum der bildenden Künste
    54

    1835Oil on canvas72 × 94 cmMuseum der bildenden Künste, Leipzig

    In the foreground, a small group of figures—an aged man, two adults, and two children—are engaged in quiet activity, symbolizing the different stages of human life. Created in 1835 by the master of German Romanticism, this painting exemplifies Friedrich’s signature style—an intricate blend of realism and symbolism. The painting’s setting on a Baltic Sea port near Friedrich’s birthplace imbues it with personal significance, blending autobiographical elements with universal themes.

    Notable elementsallegorical figuresmaritime sceneships at different distances

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  55. Asmodea by Francisco Goya, 1820–1823, Museo del Prado
    55

    Francisco GoyaRomanticism

    Asmodea

    1820–1823Oil on canvas123 × 265 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    The central figures in "Asmodea" are two airborne beings, a man and a woman, hovering above a chaotic landscape. The man, equally distressed, points towards a distant town atop a mountain, possibly symbolizing Gibraltar, a refuge for Spanish liberals during the aftermath of the Peninsular War. The title "Asmodea" is likely derived from the demon king Asmodeus from the Book of Tobias, suggesting themes of temptation and destruction.

    Notable elementschaotic landscape belowred cloak of the female figurefrench soldiers aiming at refugeestwo flying figures

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  56. Satan Summoning His Legions by Thomas Lawrence, 1797, Royal Academy of Arts
    56

    1797Oil on canvas432 × 274 cmRoyal Academy of Arts, UK

    The atmosphere is thick with the tension of the Romantic era, a period defined by its fascination with the sublime, the terrifying, and the emotionally overwhelming. The technique employed by Lawrence demonstrates his burgeoning genius, long before he became the celebrated portraitist to the British Regency.

    Notable elementschiaroscurodramatic lightshadow

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  57. Coalbrookdale by Night by Philip James de Loutherbourg, 1801, Science Museum
    57

    1801Oil on canvas68 × 107 cmScience Museum, London

    De Loutherbourg’s style leans heavily into the Romantic aesthetic, evident in his dramatic composition and heightened emotionality. The Madeley Wood Furnaces, depicted here, were at the forefront of this transformation. Technically, de Loutherbourg employs a rich palette dominated by fiery oranges, deep blues, and smoky grays. The furnace itself represents both progress and destruction – a potent symbol of the Industrial Revolution’s transformative power.

    Notable elementsindustrial scene

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  58. Napoleon Bonaparte on the Battlefield of Eylau by Antoine-Jean Gros, 1808, The Louvre
    58

    1808Oil on canvas521 × 784 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Gros meticulously captures the aftermath of the Battle of Eylau, focusing on Napoleon surveying the battlefield littered with corpses – a poignant juxtaposition designed to convey both victory and sacrifice. However, Gros’s deliberate inclusion of Napoleon's gesture—reaching out towards one soldier—suggests an affirmation of humanity amidst devastation. Napoleon on the Battlefield of Eylau - Wikipedia Napoleon Bonaparte on the Battlefield of Eylau by GROS...

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  59. Sea view by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1895
    59

    1895Oil painting74 × 100 cm

    Sea view is an oil painting executed by Ivan Aivazovsky in 1895. The painting is part of a public collection. In 1850, he produced The Ninth Wave, a work focusing on the turbulent energy of the ocean. His interest in nocturnal settings is evident in Sea on a moonlit night, painted in 1858.

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  60. The Leaping Horse by John Constable, 1825, Roy Miles gallery
    60

    1825Oil on canvas142 × 187 cmRoy Miles gallery, London

    This isn’t a static landscape; it’s imbued with an undeniable sense of energy and life. Born in East Bergholt, Suffolk, he spent his childhood immersed in the rhythms of rural agricultural life along the River Stour.

    Notable elementsatmospheric depthloose brushwork

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  61. The Lovers' Whirlwind by William Blake, 1824, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
    61

    1824Pen & ink, watercolor374 × 530 cmBirmingham Museum and Art Gallery

    Housed within the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, this monumental canvas—measuring an impressive 374 x 530 cm—commands attention not just for its scale but for the turbulent energy radiating from its central figures. While painted, “The Lovers’ Whirlwind” reveals Blake's deep connection to printmaking. Artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones drew inspiration from Blake's work, embracing similar themes of love, loss, and spiritual yearning.

