Encyclopedia · Romanticist
Francisco Goya (1746–1828) is the most famous Romanticist painter in this list; notable works include The swing and La maja desnuda. . Madrid, Museo del Prado.. Ranks 2 to 5: Eugène Delacroix, J. M. W. Turner, Caspar David Friedrich and William Blake. The list records 100 painters born between 1580 (Francesco Mochi) and 1870 (Maxfield Parrish) in 19 countries.
Method. Scope: artists whose works the encyclopedia records under Romanticist. 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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Spanish Born: Fuendetodos ['Rococo', 'Romanticism', 'Modernism'] Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
By 1814, he had completed The Third of May 1808, a painting that captures the execution of defenders in Madrid. Later, the visceral, distorted energy found in the paintings of Francis Bacon carries echoes of the darkness Goya explored.
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Born: Saint-Maurice Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
As Talleyrand navigated the shifting political tides, serving both the Restoration and King Louis-Philippe, he ensured Delacroix remained positioned within the center of Parisian life. The echoes of his vision reach far into the modern era, influencing a lineage of artists including Henri Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee.
Collections The traces of Delacroix’s life remain anchored in Paris.
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British Born: Maiden Lane Romanticism Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
Rain Steam and Speed, The Great Western Railway (undated). This willingness to prioritize atmosphere over rigid detail allowed his influence to travel through the centuries, eventually reaching the abstract expressionists like Mark Rothko.
Collections The Tate Britain houses much of his life's work, allowing a viewer to trace his development through the decades.
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German Born: Greifswald Romanticism Wikipedia: 31/32 languages
Born in the Baltic port city of Greifswald in 1774, Caspar David Friedrich’s early years were shaped by a profound sense of loss. He died in Dresden in 1840, and for a time, his name faded from the forefront of the art world.
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British Born: London Romanticism Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
This method was not merely a technical choice but a spiritual one; he claimed the process was revealed to him through a visionary experience following the death of his brother, Robert. As the decades passed, his influence moved through the Symbolist and Modernist movements, finding resonance in their shared interest in subjective experience and spiritual depth.
Collections The physical remnants of Blake’s vision are scattered across several major institutions, reflecting the global reach of his influence.
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French Born: Rouen Romanticism Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
He continually returned to military themes, evident in works like Wounded Cuirassier (1814) and The Derby of Epsom (1821), demonstrating a fascination with drama and expressive force. His bronze figure reclines, brush in hand, on his tomb at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, above a low-relief panel depicting the harrowing scene from The Raft of the Medusa, a fitting tribute to an artist who dedicated his life to capturing the complexities and contradictions of the human condition.
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French Born: Paris Neoclassicism, Realism, Impressionism Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
His style leaned toward Realism, focusing on the way light and atmosphere interact with the physical world. He moved away from the rigid structures of the past, favoring a way of painting that anticipated the plein-air innovations of the Impressionist movement.
Collections To find his traces, one often looks to Paris.
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British Born: East Bergholt Romanticism Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
He did not rely on the theatricality of bravura to make a point. He also looked toward the compositions of Thomas Gainsborough and the textures of Peter Paul Rubens.
Collections Tracing his presence across different collections reveals how his views of the English countryside have been gathered over time.
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French Born: Strasbourg Romanticism Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
At fifteen, he enters the bustling, satirical atmosphere of the French journal Le Journal pour rire. The specific physical appearance of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, as rendered in his 1860s illustrations, became the standard for subsequent readers and artists alike.
Collections The physical remnants of Doré’s prolific output are scattered across several continents, preserved in institutions that hold his diverse range of media.
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Russian Born: Feodosiia Russian Romanticism Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
As a Russian Romantic painter, he prioritized the visceral impact of light and movement over static accuracy. His ability to translate these observations into significant work earned him a gold medal from Pope Gregory XVI.
Collections Aivazovsky’s presence in modern collections remains substantial, ensuring his technical approach to light and water is still accessible to those studying marine art.
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Polish Born: Free City of Kraków Romanticism, History painting Wikipedia: 30/32 languages
In the city of Kraków, Poland, the child Jan Matejko entered a world shaped by the quiet rhythms of music and the heavy weight of history. The name Jan Matejko became synonymous with the very soul of a nation that, during his lifetime, struggled to maintain its own political autonomy.
Collections To follow the traces of his brush is to travel through the great halls of Europe, where his visions of the past remain held in trust.
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French Born: Paris Romanticism & Neoclassicism Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
In the vibrant, turbulent landscape of nineteenth-century French art, few figures commanded the stage with as much dramatic presence as Hippolyte Paul Delaroche.
Student of Antoine-Jean Gros #14
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Swiss Born: Zurich Romanticism, Dark Romanticism Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
While living in Rome, he spent much of his time contemplating the works of Michelangelo and the marble statues of the Monte Cavallo. Dante and Virgil on the Ice of Kocythos.
