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

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.

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