Reference list · Baroque
Rembrandt (1606–1669) is the most famous Baroque painter in this list; notable works include The return of the prodigal son and Night Watch. Ranks 2 to 5: Caravaggio, Diego Velázquez, Peter Paul Rubens and Johannes Vermeer. The list records 100 painters born between 1550 (Palma il Giovane) and 1727 (Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo) in 8 countries.
Method. Scope: artists whose works the encyclopedia records under Baroque. Ranking: the encyclopedia's fame ranking of artists. Artists born after 1955 without a Wikidata identifier are excluded pending verification. Wikipedia: number of the encyclopedia's 32 languages with an article on the artist.
Summary
Entries
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Dutch Born: Leiden Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Rembrandt had a way of making light feel like a physical presence in a room.
Collections His legacy is spread across many collections, with the National Gallery in London holding sixteen of his works.
Student of Pieter Lastman #99 · Teacher of Godfrey Kneller #77, Gerrit Dou #56, Carel Fabritius #29, Ferdinand Bol #65, Samuel van Hoogstraten #93
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Born: Milan Baroque, Tenebrism, Chiaroscuro Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Instead, he brings the people of the Roman streets—the laborers and the outcasts—into the realm of the sacred. His approach to light and darkness fundamentally altered the course of Western art, breaking the grip of Mannerism and setting the stage for the Baroque era.
Collections The physical remnants of his vision are scattered across Europe’s most significant institutions.
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Spanish Born: Seville Spanish Baroque / Spanish Golden Age Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
In his early years, Velázquez worked within the boundaries of an idealizing style, one rooted in the strictures of Catholic propriety. In the 19th century, French Realist painters like Gustave Courbet looked to his work as a model for their own commitment to depicting life without idealization.
Collections To stand before a Velázquez is to encounter the quiet weight of history.
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Flemish Born: Siegen Baroque Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
He did not merely observe the Italian tradition; he absorbed it through eight years of direct engagement with the works of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titian. Rubens remains the most influential figure in the Flemish Baroque tradition.
Teacher of Anthony van Dyck #11
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Dutch Born: Delft Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
He focused his attention on interior scenes, often depicting a single figure engaged in a private moment. When the light finally faded for Vermeer in Delft in December 1675, he was only forty-three.
Collections In Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum holds The Milkmaid, where the light settles on the earthenware and the bread.
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French Born: Le Havre French Baroque, French Classicism
He remained in Rome until his death in 1665, having transformed from an unformed immigrant into a central figure of the classical tradition. His presence in the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture solidified a rigorous approach to composition that defined the era.
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Italian Born: Rome Baroque Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Gentileschi’s work is firmly rooted in the traditions of the Italian Baroque, shaped by the revolutionary approach of Caravaggio. Artemisia Gentileschi is recognized among the most accomplished artists of the 17th century.
Collections The physical presence of her art remains scattered across Europe, a map of her movement and the enduring demand for her vision.
Student of Orazio Gentileschi #33
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Born: Antwerp Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Hals distinguished himself through a remarkably fresh and spontaneous style. He influenced artists such as Adriaen Brouwer and Johannes Vermeer.
Teacher of Adriaen van Ostade #97, Judith Leyster #53, Philips Wouwerman #85
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Born: Chamagne Wikipedia: 29/32 languages
Detailed Drawings: He was a prolific draughtsman, creating numerous sketches and studies in pen, watercolor wash, and chalk – many preserved in his Liber Veritatis. He also studied the works of Italian Renaissance masters like Titian and Raphael.
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French Born: Vic-sur-Seille French Baroque Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
Other theories suggest he may have sought instruction under Jacques Bellange in Nancy, or perhaps traveled to the Netherlands during the early stages of his professional life. The specific nuances of his style—the way he used light to bridge the gap between Caravaggism and French Classicism —were largely lost to the broader historical memory.
Collections The presence of his canvases is felt across several major institutions, scattered between the quiet halls of Europe and the expansive galleries of the Americas.
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Flemish Born: Antwerp Baroque Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Between 1621 and late 1627, he traveled through Italy, a period that would refine his ability to navigate the complex social hierarchies of European nobility. This mentorship provided van Dyck with a direct connection to the leading artistic currents of the seventeenth century, allowing him to observe firsthand the creation of large-scale compositions and the management of a prolific workshop.
Student of Peter Paul Rubens #4
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Spanish Born: Fuente de Cantos Spanish Baroque, Tenebrism Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
His style drew from the realism of Caravaggio and his followers, but it was also shaped by the quiet precision of Juan Sánchez Cotán and the influence of polychrome sculpture. After Velázquez, Francisco de Zurbarán was the most significant painter of the Spanish Golden Age.
Collections In Madrid, Spain, the Prado Museum houses a version of his Agnus Dei, a work that captures the stark, heavy presence of the lamb.
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Spanish Born: Seville Spanish Baroque Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
In his youth, his work carried the weight and gravity of the Baroque tradition, but he eventually found a way to soften those edges. Murillo’s reach stretched far beyond the streets of Seville, leaving a mark on the artistic landscape of Europe.