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French Born: Paris Neoclassicism & Romanticism Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
This stylistic evolution would profoundly influence subsequent generations of French painters, including Eugène Delacroix and Théodore Géricault, who embraced the emotional intensity and dramatic flair that Gros pioneered. In a tragic turn, Antoine-Jean Gros took his own life in 1835, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire.
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German Born: Wolgast Romanticism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
However, the pull of artistic expression proved too strong, leading him to Copenhagen in 1799 to study painting under Jens Juel. Though his career was cut short by illness, Philipp Otto Runge’s impact on German Romanticism and the development of modern art is undeniable.
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French Born: Montargis Neoclassicism & Romanticism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
He was a respected member of both the Académie de peinture and the Institut de France, receiving honors including the Légion d'honneur—acknowledgements of his artistic merit and societal standing.
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French Born: Senlis Romanticism & Realism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
The scene pulsates with a sense of unrestrained indulgence, figures draped in luxurious fabrics amidst classical ruins—a deliberate juxtaposition meant to mirror the perceived decadence of contemporary French society under the Second Republic. His early life saw a relocation to Paris with his family, where he initially pursued studies at the École des Arts et Métiers before gravitating towards the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts.
Student of Antoine-Jean Gros #14, Paul Delaroche #12
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British Born: Derby Chiaroscuro, Romanticism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Notable Works: An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump, A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery, Dovedale by Moonlight.
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British Born: Bristol Regency portraiture Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
Furthermore, Lawrence’s sitters reflected the social landscape of his time – including both slave owners and abolitionists – a stark reminder of the moral ambiguities inherent in Regency society.
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English Born: Liverpool Romantic movement Wikipedia: 19/32 languages
Stubbs operates at the intersection of scientific inquiry and fine art.
Collections The legacy of Stubbs’s anatomical precision survives in the halls of major international institutions.
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British Born: Calais Pre-Raphaelite Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
Though never formally a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Ford Madox Brown exerted a significant influence on its development and shared many of its core tenets. His influence extended beyond his immediate circle, inspiring artists like Thomas Benjamin Kennington, whose work The Pinch of Poverty echoes the social realism found in Brown’s paintings.
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Italian Born: Venice Italian Romanticism Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
This victory granted him a year of study at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, a period that would fundamentally alter the course of his development. He spent time studying the use of colour in classes held by Lattanzio Querena, a painter from Bergamo.
Collections To walk through the halls of Milan is to encounter the spirit of Hayez in many forms.
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French Born: Paris Romanticism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Early works like “Milo of Crotana Devoured by a Lion” (1819) and “Hercules with the Erymanthean Boar” (c. 1820), created while still a student, hinted at his emerging talent for dynamic composition and dramatic narrative. Antoine-Louis Barye, born in Paris on September 24, 1795, emerged as a pivotal figure in the world of 19th-century sculpture.
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Finnish Born: Pori National Romanticism Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
Even during periods of political turmoil, such as the Finnish Civil War in 1917-1918, Gallen-Kallela remained actively engaged, designing uniforms and decorations for the newly independent Finnish army. National Romanticism: Gallen-Kallela is considered a central figure in Finnish National Romanticism, an artistic movement that sought to celebrate Finland’s unique culture and identity.
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French Born: El Limón Romanticism, Neoclassicism Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
Théodore Chassériau’s untimely death at the age of thirty-seven on October 8, 1856, cut short a promising career, but his impact on the art world was significant.
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Born: Saint Petersburg Wikipedia: 27/32 languages
His work demonstrates influences from artists like Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio, particularly in their dramatic use of light and shadow and mastery of anatomical detail.
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British Born: London Victorian realism Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Off to the Rescue, painted in 1827, exemplifies this skill; the Newfoundland dog depicted isn’t just a canine rescuer but a symbol of loyalty, courage, and selfless devotion – qualities highly valued by Victorian society. A nervous breakdown in 1840 marked a turning point, casting a shadow over his final decades.
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Born: Paris Wikipedia: 24/32 languages
Early works like “The Taking of an Entrenched Camp” showcased his developing character and directness. Émile Jean-Horace Vernet was born on June 30, 1789, in Paris, France – remarkably, within the Louvre Palace while his parents resided there during the French Revolution.
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French Born: Avignon Landscape, Seascape Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
A View of the Port of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the Background (1774), exemplifies this talent—the imposing presence of Vesuvius looms over the bustling port, a reminder of nature’s power while simultaneously highlighting human activity.
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Born: Haydon Bridge Wikipedia: 19/32 languages
He was apprenticed to a coachbuilder in Newcastle upon Tyne, where he learned heraldic painting – a skill that would later inform his meticulous attention to detail. He was awarded the Order of Leopold from Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, becoming the official historical painter to Prince Leopold.
