Famous High Medieval Artists: Ranked List of 96

11of 96

Bonaventura Berlinghieri 1210–1287

Italian Born: Lucca Stilul Bizantin Wikipedia: 14/32 languages

Opera lui Bonaventura este marcată de stilul bizantin, cunoscut și sub numele de stilul imperiului roman oriental, care era răspândit în Italia în perioada respectivă.

12of 96

Master Mateo 1161–1217

Spanish Romanesque Sculpture

His ability to manipulate stone to suggest the softness of a saint's robe or the muscular tension of a biblical figure elevated his craftsmanship to a level of sophistication rarely seen in the Middle Ages.

13of 96

Giovanni Pisano 1248–1318

Italian Born: Pisa Amestec Gotic și Roman

Giovanni Pisano a ieșit din creuzetul artistic al orașului Pisa, Italia, în anul 1248. Primele sale colaborări cu Nicola la lucrări de o importanță majoră, precum pupitru din Catedrala Siena (1ْ265–1268) și fântâna fontana maggiore din Perugia (finalizată în 1278), dezvăluie o măiestrie incontestabilă a formei, moștenită de la mâna tatălui său.

14of 96

Mi Fei 1051–1107

Chinez Born: Jiangsu Artul Dinastiei Song Wikipedia: 17/32 languages

Fiul său, Mi Youren, a devenit la rândul său un pictor celebru, adoptând tehnica tatălui său de a folosi puncte mari de cerneală umedă, metodă care a fost ulterior supranumită „punctele Mi”.

15of 96

Lorenzo Maitani 1255–1330

Italian Born: Siena Gothic & Renaissance

By blending the verticality and ornamentation of the Gothic style with a new, more human-centric focus on narrative clarity and structural harmony, he helped pave the way for the Renaissance masters who would follow.

16of 96

Li Gonglin 1049–1106

Born: Tongcheng Song Dynasty painting Wikipedia: 9/32 languages

Instead, he turned to the works of artists like Zhan Ziqian, known for his precise depictions of horses, and Fan Kuan, celebrated for his monumental landscapes. Li Gonglin, formally known as Longmian Jushi (meaning “Old Man with the Dragon Face”), and bearing the style name Boshi, stands as a towering figure in the landscape of Chinese painting during the Northern Song dynasty.

17of 96

Ma Lin 1180–1256

Chinez Born: Baoding Tehnica de pictură 'boneless' Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Fiul renumitului artist Ma Yuan, Ma Lin a fost scufundat în universul artistic încă de la o vârstă fragedă, învățând subtilitățile picturii direct de la tatăl său ilustre.

18of 96

Yi Kyu-Bo 1168–1241

Korean Confucianism

This dual commitment to tradition and creativity distinguishes Yi Kyu-Bo as a singular voice in Korean literary history—a figure who simultaneously honored the past while forging new paths toward artistic excellence. Rooted in Confucian ethics—emphasizing filial piety, righteousness, benevolence, and ritual propriety—his poetry reflects a deep engagement with moral dilemmas and explores the human condition through the lens of ethical contemplation.

19of 96

Gislebertus 1120–1135

French Romanesque Sculpture

While biographical details remain scarce, scholars believe he was trained at Cluny Abbey, arguably the epicenter of European monastic art and intellectual life at the time. While his roots are firmly planted in the Romanesque tradition of Cluny, his expressive power and narrative complexity hint at the burgeoning naturalism that would later define Gothic art.

20of 96

Badīʿ Az-Zaman Abu L-ʿIzz Ibn IsmāʿĪl Ibn Ar-Razāz Al-Jazarī 1136–1206

Muslim Born: Jazirat Ibn Omar Islamic Golden Age Engineering

He represents a pivotal figure in the Golden Age of Islam, a period characterized by intellectual flourishing and groundbreaking innovation across diverse fields.