Collections In Spain, the Museo del Prado in Madrid holds several of his paintings, offering a direct connection to the spirit of the Golden Age.
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Italian Born: Venice Vedute, topographical style Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
In 1725, he painted The Stonemason's Yard, a work that shows his early skill in capturing architectural detail. In London, his hand is visible in the National Gallery and within the Royal Collection.
Collections His presence remains felt in the collections of major institutions across Europe and beyond.
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Italian Born: Bologna Baroque, Bolognese school, Classicism Wikipedia: 29/32 languages
In 1601, he moved to Rome, a city that would command his attention for fifteen years. The influence of Guido Reni spread far beyond the walls of his own studio, reaching into the very fabric of the High Baroque style in Italy.
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Italian Born: Bologna Baroque Wikipedia: 28/32 languages
This eclectic blend became the hallmark of the Bolognese School, a significant branch of Baroque art that emphasized both classical ideals and naturalistic observation. He admired the clarity of line and compositional balance found in the works of Raphael and Andrea del Sarto, seeking to emulate their grace and harmony.
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Flemish Born: Brussels Flemish Baroque Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man. His professional standing was such that he was trusted to act as an executor of the last will of Peter Paul Rubens, alongside Hendrick van Balen the Elder, Cornelis Schut, and Paulus van Halmaele.
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French Born: Paris Baroque Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
His early style reflected the influence of Vouet and Poussin, but he gradually developed a more personal approach. His decorative schemes at Versailles set a standard for royal palaces throughout Europe.
Student of Simon Vouet #27, Nicolas Poussin #6
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Dutch Born: Leiden Baroque, Genre painting Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
His early compositions from the 1640s leaned into the grotesque, utilizing exaggerated and distorted figures to drive his narratives.
Student of Adriaen van Ostade #97
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Flemish Born: Antwerp Baroque Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
He worked with a loose and expressive brushwork, a method that allowed him to capture the immediate movement of a scene. While his contemporaries often looked toward the courtly elegance of Italy, Jordaens found his strength in the soil of Flanders.
Collections In Paris, the Louvre preserves his hand, while the Museo del Prado in Madrid offers a glimpse into his ability to render the human form with such substantial presence.
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Dutch Born: Rotterdam Delft School, Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
He was the eldest of five children born to Hendrick Hendricksz de Hooch, a master bricklayer, and Annetge Pieters, a midwife. His compositions often shared thematic ground and structural similarities with the works of Emanuel de Witte, particularly in their approach to interior spaces.
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Italian Born: Naples Baroque Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
The monumental Baldacchino above the high altar of St. Born in Naples in 1598, Gian Lorenzo Bernini arrived into a world poised on the cusp of dramatic artistic change.
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Spanish Born: Xàtiva Baroque Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
He synthesized this technique with elements gleaned from other masters like Guido Reni, incorporating a classical sensibility into his compositions while retaining the visceral impact of Caravaggio's realism. He became a pivotal figure in Spanish Baroque painting, alongside masters like Velázquez, Zurbarán, and Murillo.
Teacher of Luca Giordano #26
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Dutch Born: Utrecht Baroque, Caravaggism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Alongside artists like Hendrick ter Brugghen and Dirck van Baburen, he helped to establish a distinctly Dutch interpretation of Italian Baroque style.
Student of Abraham Bloemaert #88
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Born: Perpignan Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
Arriving in Paris in 1681, he won the prestigious prix de Rome scholarship in 1682 but chose not to travel to Italy, opting instead to further develop his skills within France. Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743) was a prominent French Baroque painter of Catalan origin, celebrated for his masterful portraits that captured the essence of 18th-century French nobility and fashion.
Student of Charles Le Brun #18
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Italian Born: Naples Late Baroque Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
He moves away from the somber, tenebrist manner of his early training toward a light, airy, and delicately colored style. He acted as a bridge between the heavy, dramatic High Baroque and the lighter, more playful Rococo period.
Collections The physical presence of Giordano’s output remains scattered across the major repositories of Europe.
Student of Jusepe de Ribera #23
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French Born: Paris Baroque painting Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
Simon Vouet was a pivotal figure in the transition of French painting from Mannerism to the Baroque style. Rome (1614-1627): His time in Rome proved transformative.
Teacher of Charles Le Brun #18, Pierre Mignard I #58
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French Born: Brussels Baroque Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
The artistic journey of Philippe de Champaigne was one of continuous refinement, culminating in works that spoke to both the intellect and the soul.
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Dutch Born: Middenbeemster Baroque art Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Following his time with Rembrandt, Fabritius settled in Delft, becoming a member of the local painters’ guild in 1652. Beyond The Goldfinch, Fabritius’s oeuvre includes other compelling works that showcase his distinctive vision.
Student of Rembrandt #1
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Italian Born: Bologna Baroque Painting Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
The historical significance of Ludovico Carracci cannot be overstated.