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Norwegian, Danish-Norwegian Born: Bergen Romanticism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
Born on February 24, 1788, in Bergen, Norway, his origins were rooted in the practical realities of a fishing community; his father worked as a modest fisherman. He was a primary force behind the founding of the Norwegian National Gallery in Oslo and the Art Society in Oslo.
Collections His presence in the public sphere remains significant, anchored by collections in Norway, Denmark, and Germany.
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French Born: Paris Romanticism, Neoclassicism Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
His father, Nicolas Robert, held a position within the household of a prominent figure, a connection that would eventually facilitate the young man's movement through the upper echelons of French society.
Collections The preservation of Robert’s prolific output is spread across several major international institutions, reflecting the reach of his influence during the late eighteenth century.
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American Born: Wilkes-Barre Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Mó-sho-la-túb-bee, He Who Puts Out and Kills, Chief of the Tribe (1834). He was inducted into the National Rivers Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2023.
Collections Catlin’s visual record is scattered across several major institutions, making a comprehensive study of his output a matter of visiting specific collections.
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American Born: Charlestown Romanticism Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on April 27, 1791, into a family steeped in intellectual and religious fervor – his father, Jedidiah Morse, was a prominent Calvinist minister and geographer – young Samuel’s early life was shaped by a rigorous upbringing that instilled in him a deep sense of purpose. Samuel Finley Breese Morse passed away in New York City in 1872, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the realm of art.
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Norwegian Born: Christiania Romanticism Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
Born in Christiania (present-day Oslo) in 1825, Hans Fredrik Gude emerged as a pivotal figure in the blossoming of Norwegian National Romanticism. In 1863, he accepted a professorship at the Academy of Art in Karlsruhe, Germany, where he shared his knowledge and passion with generations of aspiring artists.
Student of Andreas Achenbach #43
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Ukrainian Born: Moryntsi Romanticism Wikipedia: 32/32 languages
Numerous museums and memorials—including the Taras Shevchenko National Museum in Kyiv and the Tereshchenko Museum —are dedicated to preserving his legacy.
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British Born: York Romanticism Wikipedia: 23/32 languages
This method allowed him to build depth and nuance in skin tones, a skill that made him the first significant British painter of nudes. His inclusion in Tate Britain’s Exposed: The Victorian Nude exhibition between 2001 and 2002 sparked a necessary renewed interest in his technical approach to the body.
Collections Etty’s physical presence in modern collections remains significant, though his distribution is uneven.
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German-American Born: Schwäbisch Gmünd Romanticism Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
The influence of Karl Friedrich Lessing, a leading figure within German Romanticism, proved particularly potent. Notable Works: Washington Crossing the Delaware, Columbus Before the Council of Salamanca, Angel on the Battlefield.
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French Born: Cluny Neoclassicism & Romanticism Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
Napoleon's Court Painter: His talent attracted the attention of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned him to paint portraits of both Joséphine de Beauharnais and Marie-Louise d’Autriche. Justice and Divine Vengeance Pursuing Crime: A monumental masterpiece that anticipates the dramatic intensity of Géricault’s The Raft of the Medusa.
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British Born: Leeds Victorian, Nocturnes, Pre-Raphaelite Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Grimshaw’s approach to the canvas was a careful balance of precision and atmosphere. His work continues to offer a window into the textures of the Victorian era, from the wet cobblestones of a London lane to the silhouetted masts of ships in a dockyard.
Collections Finding his paintings in person allows for a closer look at the way he handled light on wet cobblestones and the subtle textures of a moonlit sky.
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Scottish Born: Stockbridge Portraiture, Realism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Similarly, his portrait of Alexander Allan, a prominent figure in Scottish art, reveals a man of intellect and refinement. His paintings are now held in prestigious collections around the world, including the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh and The Frick Collection in New York.
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Danish Born: Copenhagen Neoclassical & Romanticism Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
During these formative years at the Academy, Abildgaard benefited from the tutelage of Johan Edvard Mandelberg and Johannes Wiedewelt, absorbing their techniques and perspectives while simultaneously forging his own unique path. Abildgaard served as director of the Academy during 1789–1791 and again from 1801 until his death in Copenhagen on November 14th, 1809.
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German Born: Kassel Realism, Romanticism Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
Andreas Achenbach, born in Kassel, Germany, in 1815, emerged as a pivotal figure in the evolution of German landscape painting. His brother, Oswald Achenbach (1827–1905), was also a prominent landscape painter, and together they were affectionately known as the “Alpha and Omega” of German landscape painting – representing the beginning and end, the totality of the genre’s development.
Teacher of Oswald Achenbach #59, Hans Gude #35
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German Born: Leipzig Romanticism Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
His explorations into the relationship between the external environment and internal perception have drawn comparisons to the later psychological insights of figures like Carl Jung, and his scientific observations contributed to the broader intellectual climate that influenced Charles Darwin.