21of 96

Giunta Pisano 1190–1260

Italian Born: Pisa Renaissance style Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Byzantine Influence: His early works show clear traces of Byzantine iconography, particularly in the composition and rendering of Christ’s figure. Artists like the Master of the Blue Crucifixes, the Master of the Treasury, and Vicino da Pistoia are believed to have been influenced by his work.

22of 96

Xia Gui 1195–1224

Song dynasty Born: Hangzhou Wikipedia: 16/32 languages

Notable examples of his work include: His influence extended far beyond his own era, impacting the Japanese master Sesshū Tōyō, who was influenced by Xia's idiom and made studies of his landscape fans. While much of his life remains unknown, he served in the Imperial Painting Academy during the reign of Emperor Ningzong.

23of 96

Nicola Pisano 1230–1284

Italian Born: Apulia Art romanică

Analele indică faptul că Nicola Pisano s-a născut în Apulia, deși detaliile definitive rămân evazive.

24of 96

Li Tang 1050–1130

Song dynasty Born: Meng Prefecture Academy-style landscape Wikipedia: 15/32 languages

Through this precision, his approach became the foundation for what is recognized as the academy-style landscape of the Southern Song. Southern Song painters Xia Gui and Ma Yuan studied his compositions and techniques, absorbing his approach to space and form.

Collections The physical remnants of Li Tang's brushwork reside primarily within major institutional collections.

25of 96

Qian Xuan 1235–1305

Chinese Born: Wuxing District Fur and feathers painting; Song realism blended with archaic Tang style Wikipedia: 12/32 languages

The historical significance of Qian Xuan lies in his ability to use art as a vessel for memory and identity.

26of 96

Matthew Paris 1200–1259

English Medieval Art

His contributions can be summarized through several enduring legacies: The Chronica Majora: A monumental historical achievement that remains a primary source for understanding mid-13th century Europe.

27of 96

Jingdezhen Ceramic Kiln born 1004

Chinese Born: Jingdezhen Imperial porcelain

Fueled by royal patronage and a strategic location along the vital trade routes connecting China with Central Asia and Persia, Jingdezhen became a crucible of cultural exchange.

28of 96

Herrad of Landsberg 1130–1196

Wikipedia: 16/32 languages

Under the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, the Hohenburg Abbey flourished, providing Herrad with access to the most comprehensive education available to women of her time. The historical significance of Herrad of Landsberg extends far beyond the cloister walls of Hohenburg.

29of 96

Fujiwara No Teika, Fujiwara No Sadaie 1162–1241

Japanese Born: Kyoto Waka poetry

The life of Fujiwara no Teika was as dramatic and turbulent as the poetry he composed.

30of 96

Joannes Koulix born 1101

Byzantine Born: standardized city name Manuscript illumination

Creating such a masterpiece demanded immense patience and skill. It is not merely a beautiful object but also a valuable historical document, offering insights into the religious beliefs, artistic conventions, and technological skills of 12th-century Byzantium.

31of 96

Břetislav I 1002–1055

Czech Medieval Coin Art

In the turbulent tapestry of medieval Europe, few figures loom as large or as formidable as Bretislav I, a ruler whose very name evokes the strength and strategic brilliance of the Přemyslid dynasty.

32of 96

Villard De Honnecourt 1200–1266

French Gothic architecture

He clearly drew upon the established traditions of medieval architecture, particularly the Cistercian style prevalent in northern France. However, he also incorporated elements from other sources: the writings of classical mathematicians like Euclid, the techniques employed by medieval workshops, and perhaps even contemporary innovations in engineering.

33of 96

Fujiwara No Sadanaga 1139–1202

Japanese Born: Kyoto Waka poetry

His personal collection, Jakuren Hoshi Shu, further reveals the breadth of his poetic vision and the depth of his spiritual journey. Though Jakuren’s life was tragically cut short in 1202—before the completion of the Shin Kokin Wakashū—his legacy endured.

34of 96

Zhang Zeduan 1085–1145

Chinese Empire Born: Zhucheng shan shui Wikipedia: 15/32 languages

Zhang Zeduan’s technical precision helped define the early development of shan shui, the foundational Chinese landscape art style. Zhang Zeduan’s influence is measured by the sheer volume of iterations his themes have inspired.