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Italian Born: Trento Baroque Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
Andrea Pozzo, born Andreas Puteus in Trento, Italy, in 1642, emerged into a world poised between the waning Renaissance and the burgeoning Baroque. In 1693, and again in 1700, he published Perspectiva Pictorum et Architectorum (Perspective for Painters and Architects), a treatise that meticulously detailed his techniques and became an essential resource for artists throughout Europe.
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Born: Antwerp Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
The early years of Teniers's career show a painter finding his footing through the shadows of others. As the leading genre painter of his era, he moved the focus of Northern European painting away from grand mythological narratives and toward the immediate realities of the common people.
Collections The legacy of Teniers is anchored in the major collections of Europe, where his depictions of everyday life remain accessible to those tracing the history of Flemish Baroque painting.
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Italian Born: Pisa Baroque, Caravaggism Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
The revolutionary naturalism of Caravaggio burst onto the Roman art scene, challenging established conventions with its dramatic use of light and shadow – tenebrism – and unflinching realism. While retaining the dramatic intensity, Gentileschi softened the harshness of Caravaggio’s tenebrism, introducing a lighter palette and a more refined approach to detail.
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Flemish Born: Antwerp Baroque Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
The Torre de la Parada hunting pavilion in Spain stands as a testament to their combined genius—Snyders executing over sixty animal paintings based on designs by Rubens. Snyders’ influence can also be seen in the Dutch Golden Age still life tradition, where artists like Willem Claeszoon Heda and Pieter Claesz embraced a similar focus on texture, light, and composition.
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Flemish Born: Oudenaarde Baroque, Genre painting Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
He deeply admired the meticulous realism of the Flemish Primitives – artists like Jan van Eyck and Robert Campin – evident in his attention to detail and precise rendering of textures. Brouwer embraced the dramatic lighting and emotional intensity characteristic of Baroque art, injecting a dynamic energy into his compositions.
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Dutch Born: Leiden Eclectic; genre, portrait, still life Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
His focus shifted as he moved toward Amsterdam around 1655. Metsu’s presence in the Dutch Golden Age left a mark on the way painters approached the quiet corners of a room.
Collections Tracing the presence of his paintings requires traveling through several major collections.
Student of Gerrit Dou #56
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Italian Born: Bologna Baroque, Naturalism Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
He was not merely a craftsman but a visionary pedagogue, shaping the future generation of artists through the Accademia degli Incamminati, alongside Annibale and Ludovico Carracci.
Teacher of Giovanni Lanfranco #40
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French Born: Marseille Baroque Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
Versailles Commissions: Colbert brought Puget back to France, leading to commissions for Versailles, including the celebrated groups of “ Milo of Croton ” and “ Perseus and Andromeda.” These works are characterized by their dramatic intensity and expressive realism. Journey to Italy (1640): Seeking opportunities, he traveled to Italy, initially to Livorno and then Florence.
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Spanish Born: Granada Baroque Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
This proximity to power allowed him to leave an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Spain; notably, he served as the chief architect of the Granada Cathedral, designing its magnificent façade which was eventually erected following his passing.
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Italian Born: Parma Baroque painting Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
His influence can be seen in later works by Francesco Solimena and other Italian artists.
Student of Agostino Carracci #37
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Dutch Born: Rotterdam Dutch Golden Age, Still Life Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Willem Kalf’s impact extended beyond his own prolific output.
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Dutch Born: Amsterdam Golden Age Dutch Landscape Art Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
The partnership with Ruysdael was far more than a mere educational period; it fostered an intellectual and stylistic exchange that propelled Hobbema’s artistic evolution. His paintings do not merely document the topography of 17th-century Holland; they evoke a sense of stillness and permanence.
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Italian Born: Venice Rococo Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
As the son of the legendary Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Giandomenico did not merely inherit a name; he inherited a visual language of light, movement, and theatricality.
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Dutch Born: Dordrecht Baroque, Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
The subsequent decade witnessed a shift towards smaller-scale domestic genre scenes, yet retaining the vibrant colorism he had absorbed during his time with Rembrandt. His paintings offer invaluable insights into the social customs, domestic interiors, and psychological complexities of the Dutch Golden Age.
Student of Rembrandt #1
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Italian Born: Genoa High Baroque Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
The career of Baciccio represents the pinnacle of the High Baroque era, acting as a bridge between the heavy, muscular drama of the mid-17th century and the lighter, more decorative flourishes of the early Rococo. In the grand, theatrical theater of the Roman Baroque, few names command as much awe as Giovanni Battista Gaulli.
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Italian Born: Bologna Baroque and Classical Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
His influence stretched far beyond the borders of Italy, as his refined approach to composition and color became a standard for subsequent generations of European painters.
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Dutch Born: Alkmaar Baroque art Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Emanuel de Witte stands as an important figure in the last phase of architectural painting in the Netherlands, bridging the gap between meticulous documentation and atmospheric interpretation.
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Italian Born: Cortona Baroque Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
Roman Baroque Masters: His arrival in Rome exposed him to the revolutionary work of artists such as Annibale Carracci, Caravaggio, and later, Bernini and Borromini. He continued to receive prestigious commissions throughout his career, including work at the churches of Santa Maria in Vallicella and San Nicola da Tolentino in Rome.