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Dutch-Belgian Born: Amsterdam Romanticism Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
Ronner-Knip’s early artistic explorations weren't confined to the animal world. She received accolades such as the Order of Leopold and membership in the Order of Orange-Nassau, solidifying her position as a leading artist of her time.
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British Born: Highgate Victorian, Nonsense Wikipedia: 26/32 languages
His paintings can be found in esteemed collections like The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, a testament to his skill as a landscape artist. Edward Lear’s influence extends far beyond the realm of children's literature.
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Born: Paris Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
Cogniet’s early work demonstrated a classical foundation, influenced by his academic training.
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German Born: Speyer Neoclassical Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
His formal education began at the Düsseldorf Academy between 1845 and 1848, where the rigorous tutelage of masters such as Johann Wilhelm Schirmer and Wilhelm von Schadow instilled in him a foundational understanding of classical aesthetics and the meticulous precision of sculptural craftsmanship. His paintings, often characterized by elegant figure compositions and a sense of melancholic stillness, continue to captivate audiences with their quiet intensity.
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American Born: Philadelphia Neo-classical, Illustration Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
His early work graced the pages of prominent magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Scribner's Magazine, and Collier’s, establishing his reputation for romanticized scenes and meticulous detail. Though he passed away in 1966, Maxfield Parrish’s luminous landscapes and idealized figures continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of a time when art offered not just representation but also an invitation to dream.
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Austrian German Born: Vienna Romanticism; Impressionism Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
While his landscapes captured the wild beauty of Europe, von Alt’s architectural paintings offered a meticulous study of human achievement and historical permanence. The retrospective exhibition held at the Albertina between 2005 and 2006 served as a poignant reminder of his enduring relevance to the global art community.
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Dutch-French Born: Dordrecht Romanticism & Classicism Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
Born in Dordrecht, Netherlands, in 1795, he was a figure deeply shaped by both Dutch artistic traditions and the burgeoning Romantic movement taking hold in France. Ary Scheffer's legacy lies not just in the beauty of his paintings but also in his ability to bridge worlds – between tradition and innovation, between reason and emotion, and between the Dutch artistic heritage and the vibrant cultural landscape of 19th-century France.
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Spanish Born: Granada Orientalism, Symbolism Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
In 1896, he found himself embroiled in a paternity suit brought by Maud Harvey, who alleged seduction as a minor and subsequent abandonment upon discovering her pregnancy.
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British Born: London Victorian Art, Art Criticism
John Ruskin, born in London on February 8, 1819, was far more than simply an art critic; he was a Victorian polymath whose influence permeated the realms of aesthetics, social reform, political economy, and environmentalism.
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English Romantic Landscape Painting
The painting A Caravan overtaken by a Whirlwind (1826) stands as a testament to his ability to capture movement and the raw power of nature under the shroud of night.
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British-American Born: Horncastle Romanticism, Neoclassicism Wikipedia: 13/32 languages
He quickly established himself in Philadelphia, becoming a leading portraitist and capturing the likenesses of prominent figures like Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson – men who shaped the nation's destiny. He ventured into historical painting with works like The Passage of the Delaware (1819), a grand depiction of Washington's iconic crossing – a piece that demonstrated his ability to handle large-scale compositions and imbue them with dramatic power.
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Austrian Born: Horní Planá Biedermeier, Landscape Wikipedia: 25/32 languages
His writing style is notable for its meticulous detail and understated elegance, reflecting his Biedermeier sensibilities—a movement emphasizing simplicity, realism, and a focus on everyday life.
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Russian Born: Moscow Realism, Academic art Wikipedia: 22/32 languages
The Russian Bride’s Attire (1889), also known as Beneath the Crown, stands as a prime example—a lavishly detailed portrayal of pre-wedding rituals, brimming with symbolism and vibrant color. Konstantin Makovsky’s influence extends beyond his impressive body of work.
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Italian Born: Montevarchi Baroque Sculpture
His work serves as a vital bridge between the structured elegance of the late Renaissance and the explosive, theatrical grandeur of the Baroque era, foreshadowing the monumental style later perfected by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Historical Influence: Serving as a crucial forerunner to the High Baroque, paving the way for the next generation of masters.
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German Born: Düsseldorf Düsseldorf School, Romanticism Wikipedia: 21/32 languages
The family’s movements between Munich and Düsseldorf during Oswald’s childhood likely instilled in him a sense of place and observation, qualities that would later define his work. Remarkably, Achenbach entered the elementary class of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf at the tender age of eight, circumventing the academy's usual age requirements—a clear indication of his precocious talent.
Student of Andreas Achenbach #43
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Born: Stockbridge Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
His travels to Spain in 1832 were formative, sparking an interest in architectural detail and exotic locales. However, it was his extensive tours of Egypt and the Near East (1838-1840) that truly defined his career.