Collections Tracing the physical presence of Zhang Zeduan's output requires looking toward two major institutions in East Asia.

35of 96

Sū Hànchén 1094–1172

Chinese Born: Kaifeng Song Dynasty painting

Su Hanchen’s reputation rests primarily upon his figure paintings. Although Su Hanchen’s surviving oeuvre is relatively small, his influence on subsequent generations of Chinese painters is undeniable.

36of 96

Saigyō Hōshi 1118–1190

Japanese Born: Kyoto

The essence of Saigyō’s work lies in his mastery of waka, a classical form of Japanese poetry characterized by its delicate emotional resonance and rhythmic elegance.

37of 96

Gaddo Gaddi 1240–1312

Italian Born: Florence Gothic Art

Notable achievements attributed to him include: The Completion of Mosaics: His skilled hand contributed to the magnificent mosaics adorning the facade of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, showcasing a command over light and permanence.

38of 96

Huang Gongwang 1269–1354

Yuan dynasty Born: Changzhou Literati painters (wenrenhua) Wikipedia: 12/32 languages

This technical mastery was not merely intuitive; he sought to codify his understanding of the medium in his treatise, Secrets of Landscape Painting (寫山水訣, Xiě Shānshuǐ Jué). His approach moved away from the rigid conventions of the imperial academies, favoring instead a personal, scholarly expression.

39of 96

Kuniyuki 1219–1298

Japanese Born: Kyoto Bizen tradition

Rai Kuniyuki (1219-1298) stands as a monumental figure within the annals of Japanese swordsmithing, embodying the zenith of Bizen tradition – a style characterized by its exceptional purity of steel and meticulous craftsmanship.

40of 96

Meliore Of Jacopo 1255–1285

Italian Medieval Italian art

Madonna and Child (Art Institute of Chicago): An early work that demonstrates his foundational skill in capturing the tender, human connection within divine subjects. By integrating the geometric discipline of the Master of the Bigallo Crucifix with the more expressive, proto-Renaissance techniques seen in the works of Cimabue, Meliore helped pave the way for the dramatic innovations that would later define Florentine art.

41of 96

Guan Daosheng 1262–1319

Chinese Born: Huzhou Bamboo painting, Calligraphy Wikipedia: 15/32 languages

Her style inspired countless subsequent painters, particularly those interested in bamboo painting.

42of 96

Philippe le Bel 1268–1314

French Born: Fontainebleau

The development of institutions like the Musée Baron Gérard and the Musée Maurice Denis, coupled with the emergence of talented artists such as Labrèche de Carpentras, Chagall, Pissarro, Monet, and Bouguereau, demonstrates the enduring legacy of this complex and often misunderstood king.

43of 96

Coppo di Marcovaldo 1225–1276

Italian Born: Florence Italo-Byzantine Art Wikipedia: 12/32 languages

Though his life ended in 1276, the echoes of Coppo di Marcovaldo’s innovation resonated through the centuries.

44of 96

Fujiwara No Tadaie（Teika) 1033–1091

Japanese Born: Kyoto Heian period art

Examples of his work have been designated by the Japanese government as “National Treasures,” “Important Art Objects,” and “Important Cultural Properties”—testaments to their artistic merit and historical significance.

45of 96

Kuo, River 1031–1095

Chinese Born: Hangzhou Song Dynasty Science & Philosophy

Born in the vibrant landscape of Hangzhou around 1031, the historical figure was a true polymath, often likened to a Chinese Leonardo da Vinci.

46of 96

Arnolfo Di Cambio 1245–1310

Chinez Born: Colle Val d'Elsa Pictură din dinastia Yuan

Ucenicia sa timpurie sub maeștri precum Nicola Pisano i-a oferit o fundație inestimabilă, vizibilă în mod deosebit în lucrul său la pupitru de marmură pentru Duomo din Siena, între ｸ1265 și 1268. Un exemplu de primă ordin este monumentul pe care l-a finalizat pentru cardinalul Guillaume de Braye în biserica San Domenico din Orvieto, în jurul anului 1282.