    Notable elementsdemonsangels

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  62. Faust's Vision by Luis Ricardo Falero, 1878
    62

    1878Oil on canvas145.4 × 117.5 cm

    The painting presents a breathtakingly complex scene, populated by nude figures caught in a state of divine or perhaps demonic frenzy. As they interact amidst swirling, turbulent clouds, there is an undeniable sense of movement—a rhythmic, almost ritualistic dance that suggests a moment frozen in time during a cosmic upheaval.

    Notable elementsnude figuresbirdsa horse

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  63. The Stray Kitten by William Collins
    63

    Oil on panel

    The central focus of the composition is the interaction between the human figures and a small kitten. Created in 1835, this work belongs to the tradition of genre painting, which focuses on scenes of everyday life. The piece is signed and dated 'W Collins 1835' in the lower right corner.

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  64. Cathedral in Winter by Ernst Ferdinand Oehme, 1821, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden
    64

    1821Oil on canvas127 × 100 cmStaatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

    Snow clings to the heavy, pointed arches of a Gothic cathedral. From the sheltered perspective of a cloister, the eye follows the rhythm of ribbed vaults and slender columns toward a central courtyard. The ground is a white shroud, smoothing the edges of the earth.

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  65. The Appearance of Christ Before the People by Alexander Ivanov, 1847, Tretyakov Gallery
    65

    1847Oil on canvas540 × 750 cmTretyakov Gallery, Moscow

    The oil painting on canvas titled The Appearance of Christ Before the People, also known by the alternative title The Apparition of the Messiah, was executed by the Russian painter Alexander Ivanov. The artist worked on this specific composition over a period of two decades, beginning the process in 1837 and continuing until 1857.

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  66. The Hülsenbeck Children by Philipp Otto Runge, 1805, Hamburger Kunsthalle
    66

    1805Oil on canvas131 × 143 cmHamburger Kunsthalle

    Created in 1805 by the renowned German Romantic artist Philipp Otto Runge, this work exemplifies the meticulous realism and emotional depth characteristic of early 19th-century European painting. Produced during the Romantic period, this painting reflects a shift toward celebrating individual personality and emotional expression.

    Notable elementsnaturalistic color palettechildhood innocencefamilial bondsdetailed textures

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  67. Island of the Dead by Arnold Böcklin, 1886, Museum der bildenden Künste
    67

    Arnold BöcklinSymbolist Romanticism

    Island of the Dead

    1886Painting80 × 150 cmMuseum der bildenden Künste, Leipzig

    The dramatic landscapes of this location – the sheer cliffs, the turquoise waters, and the ancient ruins – served as a direct inspiration for ‘Island of the Dead’. Symbolism and Death As a key figure in the Symbolist movement, Böcklin was deeply interested in exploring themes of death, mortality, and the afterlife.

    Notable elementslight/shadow

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  68. Snowdon from Capel Curig by John Finnie, 1870, Walker Art Gallery
    68

    1870Oil on canvas90 × 150 cmWalker Art Gallery, Liverpool

    The mountains rise from the earth with a heavy, silent permanence. In this 1870 oil on canvas, the peaks of Snowdon loom over the valley, their surfaces textured by the damp breath of the sky. Trees are scattered across the landscape, their dark forms anchoring the composition against the shifting light of the clouds. The painting captures a specific moment of stillness in the Welsh terrain.

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  69. Prize Sheep by William Henry Davis
    69

    Oil on canvas55 × 68 cm

    The scene unfolds through William Henry Davis's Prize Sheep, an oil on canvas that captures a quiet moment of agricultural pride. In this composition, William Henry Davis focuses his attention on the relationship between a man and his livestock.

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  70. Seacape with Full Moon by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1857–1858, Sakıp Sabancı Museum
    70

    1857–1858Oil on canvas64 × 95.5 cmSakıp Sabancı Museum, Istanbul

    Two small boats, barely discernible against the darkness, suggest human presence within this immense, elemental landscape, yet they are dwarfed by the overwhelming force of the ocean and the celestial spectacle above. Furthermore, Aivazovsky's deep connection to the Black Sea —his birthplace and lifelong subject—is palpable in this work.