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British Born: London Neoclassical Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
Other notable works from this period include Ulysses and the Sirens (1909), The Kelpie (1903), and Ariadne, each demonstrating his mastery of form, composition, and evocative storytelling. Draper enjoyed considerable fame during his lifetime, regularly exhibiting at the Royal Academy from 1890 onwards and becoming a sought-after portrait painter among London’s elite.
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English Born: Aldfield Genre painting, panoramic narrative Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
The Derby Day (1858): Captures the atmosphere and social interactions at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Social Commentary: His paintings provided valuable documentation of Victorian society, capturing its social dynamics, fashion, and leisure activities.
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German Born: Prenzlau Classicism, Romanticism Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Jacob Philipp Hackert emerged onto the artistic landscape in 1737, born in Prenzlau, Brandenburg – a region now nestled within Germany. Jacob Philipp Hackert's artistic style represents a compelling synthesis of classical landscape painting and an emerging Romantic sensibility.
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Spanish Born: Reus Orientalist Painting Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Born into an illustrious lineage of Spanish painters, Fortuny was destined to inherit a world saturated with color and texture.
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Scottish Born: Fife Romanticism Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Beyond these narrative triumphs, he excelled in historical paintings such as Sir David Baird Discovering the Body of Sultan Tipoo Sahib, and even captured the scholarly atmosphere of intellectual pursuits in works like Washington Irving in the Archives of Seville.
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German Born: Bad Arolsen Düsseldorfs Schule Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
By bridging the gap between the academic rigor of the Düsseldorf School and the emotive power of Romanticism, he provided a visual language for a generation seeking identity in a changing Europe.
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French Born: Bernwiller Academic realism Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
Works like “ Chaste Susanna ” (1865), now housed in the Musée d'Orsay, exemplify this approach—the figure of Susanna bathed in a soft, diffused light that emphasizes her vulnerability and innocence. His influence extended to numerous pupils including Mathilde Mueden Leisenring, Dimitrie Serafim, Dorothy Tennant, and Suzanne Valadon.
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Austrian Born: Elbigenalp Neoclassicism & Romanticism Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Influenced by the monumental compositions of masters like Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain, Koch developed a unique way of organizing space, where dramatic lighting and vast, rugged terrains created a sense of awe. Cultural Bridge: He acted as a vital link between the classical traditions of Rome and the emerging nationalistic landscape movements in Austria and Germany.
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Born: Szczebrzeszyn Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
He focused intently on the military life of the 17th century, a period steeped in Polish glory and conflict. "Jan Karol Chodkiewicz during the Battle of Khotyn " exemplifies his skill in portraying individual heroism within a larger military context.
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Belgian Born: Dinant Romanticism Wikipedia: 19/32 languages
The death of his mother in 1844 deeply affected him, prompting a move to Brussels where he would remain for the rest of his life. This ambition was realized posthumously; after his death in 1865, the Belgian state purchased land and constructed a hall specifically designed to house his monumental paintings, fulfilling Wiertz’s wish that his art remain accessible to the public within his studio.
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Austrian-German Born: Prague Secessionist, Mystical Allegories Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Born in Prague to a sculptor father and a musician mother, his early life fostered a deep appreciation for both artistic expression and intellectual curiosity. “The Last Token” (Metropolitan Museum) is a prime example of his ability to imbue seemingly simple subjects with profound symbolic meaning, while "Light" (Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art) showcases his mastery of atmospheric effects and his exploration of spiritual themes.
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Norwegian Neo-Romanticism
The later years of his life were spent at Lauvlia, an artist studio near Prestfoss, where he produced some of his most significant work.
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English Pastoral Painting
This influence is visible in the meticulous detail, vibrant color palettes, and narrative quality of paintings like A Spring Morning (1866). He began working on larger scales, drawing inspiration from artists like Rosa Bonheur and Sir Edwin Landseer – masters of animal painting who achieved widespread acclaim for their realistic depictions of wildlife.
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French Born: Trélon Academic Painting Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
However, from a young age, he possessed an undeniable passion for artistic pursuits, nurtured by encouragement at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lille where he excelled under Alphonse Colas, securing a prestigious gold medal in 1867. As the Belle Époque progressed, Comerre’s work remained a steadfast pillar of beauty, offering a sense of romanticism and stability amidst a rapidly changing world.
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French Born: Paris Romanticism Wikipedia: 15/32 languages
Teaching & Mentorship: Recognizing the importance of artistic transmission, Isabey established a studio where he nurtured the talents of aspiring artists—including Eugène Boudin, Johan Barthold Jongkind, and Durand-Brager—solidifying his legacy as a formative influence on subsequent generations of painters. His canvases serve as windows into a bygone world, capturing not only visual splendor but also the emotional complexities inherent in human experience—particularly the anxieties surrounding change and uncertainty.