47of 96

Muhammad Ibn Ammar 1031–1086

Britanică Born: Silves Ilustrație botanică

Study of a head looking upward (recto), o operă notabilă realizată de Michelangelo Buonarroti, demonstrează măiestria artistului în capturarea emoțiilor umane, un aspect care ar fi putut influența propriul stil artistic al lui Ibn Ammarr.

48of 96

Zheng Yuan 1056–1093

Born: Chongzhou

49of 96

Sakyō No Daibu Akisuke 1090–1155

American Born: Kyoto Hip Hop/Electronic

The collective’s influence can be seen in the work of numerous Detroit-based artists, cementing 1090 Blokk Boyz's legacy as a key figure in the city’s cultural landscape.

50of 96

Magnus Sigurdsson Or Sigurd Haraldsson 1115–1155

Norwegian Born: Oslo Medieval Kingship

Neither Magnus Sigurdsson nor Sigurd Haraldsson achieved absolute dominance during their reigns.

51of 96

Kamo No Shigeyasu 1119–1191

Japanese Born: Kyoto Waka poetry

Kamo no Shigeyasu's impact extends beyond his specific poetic achievements.

52of 96

Fujiwara no Tameyori 1128–1201

Japanese Born: Kyoto Waka poetry

53of 96

Hemachandra 1088–1172

Born: Dhandhuka Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Hemachandra was a prolific scholar and monk of the Śvetāmbara school of Jainism. Born in Dhandhuka, India, he was a man of immense intellect, earning the title kalikālasarvajña, meaning "the knower of all knowledge in his times." His vast contributions spanned numerous disciplines, including mathematics, history, philosophy, poetry, and grammar.

54of 96

Bolesław Iv The Curly 1138–1173

Polish Born: Krakow Medieval Art

In the turbulent landscape of twelfth-century Poland, where the echoes of the Piast dynasty's greatness still resonated, Bolesław IV the Curly emerged not merely as a ruler, but as a transformative force. Following the untimely passing of his elder brothers, Leszek and Casimir, Bolesław ascended to the dukedom of Masovia, stepping into a political arena fraught with tension and the looming shadow of his half-brother, Władysław II the Exile.

55of 96

Fujiwara No Koreyuki 1139–1175

Japanese Born: Zama Heian calligraphy & poetry

He is best known for his exquisite calligraphy on scrolls featuring poems from the Wakan Roeishu, a renowned anthology of Japanese and Chinese verses compiled in the early eleventh century.

56of 96

Adelhog 1170–1190

German Born: Hildesheim Medieval Art

The legacy of Adelhog can be summarized through several key contributions to the medieval landscape: Integration of Iconography: He successfully merged religious symbolism, such as the lily and the cross, with functional objects like coinage. While much of his early education remains shrouded in the mists of time, historical records point toward his training at the Toulouse Cathedral in France.

57of 96

Urtu Saqaltu 1190–1244

Khitan Born: Beijing Literati painting, Confucian tradition

Chucai’s artistic style is most accurately described as “literati painting,” a genre deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. Recognizing his intelligence, diplomatic skills, and understanding of both Chinese and Khitan cultures, the young Mongol leader brought him into his inner circle in 1218.

58of 96

Fernando Martins De Bulhões 1195–1231

Portuguese Born: Lisbon Religious Art

He is frequently depicted holding the infant Jesus, a motif stemming from an alleged miraculous vision he experienced in Padua. He was canonized less than a year after his death in 1231 – an astonishingly swift recognition of his sanctity by the Catholic Church.

59of 96

Lanxi Daolong 1213–1278

Chinese Born: Lanxi Zen Buddhism, Calligraphy

Major Achievements: Founded Kenchō-ji, the first Rinzai Zen monastery in Japan.

