31 Most Famous Painters That You Should Know in 2024
Scholars frequently spend time analyzing the most famous painters in history. Their work fascinates us and enlightens us about history and movement. It inspires us all to create. Their names fill the pages of art history books, and their creations, frequently the subject of professional and hobbyist art classes, are a testament to their enduring impact on the art world. Their original creations are carefully displayed in some of the most famous art galleries across the globe, serving as a constant source of inspiration for art enthusiasts.
But who are the top 10 greatest artists of all time? Who is the most famous painter in that top 10? Responses to these questions vary, but as we seek answers, it’s important to discuss what makes a painter famous and successful and what historians look for in their works. Let’s examine some of the most famous painters and their paintings.
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What Makes a Painter Successful?
Who Was the Most Successful Artist of All Time?
Art professors widely view Leonardo Da Vinci as the most famous painter in history. While he was never wealthy, his work is time-tested, so his name is often mentioned if you ask, "Who was the most successful artist of all time?" The renowned artist’s best-known piece is probably the Mona Lisa. The painting hangs in the Louvre behind a layer of glass, and her eyes follow all who glance her way. It is considered one of the museum’s most cherished pieces. The exceptional artistry of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings is made possible by his precise use of light and shadow. His methods create a mesmerizing perspective.
In addition to his work as a painter, da Vinci was a respected scientist; his eye for anatomy and inventions proved him to be a global icon of ingenuity. His works are celebrated and studied worldwide. His work is frequently studied and taught in universities, as well as online painting classes, or in-person lessons throughout the U.S. like painting classes in Atlanta, painting classes in Chicago and painting classes in NYC.
Who Is the Most Recognized Artist of All Time?
Perhaps the most recognized painter of all time, Vincent Van Gogh’s works hang in some of the most prestigious galleries, with replicas in living rooms across the country. Known for his distinct brushstrokes, vivid color palettes, and emotional depth, famous Van Gogh paintings include some of the most expensive paintings in the world, like Starry Night and Sunflowers. He was no stranger to pain and did suffer from mental illness, but his posthumous fame has grown exponentially. This famous painter’s expressive style has left an indelible mark on art history and is often covered in painting classes in Los Angeles and other large cities in the States and around the world.
Best Painters of All
1. Leonardo da Vinci
Having already discussed Leonardo da Vinci's paintings earlier, it's sufficient to mention again that he is one of the most famous painters in history. Vitruvian Man is one of the less traditional famous artist’s artworks as it is more of a sketch than a painting. Still, it represents his blending of art with science and his advanced point of view through his depiction of human anatomy.
2. Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino
Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, commonly known as Raphael, was a renowned Renaissance painter and High Renaissance architect born in 1483. He was celebrated for his harmonious compositions and use of color. Grace and beauty are words often used to describe his paintings. Although Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo paintings inspired this famous painter, his style is distinct, piquing the curiosity of art enthusiasts and scholars. Famous Raphael paintings, including the Sistine Madonna, are in world-famous art galleries and touring exhibits. His frescoes in the Vatican are also infamous, especially The School of Athens, which symbolizes unity and the blurring of lines between art, philosophy and science.
3. Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is renowned as one of the greatest painters in Western art history. Born in 1606 in the Netherlands, he was a leading Dutch Golden Age artist, producing iconic works such as The Night Watch and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Rembrandt had a knack for capturing human emotion through his mastery of light and shadow. This famous painter’s use of chiaroscuro is inspirational. His works showcase the complexities of the human soul. The precision of his work is frequently studied by novice and professional artists. Rembrandt’s distinct style also set him apart from his contemporaries. Rembrandt's paintings, legacy and profound understanding of the human experience make us all appreciate the depth of his work.
4. Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse was a famous painter who used intense yet pure colors and innovative techniques to define the limited run of the Fauvism movement of the early 1900s. Matisse's paintings, such as The Joy of Life, evoke powerful emotions. His style includes a precise method for using lines and rhythm. While he ended his life in solitude, the artist left a lasting impact on modern art, inspiring generations of artists. This is why he is one of the most influential and famous painters of the 20th century.