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English Born: Heidelberg Romanticism, Neoclassicism Wikipedia: 11/32 languages
His journey was one of constant movement, traveling through the rugged terrains of Greece, Italy, and the Bavarian Alps, each location leaving an indelible mark on his palette and his perception of the divine within the natural world. His contributions can be summarized through several key artistic pillars: The Synthesis of History and Nature: He pioneered a method of painting where the landscape itself acts as a vessel for historical memory, blending archaeological interest with poetic expression.
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German Born: Friedrichstadt Romanticism & Biedermeier Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
Landscape Innovation: The ability to elevate regional Saxon scenery into universal symbols of natural beauty and emotional resonance. Born in the cultural heart of Dresden in 1803, Adrian Ludwig Richter emerged as a defining voice of the German Romantic movement.
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French Born: Lyon Romanticism & Symbolism
Janmot's artistic journey began with formal education at the Royal College of Lyon, where he encountered influential figures like Frederic Ozanam and absorbed the philosophical currents championed by Abbé Noirot. He is often cited as an influence on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and artists like Puvis de Chavannes, Odilon Redon, and Maurice Denis greatly admired his work.
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French Born: Lyon Romanticism Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
His paintings often feature opulent gatherings, such as Le salon de M. le comte de Nieuwerkerke, where he utilizes an academic style and rich colors to document the social strata of his time.
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French Born: Paris Romanticism Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
By 1822, he had begun exhibiting at the prestigious Paris Salon, quickly establishing himself within the competitive landscape of French art. Whether working in the opulent grisaille of Le Banquet Oriental or the delicate lines of his portraiture, Devéria maintained a focus on the ephemeral beauty of the moment.
Student of Anne-Louis Girodet #16
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American Born: Austerfield Romanticism
Becoming the first American painter to venture into and depict the frozen regions of the North, Bradford entered uncharted territory—both geographically and artistically. His skill in depicting maritime activity within dramatic natural settings is showcased beautifully in "Whaler and Fishing Vessels near the Coast of Labrador " (c. 1880).
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Norwegian Born: Helgøya Romantic Landscape Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
Peder Andersen Balke, born in 1804 on the humble island of Helgøya in Norway, emerged as a profoundly original voice within the landscape tradition of the 19th century. Despite his significant contributions, Balke’s work was largely overlooked for many years after his death in 1887.
Student of Johan Christian Dahl #31
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Born: Salisbury
Upon returning to Edinburgh, Hole attended the School of Design and subsequently gained admission to the life school of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1873.
Notable works · 100 notable works
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French Born: Saint-Omer Academic art Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
“The Charge of the Light Brigade” (1860), a poignant depiction of the disastrous Crimean War cavalry charge, exemplifies this approach. Early successes included depictions of battles from the Crimean War and scenes illustrating episodes from Garibaldi’s campaigns in Italy.
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Austrian Born: Vienna German Romanticism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Moving to Munich in 1828, following Schubert’s death, marked a pivotal shift. He returned to Vienna in 1847, where he created a cycle of paintings based on the legend of Melusine, showcasing his enduring talent.
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German/American Born: Bremen Düsseldorf School, Hudson River School (influenced)
Hermann Ottomar Herzog (1832-1932) stands as a quietly significant figure in the history of American art, often overshadowed by his more flamboyant Hudson River School contemporaries but possessing a unique and compelling vision. Herzog's reputation soared in 1876 with his entry “Sentinel Rock, Yosemite” at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition.
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Scottish Born: Dunfermline Pre-Raphaelite influences Wikipedia: 14/32 languages
Born in the textile town of Dunfermline, Scotland, on December 13, 1821, Sir Joseph Noel Paton emerged as a unique voice within the Victorian art world. Two years later, he was knighted, a testament to his significant contributions to the arts and Scottish culture.
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Scottish Born: Edinburgh Romanticism Wikipedia: 11/32 languages
He is often credited with being the "father of Scottish landscape painting," bridging the gap between traditional portraiture and the burgeoning Romantic movement's focus on natural scenery. Established a drawing school in Edinburgh that profoundly influenced a generation of artists, including David Wilkie, David Roberts, Clarkson Stanfield, John Thomson of Duddingston, and even the young John James Ruskin (father of John Ruskin).
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Born: Penegoes Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
Classical Composition: Wilson often employed classical principles of balance and harmony in his landscapes.
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Filipino Born: Badoc European Academic Style Wikipedia: 12/32 languages
Cultural Bridge: His role in bringing Filipino talent to the forefront of the international stage in Madrid and beyond.