60of 96

Master Of Bigallo born 1218

Italian Proto-Renaissance

A slightly earlier dossal with four scenes featuring Saint Zenobius, preserved at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo in Florence, provides further insight into his early style – characterized by a robust figural representation, a somewhat schematic approach to drapery, and a clear emphasis on narrative clarity. Despite remaining anonymous, the Master of the Bigallo’s contribution to Italian art is undeniable.

61of 96

Master Of Cabestany 1130–1180

Italian Romanesque

What sets the Master of Cabestany apart is not merely the quality of his work—though that is undeniably exceptional—but also its surprisingly broad geographic distribution. The Master of Cabestany did not emerge from a vacuum.

62of 96

Hōgen En’I 1240–1300

Japanese Born: Kyoto Yamato-e & Emakimono

His era was one of profound transition, where the rugged energy of the Kamakura period met the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the Yamato-e tradition. His ability to blend the sacred with the beautiful, and the historical with the poetic, set a standard for the emakimono tradition that few could ever hope to reach.

63of 96

Issan Ichinei 1247–1317

Chinese Born: Linhai Zen Buddhism, Gozan Bungaku

Issan Ichinei, born Hu in 1247 in Linhai, Zhejiang province, China, stands as a pivotal figure in the transmission of Zen Buddhism from its native land to Japan.

64of 96

Xianyu Shu 1256–1301

Chinese Born: Yuyang Yuan Dynasty Poetry & Calligraphy

Xianyu Shu, also known as Boji (1256-1301), stands as a compelling figure bridging the worlds of poetry, calligraphy, connoisseurship, and official life during the Yuan Dynasty.

65of 96

Benedetto Antelami 1150–1230

Born: Pochlam Romanesque

In pieces like the History of Saint Donnino, he integrated the pastoral reality of the world—represented by sturdy oxen and horses—with the spiritual triumphs of saints. Whether carving the intricate Histories of the Virgin or the symbolic History of Borgo, Antelami utilized a multi-layered arrangement to guide the viewer’s eye through sacred timelines, turning architectural surfaces into epic tapestries of stone.

66of 96

Saionji Kinhira 1264–1315

Japanese Born: Kyoto Calligraphy

Family Affiliation: Saionji Family (descended from Fujiwara no Kinzane).

67of 96

Qingmao Gulin 1262–1329

Chinese Born: Leying Zen Calligraphy, Wanshi-ha Poetry

Zen Calligraphy Master: He is widely considered to be the most distinguished Zen calligrapher of his time, elevating calligraphy beyond mere aesthetics into a form of spiritual expression. He not only produced stunning works of art but also contributed significantly to the intellectual and artistic landscape of his time through his involvement in the Wanshi-ha poetry movement.

68of 96

Hildegard von Bingen 1098–1179

German

The themes of spiritual combat and the triumph of virtue are further explored in The Book of the Rewards of Life. A number of scholars consider her to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany.

69of 96

Fachang 1210–1269

Chinese Born: Beijing Chan Buddhist Painting

The Zen monks traveling between China and Japan became the primary conduits for his vision, carrying his ink washes into the heart of Japanese aesthetic development.

70of 96

Filippo Rusuti 1255–1325

Italian Roman School

Filippo Rusuti (c. 1255 – c. 1325) stands as a cornerstone figure in the late thirteenth-century Roman school, an artistic movement that irrevocably transformed European painting and cemented Rome’s position as a center for artistic innovation. The career of Filippo Rusuti spanned nearly four decades, a period that witnessed a dramatic shift in artistic styles and techniques within Italy.

71of 96

Toba Sōjō 1053–1140

Francez Born: Toba Realism Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Renumit pentru versatilitatea sa incredibilă, Toba Sōjă a lăsat o amprentă profundă atât în arta budistă, cât și în caricatura satirică.

