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What Are The Five Greatest Paintings In The History Of Western Art?

Introduction

The art of painting is said to have been around for the last 20,000 years. Paintings therefore outlive artists. They form part of your legacy whether you are a legendary painter like Leonardo da Vinci or an upcoming painter like Maximilian Lang-Orsini.

You will notice that some of these paintings that we will discuss have always conveyed deep messages. Below are the historical paintings and the impacts they have made on society.

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci (1503-1519)

This list would feel incomplete without this entry in the list since it is infamous. It was painted on white poplar paper using oil paint. Critics have always been fascinated by her smile. Depending on how one may look at it, she may either be happy or indifferent.

This art piece has influenced modern art today. Some paintings are made in an ambiguous manner leaving room for varying interpretations. Others however feel art should only convey one meaning.

The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo (1508-1512)

From its name, the work of art was done on the chapel’s ceiling. Pope Julius II commissioned the painting. The painting depicts God and Adam reaching out for each other by stretching their arms. Angels are also in the picture helping God reach out for the man.

The artwork represents God reaching out to us despite humankind’s fallen nature. Critics also interpret it to mean that man only needs to apply a little effort to reach out to God.

The Scream by Edvard Munch (1893)

If you have watched a film called Home Alone (1990), you may know of the famous scream face done by the child actor. The actor’s scream face seems to pay homage to this painting. According to the painter, the artwork represents his anxious soul. The person in the picture is shown screaming while two people walk past him.

The two people represent his friends who ignore him and continue walking. It is no wonder the man screams in anxiety. The picture goes to show how the actions of others may induce panic attacks in others. The message conveyed by the art piece is never to ignore your friends or anyone in need of assistance.

Girl with a pearl earring by Johannes Vermeer (1665)

It is an oil painting that depicts a woman wearing an exotic dress and a pearl earring on her left ear. The background is painted black with no other drawing in the background. Perhaps, the artist intended for the critic to focus only on the woman.

She leans over as though she wants to speak to you. You will also notice the light on her face despite the dark background. Perhaps, she is facing the direction of light towards us. It is common to seek knowledge (light) to drive away ignorance (darkness).

The birth of Venus by Sandro Botticeli (1486)

This painting depicts a beautiful woman being born out of a seashell. She is surrounded by four people. She is the goddess of love and she intends to spread love in the region she is born in.

Conclusion

These pieces of art have compelled modern artists to speak out on social issues via art. Art is not just for beauty but for communicating a message.

Art History: What Can Paintings Teach Us?

As Pablo Picasso once said that a painting is just another way of keeping a diary; these words are true in every aspect. Painting is not just an expression of art, and it is a journey all on its own. Through a painting, you can see an artist’s perspective on life and other elements of the universe.

What Painting Does To Us

Also, a work of art that does not begin in emotion is not art. To paint a picture that speaks to the people, one must first find inspiration. The inspiration will enable the painter to communicate better through the painting.

Therefore, after achieving good communication with the audience, each painting is taught. Here are some lessons some great paintings have taught over time:

  • Art teaches us to go into life with the ability to capture the beauty of everything in the natural world. Some great paintings about nature instill a sense of appreciation in each of us. That means you should appreciate the beauty of everything you come across.
  • Art can teach you to be yourself and happy about it- some paintings speak about self-acceptance and how they should raise their self-esteem regardless of the situation.
  • Art teaches one to express their emotions and feelings creatively- many painters have expressed their perspective on various matters, including politics, health, and religion, through paintings.
  • Paintings teach us to accept those who are different- the world has well over 7 billion people. Each of us cannot be the same. Therefore, through art, one learns to accept and appreciate human diversity.
  • Paintings teach us to speak without using words- the sages were accurate when they said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Paintings speak volumes when curved out correctly, and they relay the message just as well as words would.
  • Art equips one with the ability to interpret the world around us- most paintings often have hidden meanings that only a few people can decipher. Therefore, not all paintings are taken at face value.

If you learn how to interpret each painting’s true meaning, then life would be that much simpler.

  • Paintings can teach history, beliefs, and convictions- some paintings offer educational value to scholars. They may teach them about the history of certain people or even their beliefs and practices.

After that insight, the second section of this post will look at the life of one painter called Maximillian Lang-Orsini. He is an artist from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and he has quite some interesting works of art in his collection.

He is only 25 years of age and has taken the world by storm through his work. Further, he is a citizen of three countries, namely; Canada, Britain, and Germany.

In his life, Maximilian Lang-Orsini has worked as a server in a catering company and was responsible for setting up and training new staff members for various events. Also, he was an assistant in a retail store, and he was responsible for stocking shelves, serving clients, and managing the cash.

In addition to being a painter, Maximillian is also the owner of a blog site that talks about Amsterdam and its various attractions. His paintings are unique and easy on the eyes.

Everyone should take a look at his art.

Wrapping up

Art is often a way of expressing emotions, beauty, and feelings. It helps people make better sense of the world and various aspects of life. For some, art is also a means of consolation during a difficult time in their life.

Aristotle once thought that art was important in providing emotional relief when facing devastating emotions.

The Most Famous Landmarks in Amsterdam

Are you looking to visit Amsterdam? Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and a popular tourist attraction site in North Holland. It has a lot of attractions and beautiful landmarks that you should visit when in the city. Let’s explore Amsterdam’s fascinating heritage.