    Notable elementsfull moon glow

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  71. Cenotaph to the Memory of Sir Joshua Reynolds by John Constable, 1836, National Gallery
    71

    1836Oil on canvas132 × 108 cmNational Gallery, London

    The painting portrays Coleorton Hall’s grounds in Leicestershire, where Sir George Beaumont erected a monument commemorating Reynolds – the first President of the Royal Academy – shortly before his death in 1827. Represents reverence and contemplation The Urn Symbol: Represents mortality and remembrance Completed in 1836, Cenotaph marks a pivotal moment in Constable’s artistic career—the culmination of his lifelong devotion to capturing the essence of English landscape.

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  72. The Dreamer by Caspar David Friedrich, 1840, Hermitage Museum
    72

    1840Oil on canvas27 × 21 cmHermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg

    The central figure in the painting sits in front of two arched windows, gazing out at the trees visible through them. The stone arches add an architectural element, while the man's contemplative pose suggests a deep connection with nature.

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  73. Great Day of His Wrath by John Martin, 1851, Tate Britain
    73

    1851Oil on canvas303 × 196 cmTate Britain, London

    As the eye wanders across the vast, turbulent landscape, one is immediately struck by the sheer scale of destruction. Scholars often suggest that the painting was influenced by the rapid industrialization of England; the sight of the "Black Country" with its fiery furnaces and dark, soot-covered skies likely provided a contemporary mirror to the biblical destruction of Babylon.

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  74. Titania and Bottom with the Ass's Head by Henry Fuseli
    74

    Oil paint on canvas

    The style leans toward the ornate elegance of the Rococo, yet it is anchored by a Neoclassical precision in the rendering of form and anatomy. The central juxtaposition of the beautiful, idealized Titania with the coarse, donkey-headed Bottom symbolizes the blurring of boundaries between the high and the low, the magical and the mundane.

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  75. The Colossus by Francisco Goya, 1812, Museo del Prado
    75

    1812Oil116 × 105 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    Painted in 1812 amidst Spain’s turbulent era, this work reflects the collective spirit of resilience and resistance during the Peninsular War.

    Notable elementsmuscular detailcolossal figurestormy skydramatic contrast

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  76. La Grande Galerie du Louvre by Hubert Robert, 1795, The Louvre
    76

    1795Oil on canvas37 × 41 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Robert’s artistic lineage is deeply rooted in the traditions of Roman landscape painting. Robert’s painting offers a rare glimpse into this period of transformation, capturing visitors navigating the gallery’s hallways – a diverse group representing various social strata of Parisian society.

    Notable elementsvisionariesruins

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  77. Numerous Townsfolk in a City in Winter by Oene Romkes de Jongh
    77

    Oil on canvas

    A dog trots near the center of the scene, its presence adding a touch of domestic life to the cold, wide street. The composition relies on several key visual elements: The silvery, overcast light that softens the edges of the stone buildings.

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  78. The Apotheosis of Homer by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, 1827, The Louvre
    78

    1827Oil on canvas386 × 512 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Measuring a monumental 386 x 512 cm, this artwork immediately commands attention with its sheer scale and the density of figures crammed within a meticulously constructed classical setting. While firmly rooted in the neoclassical tradition— Ingres was a staunch defender of classical ideals —The Apotheosis of Homer is undeniably infused with Romantic sensibilities.

    Notable elementswinged figuremourning

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  79. Paddle Steamer 'countess of Lonsdale' by Joseph Heard
    79

    Oil

    At the heart of the tumult, the paddle steamer Countess of Lonsdale cuts through the choppy waters, its two smokestacks exhaling thick plumes of dark smoke into a sky heavy with the weight of an impending storm. The vessel carries the Union Jack, a small but defiant splash of color against the brooding, slate-colored clouds.

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  80. Erastus Torrey by Samuel Finley Breese Morse, 1816
    80

    1816Oil on canvas

    The composition focuses heavily on the individual, utilizing a dark, formal palette to emphasize the subject's presence. A hint of a richly upholstered chair and a bench in the background provide a sense of domestic stability and social standing.