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American Born: Charleston Romanticism Wikipedia: 18/32 languages
London became Allston’s crucible, where he entered the Royal Academy Schools under the tutelage of Sir Benjamin West, a prominent figure in British art and a key link between European traditions and American aspirations. Travel throughout Europe – Paris and Italy especially – exposed him to a wealth of artistic heritage and fostered intellectual connections with luminaries like Washington Irving and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
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British Born: Arnold Romanticism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Simultaneously, Bonington ventured into historical painting, creating dramatic compositions such as "Charles V. visits François Ier after the Battle of Pavia" (c. 1827). Tragically, Richard Parkes Bonington succumbed to tuberculosis on September 23rd, 1828, bringing an abrupt end to a career brimming with potential.
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Russian Born: Karpovo Romanticism Wikipedia: 20/32 languages
Through the patronage of influential figures such as Alexander Sergeyevich Stroganov, Tropinin moved beyond the periphery of society to become a central figure in the Moscow art scene during the reigns of Tsars Alexander I and Nicholas I.
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German Born: Bernau im Schwarzwald Pre-Raphaelite Style Wikipedia: 16/32 languages
In 1859, he enrolled at the Karlsruhe Academy, where he was mentored by masters such as Johann Wilhelm Schirmer and Ludwig Des Coulbres. Much like the works of Dante Gabriel Rossetti or John Everett Millais, Thoma prioritized capturing atmospheric conditions and conveying deep emotion through subtle tonal variations and luminous color palettes.
Student of Hans Gude #35
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Franco-British Born: Strasbourg Romanticism Wikipedia: 9/32 languages
Born in Strasbourg in 1740, Loutherbourg’s early life was shaped by his father, an engraver and miniaturist. His work can be found in numerous museums worldwide, including the National Maritime Museum and the British Museum.
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English Genre painting
Notably, Morgan often sought assistance from artists like Arthur John Elsley or Allen Sealey when depicting challenging subjects such as animals or pets, recognizing the importance of accurate representation in capturing the essence of his scenes. He drew inspiration from artists like Arthur John Elsley, whose own depictions of children shared a similar emphasis on sentimentality and idyllic beauty.
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British-Australian Born: London Romanticism
Born in London in 1801, his lineage was marked by international connections – his father, J.C.H. Beyond technical prowess, Martens emphasized rigorous study and keen observation, principles he articulated in lectures at the Sydney Sketching Club.
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French Born: La Rochelle Orientalism Wikipedia: 17/32 languages
Born in La Rochelle, France, in 1820, he embarked on an artistic journey marked by early exposure to landscape painting under the guidance of Louis Cabat. Fromentin’s artistic breakthrough arrived in 1847 with “Les gorges de la Chiffa,” a monumental canvas that immediately garnered acclaim at the Paris Salon and established him as one of the foremost interpreters of Algeria's dramatic topography.
Notable works
Chronology
Statistics
| United Kingdom | 25 |
|---|---|
| France | 24 |
| Germany | 14 |
| United States | 4 |
| Spain | 3 |
| Russia | 3 |
| Norway | 3 |
| Austria | 3 |
| 16th century | 2 |
|---|---|
| 18th century | 47 |
| 19th century | 51 |
| The Louvre | 8 |
|---|---|
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | 8 |
| National Gallery | 5 |
| Hermitage Museum | 5 |
| Alte Nationalgalerie | 4 |
| Yale Center for British Art | 4 |
| Statens Museum For Kunst | 4 |
| Neue Pinakothek | 4 |
Index
Francisco GoyaSpanish · 1746–1828Eugène Delacroix1798–1863J. M. W. TurnerBritish · 1775–1851Caspar David FriedrichGerman · 1774–1840William BlakeBritish · 1757–1827Théodore GéricaultFrench · 1791–1824Jean-Baptiste-Camille CorotFrench · 1796–1875John ConstableBritish · 1776–1837Gustave DoréFrench · 1832–1883Ivan AivazovskyRussian · 1817–1900Jan MatejkoPolish · 1838–1893Paul DelarocheFrench · 1797–1856Henry FuseliSwiss · 1741–1825Antoine-Jean GrosFrench · 1771–1835Philipp Otto RungeGerman · 1777–1810Anne-Louis GirodetFrench · 1767–1824Thomas CoutureFrench · 1815–1879Joseph Wright of DerbyBritish · 1734–1797Thomas LawrenceBritish · 1769–1830George StubbsEnglish · 1724–1806Ford Madox BrownBritish · 1821–1893Francesco HayezItalian · 1791–1882Antoine-Louis BaryeFrench · 1795–1875Akseli Gallen-KallelaFinnish · 