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Italian Born: Venice Rococo Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
However, his path soon diverged towards painting, beginning studies with Antonio Molinari in 1697. While acknowledging the luminosity and brilliance of artists like Tiepolo – a dominant figure in Venetian art during this period – Piazzetta charted his own course, exploring darker, more introspective themes that Tiepolo largely avoided.
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Italian Born: Serino Baroque Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
Solimena’s artistic voice is immediately recognizable through its warm, brownish shadowing and dramatic use of light – qualities deeply indebted to the Roman Baroque masters Luca Giordano and Giovanni Lanfranco. He stands as one of the most important figures in Neapolitan Baroque painting, successfully synthesizing Roman influences with local traditions to create a distinctive style that defined artistic production in Naples for generations.
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Dutch, British Born: Soest Baroque, Dutch influence Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
While initially influenced by Van Dyck's refined manner, Lely developed a more robust and expressive style, imbuing his subjects with personality and character. Initially, he produced mythological and religious scenes, often set within idyllic pastoral landscapes – a style reminiscent of Anthony van Dyck, who had become immensely popular with the English court before his untimely death in 1641.
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Spanish Born: Seville Baroque Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
The canvases of Valdés Leal reject gentle radiance.
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Dutch Born: Haarlem Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
leyster's first known signed works, serenade and jolly topper, date back to 1629 when she was just twenty years old. by 1633, she became a member of the haarlem guild of st. luke, making her one of the first female artists to be part of this prestigious organization.
Student of Frans Hals #8
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Italian Born: Piacenza Baroque, Vedutismo Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
Born in Piacenza in 1691, his artistic journey began under the tutelage of Giuseppe Natali and Andrea Galluzzi, but it was his exposure to the theatrical designs of Francesco Galli-Bibiena that truly ignited his imagination. He was a respected teacher at both the Accademia di San Luca and the Académie de France in Rome, shaping the artistic sensibilities of a generation of artists.
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Italian Born: Naples Baroque Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
By 1648, the artist is forced to flee Naples entirely after becoming involved in a failed uprising against the Spanish rulers. The impact of Salvator Rosa ripples through the evolution of Baroque art.
Collections The physical remnants of Rosa’s restless career are scattered across the major art capitals of Europe and the Americas.
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Dutch Born: Leiden Dutch Golden Age, Leiden fijnschilders Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
He was a leading figure of the Leiden fijnschilders, a group that prioritized a refined and meticulous technique. His influence flowed directly into the work of his pupils, most notably Frans van Mieris the Elder and Gabriël Metsu.
Collections Finding the traces of Gerrit Dou's hand requires a trip through some of Europe's most significant halls.
Student of Rembrandt #1 · Teacher of Gabriel Metsu #36
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Dutch Born: The Hague Still life, Floral painting Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
While many still life painters of the era favored symmetrical arrangements, Ruysch embraced a more naturalistic approach, depicting flowers with drooping petals and wild stems that conveyed a sense of movement and vitality. Rachel Ruysch’s contribution to Dutch Golden Age art extends far beyond her technical brilliance and artistic innovation.
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French Born: Troyes Baroque Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
He quickly gained patronage from influential figures, including King Louis XIV himself, yet his ascent coincided with the dominance of Charles Le Brun, who held the prestigious title of peintre du roi. His religious works, particularly those depicting the Madonna and Child created during his Roman period, also hold a significant place in art history.
Student of Simon Vouet #27
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Italian Born: Cento Baroque Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
Though his reputation waned somewhat in the 18th and 19th centuries, a renewed appreciation for his work emerged in the 20th century, largely thanks to the tireless efforts of art historian Sir Denis Mahon.
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Dutch Born: Amsterdam Dutch Golden Age, Still life Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Van Huysum’s compositions are characterized by a refined elegance and balance. Jan van Huysum, a name synonymous with the exquisite flower paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, was born in Amsterdam on April 15, 1682.
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Dutch Born: Zwolle Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
December 1617 marks the beginning of Gerard ter Borch in Zwolle, within the province of Overijssel in the Dutch Republic. By 1632, Gerard ter Borch is in Amsterdam. He likely studies under Willem Cornelisz Duyster or Pieter Codde, absorbing the technical foundations required for a professional career.
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Italian Born: Taverna Baroque Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
His time in Naples further refined this evolution, exposing him to the vibrant work of Luca Giordano. His contributions are preserved in museums such as the Capodimonte Museum in Naples, and through reproductions made available by platforms like AllPaintingsStore.com, ensuring that his art continues to reach new generations.
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Dutch, Flemish Born: Utrecht Dutch Golden Age, Baroque Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
De Heem’s style evolved over time, reflecting both his technical skill and his growing artistic vision. “ Garland of Fruit and Flowers ” (1637) exemplifies his mastery of color and composition, while “ Still Life with Books and a Violin ” (c. 1642) showcases his ability to integrate literary and musical references into his paintings.