Dam Square

Located on River Amstel’s mouth, the large dam was constructed in the 13th century and a sight to behold. Not only does it demonstrate state-of-the-art engineering skills, it also stands out as a national monument and landmark. You can walk from Central Station and enjoy viewing the settlements on either side of the river. Carry a camera and take photographs of the pigeons that pitch at Dam Square.

Weeping Tower

Popularly known as the Schreierstoren, the Weeping Tower is the remains of Amsterdam’s stone city from the middle ages. It is among the oldest monuments in the city and is famous as it is where Henry Hudson begins his journey to discover Northern America. 

At the same place, the sailors’ wives watched them leave, and they wept. For this reason, the place earned the name Weeping Tower. Today, the Weeping Tower has a few cafes and outdoor terraces where you can take some snacks and beverages with your friends and family. Find it on Prins Hendrikkade 94-5.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is a crucial landmark in Amsterdam. Besides the historical heritage it holds, the palace has a beautiful sight to behold. It was used as a city hall for magistrates in medieval times and had all the ancient furniture. 

While at the palace, you will see King Napoleon’s bedroom, the Magistrates’ chamber, the Secretary’s office, and the Citizen’s hall. While on the balcony, you can see the medallions and other beautiful features of the ancient palace. It is located at the Dam, Amsterdam 1012 RJ.

Anne Frank House

While it began as the most departed residences, Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s heritage. There is a statue of Anne Frank outside dated 1929 to 1945. It would be a perfect place to take some photographs. 

Anne Frank hid in this house together with her family during the Second World War. They hid from the Nazis with her family, and Anne began writing her diaries. They stayed there for two years, and this is now among the respected places. 

Today, it is a museum and attracts a lot of tourists. In the museum, you will get Anne Frank’s diaries and other notebooks. The landmark is located in Westernmarkt 20, 1016 GV in the Netherlands.

Van Gogh Museum

The museum was opened in 1973 in honour of Vincent Van Gogh, a famous Dutch post-impressionist artist. It contains the largest collection of Vincent’s original work. While visiting the facility, you get to see over 200 paintings, more than 500 drawings, and over 750 letters that he wrote in his life. 

The artist’s work is hung in a perfect arrangement for five periods. Besides the museum’s beautiful architectural plans, the museum is the most popular one in the Netherlands and attracts over 2.1 million visitors every year.

Conclusion

These are but a few landmarks that should be on your Amsterdam bucket list. These landmarks also have a couple of activities that you can have fun with your friends and family. Most of these landmarks are museums, parks, canal belts and galleries.

By Max Lang Orsini

How Ethnically Diverse Is Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is one city that has a unique and definitive character in terms of its culture among other European cities. Many people have chosen it as a home and it has over 180 nationalities from across the world. This has made it the most diverse city in Europe as it accommodates different cultures with a large number of people coming from Morocco and Turkey.

Many ethnic minorities move to Amsterdam thus make it one city with the highest diverse groups. They have made the capital their home city and introduced their cultures. Thinking about moving to Amsterdam? Currently, you have to present a COVID-19 test that shows you safe to relocate to the Netherlands.

Diversity in Amsterdam

Maximilian Lang –Orsini, an artist living in Amsterdam describes the city to be quite ethnically diverse. Besides, the great diverse culture gives a market to his artwork. Also, there has been an influx in the number of ethnic groups that move here making the city incredibly well-rounded. Consequently, there is a good chance that over the next few years most people in Amsterdam will be born abroad and will have their grandparents overseas.

Community

Amsterdam has different communities that have their way of life. This is what makes Amsterdam vibrant and multi-faceted. 

There is unlimited freedom to join any community you want and make friends with. People here have a rich cultural heritage in arts, food and music. Be part of any community and enjoy the culture.

Social life

Ethnical diversity brings about a huge variety of social life habits. There are different food joints, cafes and bars that offer a different kind of stuff. Maximilian Lang-Orsini finds the city good to promote his Dutch artwork by interacting with the tourists and expats who travel to Amsterdam.

Attractions

Amsterdam is a jovial city that rich in culture and bursts with a lot of attractions in the world. Additionally, the beautiful artwork is worth it. For instance, if you love Dutch art then there is a range of artwork to view from different ethnicities. 

You can get souvenirs or buy exhibits to take to your country. This diversity makes it a perfect place for all people from different countries.

Queer groups

This capital boasts as the best go-to place for any sexuality. Bisexuals can thrive freely as there are also laws that protect same-sex partnerships. Besides, this means there is zero discrimination against anyone and you can enjoy your life your way.

Anti-discriminatory measures

Amsterdam has people of different races, sexuality and social background. Therefore, as a capital that values diversity in society, there are policies in place regarding migrants. It has a firm stance regarding discrimination that protects each person and goes as far as funding the ethnic minorities. Furthermore, the extensive cultural life gives room for a socially fulfilled life for whichever community you choose to partake in.

Bottom line

Different ethnic minority groups move to Amsterdam making its ethnical diversity be at its peak. There are over 180 nationalities in this capital and it is attracting more due to the quality of life there. Moreover, don’t miss out on the great lifestyle and lot of culture in Amsterdam.

By Max Lang-Orsini