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  81. Shipping off Greenock by Robert Salmon, 1818
    81

    1818Oil on panel39 × 64 cm

    Shipping off Greenock is an oil on panel painting by Robert Salmon. This maritime piece depicts several ships sailing in the ocean, with mountains visible in the background. The composition includes boats of various sizes and positions, ranging from large vessels in the foreground to smaller boats scattered throughout the water. This work is currently held at the McLean Museum and Art Gallery in Scotland.

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  82. The Path through the Woods by Ivan Shishkin, 1880, The State Russian Museum
    82

    1880Oil on canvas59 × 48 cmThe State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

    It is an image steeped in tranquility, where the dappled light filtering through the canopy seems to illuminate not just the forest floor, but the very spirit of contemplation.

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  83. Hecate by William Blake
    83

    William BlakeRomanticism

    Hecate

    Watercolor

    William Blake (1757-1827), a titan of English Romanticism, wasn't merely a painter or poet; he was a visionary. The artwork depicts Hecate, the Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, crossroads, and the unseen world. Created during a period of intense artistic and intellectual ferment, Hecate reflects the core tenets of Romanticism – an emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the sublime.

    Notable elementsthree-faced figure symbolizing the moon's phases

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  84. Skarga`s Sermon by Jan Matejko, 1864, National Museum in Warsaw
    84

    1864Oil on canvas224 × 397 cmNational Museum in Warsaw

    This emotional resonance is what has allowed the painting to endure as one of Jan Matejko's most celebrated achievements, housed within the prestigious National Museum in Warsaw.

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  85. Winter Landscape by Caspar David Friedrich, 1811, Staatliches Museum Schwerin
    85

    1811Oil on canvas32.5 × 45 cmStaatliches Museum Schwerin

    The scene is a somber, snow-covered woodland, where the earth is draped in heavy, white mantles that smooth over the rugged terrain. The composition is anchored by the skeletal, gnarled forms of dead or dying trees that stretch across the foreground and midground.

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  86. Napoleon Bonaparte Visiting the Plague-stricken at Jaffa by Antoine-Jean Gros, 1799, The Louvre
    86

    1799Oil on canvas523 × 715 cmThe Louvre, Paris

    Gros, a student of the celebrated Jacques-Louis David, skillfully blends elements of Neoclassicism —evident in the structured composition and idealized figures—with burgeoning Romantic sensibilities. Napoleon's forces had recently captured Jaffa after a brutal siege, and reports quickly surfaced that he had ordered the mass poisoning of plague victims to quell rumors of French atrocities.

    Notable elementshorsered clothing

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  87. Man Proposes, God Disposes by Edwin Landseer, 1864, Royal Holloway
    87

    1864Oil on canvas91 × 244 cmRoyal Holloway, Egham

    The biting chill of the Arctic air seems to hang heavy over the scene, where the stark white of the snow meets the jagged, dark edges of the ice. In this frozen expanse, two polar bears dominate the landscape, their massive forms creating a sense of raw, primal energy. It hunches over its prize, tearing into something with a quiet, predatory focus.

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  88. The Grand Canal, Venice by J. M. W. Turner, 1835, Metropolitan Museum of Art
    88

    1835Oil on canvas91 × 122 cmMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York

    Completed in 1835, this remarkable work transports us to the heart of Venice, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant soul as seen through the eyes of one of Britain’s most visionary artists. Turner, already a celebrated figure in the Romantic movement, was deeply fascinated by Venice. “The Grand Canal” isn’t a straightforward representation of the city; instead, it's an intensely subjective interpretation, filtered through Turner’s extraordinary perception.

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  89. The Alchymist by Joseph Wright of Derby, 1771, Derby Museum and Art Gallery
    89

    1771Oil on canvas127 × 101.6 cmDerby Museum and Art Gallery

    The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and prays for the successful Conclusion of his operation, as was the custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers is an oil on canvas by Joseph Wright of Derby. First exhibited in 1771, the work captures a specific moment of scientific transition. The subject matter references a real event from 1669, when the German alchemist Hennig Brand discovered phosphorus.