72of 96

Memmo di Filippuccio 1263–1326

Italian Born: Siena International Gothic

Born around 1263 into a family deeply rooted in the prestigious goldsmithing traditions of Siena, Memmo’s artistic sensibilities were forged through the meticulous precision of metalwork and the delicate artistry of his father, Filippuccio.

73of 96

Su Dongpo 1037–1101

Chinese Born: Meishan Song Dynasty calligraphy and poetry

The essence of Su Dongpo lies in the seamless integration of his intellectual depth with his aesthetic output.

74of 96

Yi Yuanji 1000–1064

Chinese Born: Changsha Northern Song Dynasty Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Born in the scenic region of Changsha, Hunan, around the year 1000, this master painter emerged from a cultural milieu deeply influenced by the contemplative depths of Buddhist philosophy and the organic aesthetics of Daoism. The zenith of Yi Yuanji's career was marked by his summons to the imperial court.

75of 96

Nicolas Of Verdun 1130–1205

Flemish [Gothic art](https://www.britannica.com/art/Gothic-art)[Romanesque art](https://www.britannica.com/art/Romanesque-art)[Mosan school](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mosan-school)

The shrine’s general design and the figures of the prophets are widely attributed to Nicolas, showcasing his mastery of metal sculpture and his growing interest in classical forms. While documentary evidence regarding his life remains scarce, the enduring beauty and historical significance of his works ensure that Nicolas of Verdun will continue to be celebrated as a master goldsmith, an innovator, and a pivotal figure in the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art.

76of 96

Wuxue Zuyuan 1226–1286

Chinese Born: Hangzhou Zen Buddhist ink art and calligraphy

His posthumous title, Bukko Kokushi, or the "National Preceptor of the Buddha's Radiance," serves as a testament to the immense respect and spiritual authority he commanded.

77of 96

Buonamico Buffalmacco 1262–1340

Born: Florence Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

78of 96

Lombard Master 1096–1160

Italian Born: Novara Late Gothic to Renaissance Art

His devotion to the saints is equally palpable in works such as Saint Anthony Abbot and the Saint Martyr Deacon Panel.

79of 96

Liu Songnian 1174–1224

Chinese Born: Hangzhou Southern Song Dynasty Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

This style, originating in Japan and gaining traction within China during this period, sought to emulate the spirit and aesthetics of Japanese landscape painting – yamato-e – while depicting Chinese subjects and scenes.

80of 96

Master of Taüll 1100–1199

Born: Roda de Isábena Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

The name of the person who painted the walls of Sant Climent remains lost to time, leaving only the title of the Master of Taüll to mark their presence. The focus remained on the central figure, a Christ in Majesty, seated upon a throne and surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists.

81of 96

Wen Tong 1018–1079

Song dynasty Born: Yanting County Scholar's painting (shi ren hua) Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

He died in Huzhou, leaving behind a tradition where the brush serves as a direct conduit for the artist's inner truth.

82of 96

Wang Xi 1096–1119

Chinese Blue-green landscape Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Wang Ximeng was a Chinese painter active during the Northern Song dynasty. A remarkable prodigy, he was a student at the imperial court's school of paintings. His talent was recognized by Emperor Huizong of Song, who saw his potential and personally taught him.

83of 96

Fujiwara Nobuzane 1176–1266

Japanese Born: Kyoto Nise-e, Yamato-e, Kamakura period Wikipedia: 8/32 languages

In his approach to painting, Nobuzane utilized a technique that favored clarity and psychological depth over mere decoration. Portrait of Emperor Go-Toba: An example of his engagement with the highest levels of Japanese leadership.

84of 96

Pietro Cavallini 1240–1330

Italian Born: Roma Naturalism Roman

Pietro Cavallini se impune ca o figură esențială în tranziția de la convențiile artistice bizantine către naturalismul emergent care avea să definească Italia Renașterii timpurii. Născut în jurul anului 1240 la Roma, viața sa rămâne învăluită într-o relativă obscuritate—documentele indică faptul că semna cu denumirea de pictor romanus, sugerând o legătură strânsă cu basilica San Paolo fuori le mura, locul unde și-a început cariera ilustre.