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Italian Born: Bologna Baroque painting Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Her father, Giovanni Andrea Sirani, was himself a respected painter and art merchant, deeply connected to the Bolognese school—a tradition profoundly influenced by the legacy of Guido Reni. She was often hailed as the “diva” of Bolognese painting—the female reincarnation of Guido Reni himself.
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Dutch Born: Dordrecht Baroque painting Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Notably, he received orders for chimney pieces for the new Amsterdam Town Hall, designed by Jacob van Campen, a testament to his growing reputation and artistic standing. Despite his success during his lifetime, Ferdinand Bol’s reputation waned considerably after his death in 1680.
Student of Rembrandt #1, Abraham Bloemaert #88 · Teacher of Godfrey Kneller #77
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Italian Born: Bologna Baroque Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
Domenichino, born Domenico Zampieri in Bologna around 1581, stands as a cornerstone of Bolognese Baroque art – a movement characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, opulent ornamentation, and an idealized depiction of human emotion. Domenichino's influence extended far beyond his immediate contemporaries, shaping the artistic sensibilities of subsequent generations.
Student of Ludovico Carracci #30
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Italian Born: Florence Mannerism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
In the twilight of the Renaissance, as the balanced harmonies of the previous century gave way to the restless energy of Mannerism, Cristofano Allori emerged as a vital voice in the Florentine school. Born in 1577 into a city steeped in artistic prestige, Allori was destined for the brush.
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French Born: Paris Baroque, Rococo Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
His compositions were often carefully structured, reflecting a Renaissance sensibility while incorporating the dynamism of the Baroque period. Nicolas de Largillière left behind a substantial body of work that offers invaluable insights into 18th-century French society.
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Flemish Born: Antwerp Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
The precise circumstances surrounding Peeters’s artistic education remain shrouded in mystery, largely due to the limitations imposed upon women during this period. She represents a crucial milestone in recognizing women's artistic capabilities during the Dutch Golden Age —the earliest significant female painter of this era.
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Italian Born: Belluno Late Baroque school of Venice Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
In 1692, he was tasked with a significant undertaking for the French crown: copying Raphael's Coronation of Charlemagne in Vatican City for Louis XIV. In Florence, his approach to fresco painting left a mark on the work of Giovanni Domenico Ferretti, a painter of the Rococo style.
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Dutch Born: Haarlem Dutch Golden Age, Baroque Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
This monumental work, brimming with meticulously rendered figures, isn't simply a record of an event; it’s a vibrant tableau that encapsulates the spirit of celebration and civic pride following the end of the Eighty Years’ War. By the mid-1640s, Van der Helst had surpassed even Rembrandt in popularity among Amsterdam's wealthy patrons—a testament to his ability to deliver portraits that resonated with their tastes and aspirations.
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Dutch Born: The Hague Still Life Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
His works continue to reside in some of the world's most prestigious institutions, including the Mauritshuis in The Hague, the Louvre in Paris, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
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French Born: Coulommiers Tenebrism Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
When he arrived in Rome around 1620, he did not merely observe the existing art scene; he immersed himself in it, joining the Bentvueghels, a boisterous and often unruly collective of expatriate artists.
Student of Simon Vouet #27
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Dutch Born: Haarlem Golden Age painting Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
Throughout his career, Heda remained largely devoted to still life painting, refining his technique and exploring variations on the breakfast piece theme.
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Dutch Born: Kralingen Baroque Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
The reach of Adriaen van der Werff extended far beyond the borders of the Netherlands.
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Italian Born: Lübeck Baroque Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Kneller’s artistic vision was profoundly shaped by the traditions of Flemish and Italian Baroque painting —particularly Rembrandt van Rijn and Caravaggio—whose dramatic use of light and shadow established a precedent for portraying emotion and psychological complexity. He embraced the Grand Manner style, characterized by monumental scale, idealized figures, and carefully orchestrated compositions designed to convey dignity and authority.
Student of Rembrandt #1, Ferdinand Bol #65
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Spanish Born: Avilés Spanish Baroque Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
Carreño de Miranda’s style is deeply rooted in the Spanish Baroque tradition, yet it possesses a unique character all its own. Initial commissions, such as those adorning the cloister of Doña María de Aragón and the Iglesia de la Virgen del Rosario in Marlofa (La Joyosa), showcased a burgeoning talent and hinted at the mastery to come.
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Dutch Born: Dieppe Italianate landscape Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
He also served as a mentor to Frederik de Moucheron, another prominent Dutch landscape painter who further popularized the Italianate style.
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Flemish Born: Antwerp Flemish Baroque Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
The significance of Jan The Younger Brueghel lies in his role as a custodian of Flemish excellence. As the son of Jan Brueghel the Elder and the grandson of the legendary Pieter Bruegel the Elder, his very existence was intertwined with the evolution of Renaissance and Baroque painting.