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  90. The Blind Girl by John Everett Millais, 1856, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
    90

    1856Oil on canvas62 × 82 cmBirmingham Museum and Art Gallery

    Millais’s mastery is immediately apparent in the painting's astonishing level of detail. Executed in oil on canvas, “The Blind Girl” exemplifies the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood’s commitment to meticulous observation and painstaking technique. Millais's work, alongside those of his contemporaries like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Holman Hunt, challenged the prevailing academic style and paved the way for a new era of British art.

    Notable elementsbirdssymbolism

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  91. Dobozi and his Spouse by Viktor Madarász, 1868, Hungarian National Gallery
    91

    1868Oil on canvas116 × 310 cmHungarian National Gallery, Budapest

    The composition utilizes a wide horizontal format, with the low line of clouds at sunset emphasizing the deadly speed of the race. The work reflects the influence of French Romanticism, specifically the dramatic energy found in the works of Delacroix. The brushwork and composition focus on the following elements: Painted in 1868, this oil on canvas is rooted in the turbulent history of the Hungarian people.

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  92. The Magic Flute Opera by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Kupferstichkabinett
    92

    Watercolor/gouache61 × 46 cmKupferstichkabinett, Berlin

    The early 1800s witnessed the rise of Neoclassicism, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, yet simultaneously, Romanticism was gaining momentum, emphasizing emotion, imagination, and the sublime.

    Notable elementssymmetrycontrast hues

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  93. HMS Black Joke by Nicholas Matthews Condy
    93

    Likely oil paints on canvas or paper

    The ocean stretches out in a muted, grayscale expanse, a vast stage for a sudden and violent encounter. Two vessels dominate the center of the frame, their silhouettes cutting through the calm, heavy air.

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  94. Le château de Bomy by Narcisse Berchère
    94

    Oil paint on canvas

    In the foreground, a dirt path winds toward a cluster of grazing cows, their forms rendered with loose, organic shapes. A small stream cuts through the lower terrain, its movement suggested by subtle shifts in color. The spatial depth is constructed through a careful arrangement of planes: Foreground: A dirt path and grazing livestock establishing a sense of scale.

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  95. The Frigate HMS 'Falcon' Attempting to Sink by Shelling the Burning Hulk of the Troop Transport by Arthur Wellington Fowles
    95

    Oil on canvas

    Thick plumes of dark smoke rise from the stricken vessel, signaling a catastrophic event as the frigate attempts to sink the hulk through targeted shelling. Small figures of crew members are scattered across the decks and in the water, their presence providing a sense of scale to the massive, burning structures of wood and iron.

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  96. Poppies and Daisies with Carrickfergus Castle by Andrew Nicholl
    96

    Oil painting

    Poppies And Daisies With Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim In The Distance is a work by Andrew Nicholl. Born in Belfast, United Kingdom, on April 4, 1804, Nicholl established himself as a significant figure in the nineteenth-century landscape tradition. He remained active in the art community until his death on April 16, 1886.

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  97. The Monk by the Sea by Caspar David Friedrich, 1800, Alte Nationalgalerie
    97

    1800Oil on canvas110 × 171.5 cmAlte Nationalgalerie, Berlin

    A solitary figure in dark robes occupies a low dune at the edge of a vast, sandy shore. The composition follows a stark, horizontal tripartite division: a dark expanse of sea and land at the base, a heavy band of misty atmosphere in the center, and an expansive, overcast sky above.

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  98. Ulysses and the Sirens by John William Waterhouse, 1891, National Gallery of Victoria
    98

    1891Oil on canvas201 × 100 cmNational Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

    John William Waterhouse, a renowned English Pre-Raphaelite painter, created Ulysses and the Sirens in 1891. This oil painting is housed at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. The artwork measures 201 x 100 cm and is a quintessential example of Romanticism. According to Homer, there were two sirens on an island in the western sea between Aeaea and the rocks of Scylla.

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  99. Charles IV of Spain and his family by Francisco Goya, 1800, Museo del Prado
    99

    1800Oil on canvas280 × 336 cmMuseo del Prado, Madrid

    Goya had recently been appointed as the First Court Painter, a prestigious position that granted him access to the royal family and significant patronage. This commission came at a time when Spain was navigating complex political landscapes, including the aftermath of the French Revolution and growing tensions with France under Napoleon Bonaparte.