85of 96

Naumburg Master 1200–1300

French High Gothic Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

He was active in the towns of Noyon, Amiens, and Reims around 1225, absorbing the High Gothic style that defined the era. In these portraits, such as those of Margrave Eckard II of Meissen and his consort Uta von Ballenstedt, the stone takes on a human quality.

Collections Tracing the physical remains of his hand requires traveling across several locations.

86of 96

Li Jie 1035–1110

Chinese Born: Xinzheng Tribal Art Wikipedia: 9/32 languages

However, these symbols transcend mere decoration; they serve as vehicles for conveying spiritual truths—a hallmark of Daoist art alongside Buddhist principles. Pulleyblank and Alexander Vovin arguing for a profound connection between Jie’s name ("jie") and Proto-Yeniseian (qeˀt/s), “stone.” This hypothesis posits that the root qeˀt/s underlies the ethnonym itself—a daring proposition that suggests Jie's art reflects an awareness of linguistic structures predating Chinese civilization.

87of 96

Dietisalvi di Speme 1201–1291

Born: Siena Wikipedia: 8/32 languages

Some of his attributed works include: His later career is associated with a cross in the Museo delle pie disposizioni, which shows influence from Cimabue's Maestà.

88of 96

Margaritone d'Arezzo 1240–1290

Italian Born: Arezzo Byzantine influence Wikipedia: 8/32 languages

Born around 1240 in Arezzo, Tuscany, his life is shrouded in mystery, known primarily from a single documentary mention dating back to 1262. His work was largely forgotten until its rediscovery by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century.

89of 96

Gao Kegong 1248–1310

Chinese Landscapes Wikipedia: 9/32 languages

Gao Kegong remains a significant figure for anyone studying the shifting aesthetics of the Yuan dynasty. His technical foundation was built upon the heavy influence of Mi Fu and Mi Youren. The stylistic influence of Dong Yuan and Ju Ran.

90of 96

Cui Bai 1000–1074

Chinese Born: Fengyang County Northern Song Dynasty painting Wikipedia: 8/32 languages

Cui Bai (崔白), a name synonymous with the delicate vitality of the Northern Song Dynasty, stands as a pivotal figure whose brushwork breathed new life into the classical traditions of China.

91of 96

Su Hanchen 1101–1161

Song dynasty Born: Kaifeng Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Su Hanchen lived during the Song dynasty, a period of significant change in China. Born in Kaifeng, he spent much of his life in Zhejiang. His talent was recognized early by the imperial court, where he served as a Painter-in-Attendance for Emperor Huizong.

92of 96

Xu Daoning 970–1052

Chinese Born: Xi'an Northern Song Dynasty Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

His early works, such as “ Snow-covered Mountains ” (雪山), demonstrate this clear influence; the composition is characterized by broad washes of ink, suggesting vast distances and an ethereal quality. Daoning deeply admired Li Cheng's masterful use of atmospheric perspective – the subtle gradations of color and tone that create a sense of depth and distance – and meticulously emulated his techniques.

93of 96

Zhao Boju 1120–1182

Chinese Blue-and-green landscape painting Wikipedia: 6/32 languages

Rather than relying solely on color, he integrated ink wash techniques into this established Tang dynasty tradition.

94of 96

Fujiwara no Takanobu 1142–1205

Japanese Born: Kyoto nise-e (likeness picture) portraits Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

The brush remains in the family long after his death in 1205.

95of 96

Ren Renfa 1254–1327

Born: China Tang dynasty style Wikipedia: 6/32 languages

Ren Renfa was an expert of irrigation works, artist, and a government official of the Yuan dynasty. Born in Qinglong Town, Songjiang, he also served as a hydrological engineer, where his work included dredging an area in what is now Beijing to improve the water supply and leading a team to build embankments after the Yellow River burst its banks.

96of 96

Kōkei

Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Under his direction, the Four Heavenly Guardians and the Six Patriarchs of Hossō take shape.