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Italian Born: Camerano Baroque classicism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Born on May 15, 1625, in Camerano, within the Papal States—now part of Italy—his artistic journey began with an early move to Rome at the age of eleven. His contemporary, Giovanni Bellori, recognized this synthesis, documenting Maratta's artistic approach in an early biography.
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Italian Baroque painting
Stylistic Synthesis: The seamless blending of Caravaggio’s dramatic realism with the refined traditions of the Bolognese school.
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Born: Paris Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Initially focused on portraiture, Oudry gradually expanded his repertoire to include still lifes, particularly of fruits and animals, as well as religious subjects. He contributed significantly to the decorative arts of the French court, creating luxurious tapestries that adorned royal residences.
Student of Nicolas de Largillière #69
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Dutch Born: Haarlem Dutch Golden Age Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
Early Influences: Initially emulating bamboccianti painters, Wouwerman’s early works featured depictions of daily life. Influence on Later Artists: Wouwerman’s style influenced numerous artists, including Jan van Huchtenburgh (1647–1733), the brothers Jan Frans and Joseph van Bredael (1688–1739), and Carel van Falens (1683–1733).
Student of Frans Hals #8
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Italian Born: Florence Baroque Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
While other artists sought the bustling artistic scene of Rome, Dolci remained in Florence, deeply connected to its traditions and patrons. His paintings continue to grace prestigious institutions such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, where the Contini Bonacossi Collection offers a particularly rich representation of his oeuvre.
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British Born: Barrow Baroque Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
Mary Beale’s artistic style was deeply rooted in the Baroque period, characterized by dramatic lighting, rich colors, and a keen attention to detail. She received praise from prominent artists like Sir Peter Lely and recognition in contemporary writings about British art, solidifying her position within the artistic community.
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Dutch Born: Gorinchem Baroque, Mannerism Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
Notable works such as “The Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael,” “ Venus and Adonis ”, and "Warrior & Young Standard-Bearer" exemplify this range, showcasing his ability to handle complex compositions and convey nuanced emotions with equal skill. Remarkably, his four sons – Hendrick, Frederick, Cornelis, and Adriaan – all followed in his footsteps, achieving considerable success as painters and engravers.
Teacher of Gerard van Honthorst #24
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Flemish Born: Antwerp Baroque Wikipedia: 19/32 languages
From an early age, Abraham demonstrated considerable promise, nurtured by his father, Jan Brueghel the Younger, a skilled painter himself and frequent collaborator with Peter Paul Rubens. He didn’t merely replicate existing styles; he forged a unique aesthetic that combined the decorative abundance favored by his predecessors with the dramatic movement and theatricality characteristic of his Italian contemporaries, such as Michele Pace del Campidoglio and Michelangelo Cerquozzi.
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German Born: Frankfurt Baroque painting Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
He cultivated important friendships with Giovanni Faber, a papal doctor and botanist connected to the Accademia dei Lincei – a scientific society dedicated to observation and experimentation – and Paul Bril, a Flemish landscape painter. His work was highly regarded by contemporaries, including Peter Paul Rubens, who deeply lamented his early death and praised his exceptional talent.
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Flemish Born: Kortrijk Dutch Golden Age Painting Wikipedia: 19/32 languages
Around 1604, he traveled to Prague, where he entered the orbit of the Holy Roman Emperors Rudolf II and Matthias. Upon returning to Amsterdam in 1616, Savery established himself as a prominent figure in the Dutch art scene.
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Italian Born: Venice Venetian School Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Jacopo Palma il Giovane, born Iacopo Negretti around 1548, was not merely a successor to the great masters but a vital link in the continuity of the Venetian School.
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Dutch Born: Dordrecht Dutch Golden Age, Baroque Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
A portrait from 1645, now residing in the Liechtenstein collection in Vienna, serves as a clear testament to this apprenticeship. He was a dedicated art theorist who sought to codify the principles of painting in his magnum opus, Inleyding tot de hooge schoole der schilderkonst: anders de zichtbaere werelt (Introduction to the Academy of Painting, or The Visible World), published in 1678.
Student of Rembrandt #1
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Dutch Born: Middelburg Golden Age Painting Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
The influence of Balthasar van der Ast extended far beyond his own studio in Utrecht. His ability to infuse inanimate objects with a sense of life—a quality seen in his depictions of lizards and insects crawling amidst fruit—set a new standard for the Dutch Golden Age.
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Swedish Born: Stockholm Baroque portraiture Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
The brilliance of Meytens’ work lies in his ability to balance the rigid requirements of courtly propaganda with a deeply humanistic touch. His rise was so complete that he eventually served as the Director of the Viennese Academy of Fine Arts, a testament to his influence and authority within the artistic community.
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French Born: Toulouse Rococo, Baroque Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
While adept at traditional portraiture, Jean-François de Troy is perhaps best remembered for his innovative tableaux de mode – “pictures of fashion.” These weren't simply portraits; they were vibrant snapshots of contemporary life, capturing the leisure activities, social customs, and opulent surroundings of the French upper class. As Director of the French Academy in Rome from 1738, he played a role in shaping the next generation of artists, though his tenure was marked by some controversy due to his personal indulgences.