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  100. Portrait of the Artist's wife by Ivan Aivazovsky, 1882, Feodosia National Gallery I. K. Aivazovsky
    100

    1882Oil on canvas73 × 62 cmFeodosia National Gallery I. K. Aivazovsky, Feodosiia

    This oil on canvas work depicts Anna Burnazyan, who was the second wife of Ivan Aivazovsky. His 1850 work, The Ninth Wave, focuses on the movement of water and the presence of survivors amidst turbulent waves. He also produced Moonlight in Feodosia in 1852, a composition that captures the interaction of celestial light with the sea.

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Classification

Famous Romanticism paintings by classification

Collections

Current locations of the famous Romanticism paintings

Of the 100 works, 12 are held in Paris, including 9 at the The Louvre.

Artists cited

Romanticism artists represented in the list

Portrait of J. M. W. Turner

J. M. W. Turner

1775–1851 · United Kingdom · 6

British Romanticist of luminous landscapes and turbulent seascapes, using expressive color and light to capture the raw power of nature.

14. Fishermen at Sea, 19. Rain Steam and Speed, the Great Western Railway, 27. The Fighting 'Temeraire', 45. A Storm (Shipwreck), 50. The slave ship, 88. The Grand Canal, Venice

Portrait of Eugène Delacroix

Eugène Delacroix

1798–1863 · France · 5

French Romantic leader known for dramatic color, loose brushwork, and intense emotional energy in scenes of revolution and North African life.

1. Liberty Leading the People, 4. Liberty Leading the People, 12. Death of Sardanapalus, 21. The Massacre at Chios, 49. The Barque of Dante

Portrait of Ivan Aivazovsky

Ivan Aivazovsky

1817–1900 · Ukraine · 5

Russian Romantic marine painter of luminous, translucent waves and dramatic, moonlit seascapes rendered with a delicate glazing technique.

9. The Ninth Wave, 35. Lunar night on Capri, 59. Sea view, 70. Seacape with Full Moon, 100. Portrait of the Artist's wife

Portrait of William Blake

William Blake

1757–1827 · United Kingdom · 5

English Romantic visionary known for mystical illuminated prints and symbolic relief etching, blending poetry and image into a single form.

18. Newton, 41. Elohim Creating Adam, 48. El Gran Dragón Rojo y la Mujer Vestida de Sol, 61. The Lovers' Whirlwind, 83. Hecate

Portrait of John Constable

John Constable

1776–1837 · United Kingdom · 4

British Romantic landscape painter of the Stour Valley, known for textured impasto and capturing the shifting light of the English countryside.

5. The Hay Wain, 29. The Cornfield, 60. The Leaping Horse, 71. Cenotaph to the Memory of Sir Joshua Reynolds

+47further artists in the list Romanticism Artists List

Notes

Frequently asked questions on Romanticism paintings

Hover over an entry to display the answer.

Which 10 Romanticism paintings should everyone know?

Where should I go to see Romanticism masterpieces?

Most of them are in Paris (12), London (12) and Madrid (9). The museums with the most are the The Louvre, the Museo del Prado and the National Gallery.

What techniques were used in Romanticism paintings?

Of the 100 paintings, 92 are in oil, 0 in tempera or tempera and oil, and 0 are frescoes painted on the wall. 2 are on wooden panels and 85 on canvas.

How is this ranking made?

By recognition: Wikipedia articles in the most languages (Wikidata sitelinks), our manual ranking and page visits. Several records of one painting count once; details, copies and studies are excluded.

Can I buy a reproduction of a Romanticism painting?

100 of these 100 paintings are available hand-painted in oil, from $177, and 100 as a canvas print, from $42.

Reproductions

100 of the 100 works are available as reproductions

Hand-painted reproductions of 100 works in this list are available from $177.

Liberty Leading the People by Eugène DelacroixSaturn Devouring His Son by Francisco GoyaThe Raft of the Medusa by Théodore GéricaultLiberty Leading the People by Eugène DelacroixThe Hay Wain by John Constable

All Romanticism artworks

Methodology

Scope: the Romanticism paintings recorded in the WikiOO.org catalogue. Order: how well known each painting is, measured three ways — the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it, its editorial rank and the visits to its page. A work recorded several times is counted once; details, copies and studies are excluded.

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