1865–1931Théodore ChassériauFrench · 1819–1856Karl Bryullov1799–1852Edwin LandseerBritish · 1802–1873Horace Vernet1789–1863Joseph VernetFrench · 1714–1789John Martin1789–1854Johan Christian DahlNorwegian, Danish-Norwegian · 1788–1857Hubert RobertFrench · 1733–1808George CatlinAmerican · 1796–1872Samuel Finley Breese MorseAmerican · 1791–1872Hans GudeNorwegian · 1825–1903Taras ShevchenkoUkrainian · 1814–1861William EttyBritish · 1787–1849Emanuel LeutzeGerman-American · 1816–1868Pierre-Paul Prud'honFrench · 1758–1823John Atkinson GrimshawBritish · 1836–1893Henry RaeburnScottish · 1756–1823Nicolai AbildgaardDanish · 1743–1809Andreas AchenbachGerman · 1815–1910Carl Gustav CarusGerman · 1789–1869Henriette Ronner KnipDutch-Belgian · 1821–1909Edward LearBritish · 1812–1888Léon Cogniet1794–1880Anselm FeuerbachGerman · 1829–1880Maxfield ParrishAmerican · 1870–1966Rudolf von AltAustrian German · 1812–1905Ary SchefferDutch-French · 1795–1858Luis Ricardo FaleroSpanish · 1851–1896John RuskinBritish · 1819–1900Sebastian PetherEnglish · 1790–1844Thomas SullyBritish-American · 1783–1872Adalbert StifterAustrian · 1805–1868Konstantin MakovskyRussian · 1839–1915Francesco MochiItalian · 1580–1654Oswald AchenbachGerman · 1827–1905David Roberts1796–1864Herbert James DraperBritish · 1863–1920William Powell FrithEnglish · 1819–1909Jacob Philipp HackertGerman · 1737–1807Mariano Fortuny MarsalSpanish · 1838–1874David WilkieScottish · 1785–1841Wilhelm von KaulbachGerman · 1805–1874Jean-Jacques HennerFrench · 1829–1905Joseph Anton KochAustrian · 1768–1839Józef Brandt1841–1915Antoine WiertzBelgian · 1806–1865Gabriel von MaxAustrian-German · 1840–1915Theodor KittelsenNorwegian · 1857–1914William Henry DavisEnglish · 1833–1914Léon ComerreFrench · 1850–1916Eugène IsabeyFrench · 1803–1886Carl RottmannEnglish · 1797–1850Ludwig RichterGerman · 1803–1884Anne François Louis JanmotFrench · 1814–1892Francois Auguste BiardFrench · 1799–1882Achille DevériaFrench · 1800–1857William BradfordAmerican · 1590–1657Peder BalkeNorwegian · 1804–1887William Brassey Hole1846–1917
Wilhelm MarstrandDanish · 1810–1873Alphonse de NeuvilleFrench · 1835–1885Moritz von SchwindAustrian · 1804–1871Herman HerzogGerman/American · 1832–1932Joseph Noel PatonScottish · 1821–1901Alexander NasmythScottish · 1758–1840Richard Wilson1713–1782Juan LunaFilipino · 1857–1899Washington AllstonAmerican · 1779–1843
Ludwig Van BeethovenGerman · 1770–1827Richard Parkes BoningtonBritish · 1802–1828Vasily Andreevich TropininRussian · 1776–1857Hans ThomaGerman · 1839–1924Philip James de LoutherbourgFranco-British · 1740–1812Frederick MorganEnglish · 1847–1927Conrad MartensBritish-Australian · 1801–1878Eugène FromentinFrench · 1820–1876FAQ
Francisco Goya (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Eugène Delacroix (#2) and J. M. W. Turner (#3).
Francisco Goya (#1), Eugène Delacroix (#2), J. M. W. Turner (#3), Caspar David Friedrich (#4) and William Blake (#5).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are The Louvre (8), Metropolitan Museum of Art (8) and National Gallery (5).
The highest-ranked painters born in France are Eugène Delacroix (#2), Théodore Géricault (#6), Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (#7), Gustave Doré (#9) and Paul Delaroche (#12).
Paris: 9 of the painters in this list were born there.
United Kingdom: 25 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then France (24) and Germany (14).
“Instead, he applied oil paint directly onto the plaster walls of his home.” — from our biography of Francisco Goya (#1).
Most painters in this list were born in the 19th century (51 of 100), between 1580 and 1870 overall.
The earliest-born painter in this list is Francesco Mochi (#58), born in 1580.
1 women are in this ranking: Henriette Ronner Knip (#45).
Andreas Achenbach (#43) taught Oswald Achenbach (#59) and Hans Gude (#35).
The encyclopedia records 23,004 works by these painters.
Articles
See also
Famous Baroque artistsNight Watch · Rembrandt
Famous Contemporary Realist artistsThe Gleaners · Jean-François Millet
Famous Impressionist artistsStarry Night (New York, MoMA) · Vincent van Gogh
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 Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
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 artistsSnowy River · 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 Baroque paintingsLas Meninas · Diego Velázquez
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 DalíFamous Renaissance paintingsMona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Neoclassicism paintingsNapoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Symbolism paintingsThe Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintingsThe Burial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintingsThe Swing · Jean-Honoré FragonardFamous Dutch Golden Age paintingsThe Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes VermeerSee also