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Born: Haarlem Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
Frans Hals’s Influence: His initial training under Frans Hals provided a foundation in Dutch painting techniques and genre subject matter.
Student of Frans Hals #8 · Teacher of Jan Steen #19
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Flemish Born: Brussels Baroque Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Adam Frans van der Meulen died in Paris in 1690, leaving behind a legacy not just as a skilled artist but as an instrumental figure in shaping the visual narrative of one of Europe’s most powerful monarchs. Recognized for his contributions, Van der Meulen received numerous honors – a royal privilege allowing engravings of his works, appointment as “Ordinary Painter to the King” in 1673, and admission to the prestigious Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture without having to submit a traditional reception piece—a testament to his established reputation.
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Dutch Born: Amsterdam Dutch Golden Age painting Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
Pieter Pietersz Lastman, born in Amsterdam in 1583, occupies a fascinating and pivotal position within the history of Dutch Golden Age painting.
Teacher of Rembrandt #1
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Dutch Born: Leiden Fijnschilder, Genre painting Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Doctor's Visit (1657), considered one of his earliest dated and most important pieces, showcases his emerging independence from Dou’s influence.
Notable works
Chronology
Statistics
| Italy | 30 |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 29 |
| France | 13 |
| Belgium | 13 |
| Spain | 7 |
| Germany | 5 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
| Sweden | 1 |
| 16th century | 38 |
|---|---|
| 17th century | 61 |
| 18th century | 1 |
| The Louvre | 14 |
|---|---|
| Rijksmuseum | 13 |
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | 13 |
| Museo del Prado | 12 |
| Mauritshuis | 11 |
| National Gallery | 11 |
| Hermitage Museum | 9 |
| National Gallery of Art | 8 |
Index
RembrandtDutch · 1606–1669Caravaggio1571–1610Diego VelázquezSpanish · 1599–1660Peter Paul RubensFlemish · 1577–1640Johannes VermeerDutch · 1632–1675Nicolas PoussinFrench · 1594–1665Artemisia GentileschiItalian · 1593–1653Frans Hals1580–1666Claude Lorrain1600–1682Georges de la TourFrench · 1593–1652Anthony van DyckFlemish · 1599–1641Francisco de ZurbaránSpanish · 1598–1664Bartolomé Esteban MurilloSpanish · 1617–1682CanalettoItalian · 1697–1768Guido ReniItalian · 1575–1642Annibale CarracciItalian · 1560–1609Jan Brueghel the ElderFlemish · 1568–1625Charles Le BrunFrench · 1619–1690Jan SteenDutch · 1626–1679Jacob JordaensFlemish · 1593–1678Pieter de HoochDutch · 1629–1684Gian Lorenzo BerniniItalian · 1598–1680Jusepe de RiberaSpanish · 1591–1652Gerard van HonthorstDutch · 1592–1656Hyacinthe Rigaud1659–1743Luca GiordanoItalian · 1634–1705Simon VouetFrench · 1590–1649Philippe de ChampaigneFrench · 1602–1674Carel FabritiusDutch · 1622–1654Ludovico CarracciItalian · 1555–1619Andrea PozzoItalian · 1642–1709David Teniers the Younger1610–1690Orazio GentileschiItalian · 1563–1639Frans SnydersFlemish · 1579–1657Adriaen BrouwerFlemish · 1605–1638Gabriel MetsuDutch · 1629–1667Agostino CarracciItalian · 1557–1602Pierre PugetFrench · 1620–1694Alonso CanoSpanish · 1601–1667Giovanni LanfrancoItalian · 1582–1647Willem KalfDutch · 1619–1693Meindert HobbemaDutch · 1638–1709Giovanni Domenico TiepoloItalian · 1727–1804Nicolaes MaesDutch · 1634–1693Giovanni Battista GaulliItalian · 1639–1709Francesco AlbaniItalian · 1578–1660Emanuel de WitteDutch · 1617–1692Pietro da CortonaItalian · 1596–1669Giovanni Battista PiazzettaItalian · 1683–1754Francesco SolimenaItalian · 1657–1747Peter LelyDutch, British · 1618–1680Juan de Valdés LealSpanish · 1622–1690Judith LeysterDutch · 1609–1660Giovanni Paolo PaniniItalian · 1691–1765Salvator RosaItalian · 1615–1673Gerrit DouDutch · 1613–1675Rachel RuyschDutch · 1664–1750Pierre Mignard IFrench · 1612–1695GuercinoItalian · 1591–1666Jan van HuysumDutch · 1682–1749Gerard ter BorchDutch · 1617–1681Mattia PretiItalian · 1613–1699Jan Davidsz De HeemDutch, Flemish · 1606–1684Elisabetta SiraniItalian · 1638–1665Ferdinand BolDutch · 1616–1680
Ludolf BakhuizenDutch · 1630–1708DomenichinoItalian · 1581–1641Cristofano AlloriItalian · 1577–1621Nicolas de LargillièreFrench · 1656–1746Clara PeetersFlemish · 1587–1657Sebastiano RicciItalian · 1659–1734Bartholomeus van der HelstDutch · 1613–1670Abraham van BeijerenDutch · 1620–1690Valentin de BoulogneFrench · 1591–1632Willem Claesz HedaDutch · 1594–1680Adriaen van der WerffDutch · 1659–1722Godfrey KnellerItalian · 1646–1723Juan Carreño de MirandaSpanish · 1614–1685Jan AsselijnDutch · 1610–1652Jan Brueghel the YoungerFlemish · 1601–1678Carlo MarattaItalian · 1625–1713
Bernardo StrozziItalian · 1581–1644Barbieri Gian Francesco (Guercino Il)Italian · 1591–1666Jean-Baptiste Oudry1686–1755Philips WouwermanDutch · 1619–1668Carlo DolciItalian · 1616–1686Mary BealeBritish · 1633–1699Abraham BloemaertDutch · 1564–1651Abraham BrueghelFlemish · 1631–1690Adam ElsheimerGerman · 1578–1610Roelant SaveryFlemish · 1576–1639Palma il GiovaneItalian · 1550–1628Samuel van HoogstratenDutch · 1627–1678Balthasar van der AstDutch · 1593–1657Martin van MeytensSwedish · 1695–1770François de TroyFrench · 1645–1730Adriaen van Ostade1610–1685Adam Frans van der MeulenFlemish · 1632–1690Pieter LastmanDutch · 1583–1633Frans van Mieris the ElderDutch · 1635–1681FAQ
Rembrandt (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Caravaggio (#2) and Diego Velázquez (#3).
Rembrandt (#1), Caravaggio (#2), Diego Velázquez (#3), Peter Paul Rubens (#4) and Johannes Vermeer (#5).
Most painters in this list were born in the 17th century (61 of 100), between 1550 and 1727 overall.
The earliest-born painter in this list is Palma il Giovane (#92), born in 1550.
The highest-ranked painters born in the Netherlands are Rembrandt (#1), Johannes Vermeer (#5), Jan Steen (#19), Pieter de Hooch (#21) and Gerard van Honthorst (#24).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are The Louvre (14), Rijksmuseum (13) and Metropolitan Museum of Art (13).
6 women are in this ranking: Artemisia Gentileschi (#7), Judith Leyster (#53), Rachel Ruysch (#57), Elisabetta Sirani (#64), Clara Peeters (#70) and Mary Beale (#87).
Antwerp: 8 of the painters in this list were born there.
“He moved away from the sharp, photographic realism of his youth toward a style defined by loose brushwork and subtle gradations of tone.” — from our biography of Diego Velázquez (#3).
Italy: 30 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then Netherlands (29) and France (13).
Rembrandt (#1) taught Godfrey Kneller (#77), Gerrit Dou (#56) and Carel Fabritius (#29); Frans Hals (#8) taught Adriaen van Ostade (#97), Judith Leyster (#53) and Philips Wouwerman (#85); Simon Vouet (#27) taught Charles Le Brun (#18) and Pierre Mignard I (#58).
The encyclopedia records 23,452 works by these painters.
Articles
See also
Famous Contemporary Realist artistsThe Gleaners · Jean-François Millet
Famous Impressionist artistsStarry Night (New York, MoMA) · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Romanticist artistsSaturn Devouring His Son · Francisco Goya
Famous Neoclassicist artistsThe Death of Marat · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Realist artistsThe origin of the world · Gustave Courbet
Famous Renaissance artistsMona Lisa (La Gioconda) · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Dutch Golden Age artistsThe Windmill at Wijk bij Duurstede · Jacob van Ruisdael
Famous Expressionist artistsComposition VII · Wassily Kandinsky
Famous Rococo artistsThe Embarkation for Cythera · Jean-Antoine Watteau
Famous Pop Art artistsCampbell's soup cans · Andy WarholSee also
Famous Early Medieval artistsWinter Landscape · Wang Wei
Famous High Medieval artistsMadonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) · Giotto
Famous Late Medieval artistsThe Annunciation and Two Saints · Simone Martini
Famous Renaissance artistsThe Creation of Adam · Michelangelo
Famous Early Modern artistsThe Calling of Saint Matthew · Caravaggio
Famous 19th Century artistsWater Lilies (or Nympheas) · Claude Monet
Famous Modern artistsGuernica · Pablo Picasso
Famous Contemporary artistsWind Sculpture III (one in a series of nine) · Yinka ShonibareFamous paintings
Famous Impressionism paintingsWater Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Romanticism paintingsLiberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintingsNighthawks · Edward HopperFamous Post-Impressionism paintingsStarry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintingsThe Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Surrealism paintingsThe Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Neoclassicism paintingsNapoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis DavidFamous Renaissance paintingsMona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Symbolism paintingsThe Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintingsBurial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintingsThe Swing · Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Famous Art Nouveau paintingsThe kiss · Gustav KlimtSee also