5. Francisco Goya
Francisco Goya was a versatile painter who profoundly influenced the Romantic and Modern art movements. His work includes beautiful portraiture and dark, moody depictions of wartime battles. This famous painter’s gift was using light and shadow to capture the most minor details in a subject’s face and body language to convey deep emotions to the audience. Paintings like The Third of May 1808 and Saturn Devouring His Son showcase his mastery of deep psychological and political themes, earning him a lasting legacy in art history. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Louvre and the National Gallery are famous galleries that house Goya’s paintings.
6. Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, or Michelangelo as he is commonly referred to, is a famous painter, sculptor and architect. The artist had a clear understanding of human anatomy and considered himself a sculptor first, as well as a painter, poet and architect. His work is proclaimed for displaying deep emotions through the facial expressions and mannerisms of the figures within them. This sets the famous painter apart from many of his contemporaries. The most famous Michelangelo painting is perhaps The Sistine Chapel ceiling in Vatican City. The Last Judgement is also on display in the Sistine Chapel and features the second coming of Christ and his final judgment of mortal souls.
7. Johannes Vermeer
Renowned for his breathtakingly beautiful depiction of everyday life, Johannes Vermeer is a famous painter. Vermeer paintings portray intimacy and emotion through his use of light and color. His gift is in capturing the way that light filters through windows, and his methods are studied and taught by art scholars even today. One of the famous artist’s best-known paintings, Girl with a Pearl Earring, features a young girl with an enigmatic expression, wearing an exotic blue and yellow turban and a notably oversized pearl earring. The textures of the fabric and soft facial expressions catch the observer's eyes. This famous painter’s body of work includes only about 34 paintings. However, Vermeer’s meticulous technique and innovative use of perspective have earned him a lasting reputation.
8. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, born in 1571, is another one of the most famous painters. He is best known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro, which revolutionized Baroque art. His well-known paintings are based on realism and include intense emotional expressions on his subjects. This style sets him apart from his contemporaries. Caravaggio’s paintings often depict spiritualism and religious subjects but are also often gritty and raw in emotion. Two of the best-known works from this famous painter are The Calling of Saint Matthew and Judith Beheading Holofernes. These pieces are notable for showcasing a masterful manipulation of light. This use of light and shadows draws attention to critical moments within the narrative, as if the paintings are telling a story.
9. Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas is a famous painter and part of the Impressionist Movement, renowned for his innovative approach to capturing the fleeting moments in life in 19th-century France. Born in Paris in 1834, Degas initially pursued a career in history painting but his passion later turned to a focus on ballet dancers, café scenes and delicate female figures pursuing everyday activities. He used pastel colors and layered oil paints to capture movement and emotions. His most iconic works, such as The Dance Class and Ballet Rehearsal, reveal his true passion for a dancer’s movements, grace and energy. Using unconventional compositions and unusual viewpoints, this famous painter created masterpieces that set him apart from his contemporaries and are still respected by art scholars today.
10. Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt is a famous painter recognized for her intimate and insightful portrayals of women and their children. She was a pivotal figure in the Impressionist movement. She studied alongside men but gained her reputation as a respected artist. Born in Pennsylvania in 1844, she moved to Paris in the 1860s. Her artistic circle included the likes of Edgar Degas and Claude Monet. The famous painter’s works focused on domestic life and women's unique yet simplistic experiences, often depicting tender and intimate moments between mothers and their children. Her painting, The Child's Bath, is one example of this. She was a pioneer in her era and is often recognized as a strong female figure in art and history.
11. Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer is one of the most famous painters and printmakers from Germany. He is also one of the most significant figures of the Northern Renaissance. Dürer's highly respected paintings, such as The Melencolia I and Adoration of the Magi, exemplify the famous painter’s passion for playing with light, texture and composition. His work, The Young Hare, was one of the first paintings to focus on direct observation in nature. It is highly regarded for the artist’s use of texture and the detailed creation of the hare’s multi-colored fur. He was also a pioneering printmaker, creating iconic woodcuts and engravings. This art form was perhaps what he is best known for as it allowed his work to reach a vast European audience. His prints, including The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Praying Hands, are intricately detailed and powerful in emotion.
12. Jackson Pollock
Jackson Pollock was a famous painter widely recognized for his contributions to abstract expressionism. His sometimes controversial drip painting technique was distinctive, and it was the method he used to create some of his most famous paintings like No. 5, 1948, Number 1 (Lavender Mist) and Autumn Rhythm (Number 30). When you look at Jackson Pollock paintings, thoughts that come to mind are energy, spontaneity and movement. His work also reflected his belief in the unconscious mind as a source of creativity, influenced by the theories of psychoanalysis and the Surrealist movement. Many reputable galleries house Pollock’s paintings including the The Gallery of American Art at the University of Virginia.
13. Titian
Tiziano Vecellio was born around 1488 in Italy. He is better known as Titian and is recognized as one of the famous painters and one of the greatest figures of the Italian Renaissance. Western art masters owe him thanks for his influence, particularly through his use of color to create portraitures, landscapes and religious and mythological pieces. Some of the famous painter’s most notable works include Venus of Urbino, which expertly captures sensuality and raw human emotion, and Assumption of the Virgin, a large-scale religious painting that makes use of light and perspective. His style and work influenced Renaissance to Baroque masters, and he remains a respected figure in art academia today.
14. Alma Thomas
Alma Thomas is a trailblazing African American woman and famous painter. She was a true scholar and the first graduate of Howard University’s art department. Despite facing racial and gender barriers throughout her career, Thomas achieved significant success later in life and recognition as a notable figure in modern American art. The famous painter also went on to become a pivotal figure in the Washington Color School, and in 1972, she became the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Resurrection and Starry Night, The Eclipse and The Astronauts are two of her best-known works. They feature mosaic-like patterns and a vibrant interplay of bold colors and rich hues.
15. Elizabeth Catlett
Elizabeth Catlett is a woman known for her significant work as a sculptor, printmaker and painter. Her work focuses on themes of social justice and the strength and resilience of women. This famous painter classically trained at Howard University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. She spent a significant portion of her career as one of the famous painters of the 20th century in Mexico, working with the Taller de Gráfica Popular, a collective of artists dedicated to social causes. She earned Mexican citizenship in 1962 but continued to focus on creating African American artwork. Her passion for activism played a big role in why she created, as is evident in many of her pieces. One of her most famous series, I am the Black Woman, includes powerful renditions of women in the workforce, nurturing children and protesting for causes they believe in, all underscored by their immense dignity and strength.
16. Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera is a famous painter and the creator of large-scale murals that celebrate Mexican culture, history and social justice. Born in 1886 in Guanajuato, Mexico, this famous painter emerged as a leading figure in the Mexican Mural Movement. The movement aimed to make art accessible and convey powerful and sometimes poignant political messages. Rivera’s paintings and murals, the National Palace in Mexico City and the Detroit Industry Murals are two examples of his mastery of color and composition. They both include elements of Mexican folk art blended with European techniques, as is common in his work. His tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Frida Kahlo further cemented his place in art history, as both famous painters are revered as iconic figures of the 20th century.
17. Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt was a famous artist known for his distinctive style, which combined symbolism, eroticism and ornamental elements, including gold leaf and intricate patterns. Klimt's paintings characterized the Vienna Secession movement. This artist gained international acclaim for his evocative paintings, notably The Kiss and Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. Love, femininity and the human experience are often the focus of Gustav Klimt paintings. He is recognized as one of the most famous painters today, and his work is the focus of art classes in prominent universities and is probably one of the most recognized, adorning everything from tote bags to puzzles.
18. Rufino Tamayo
Born in Oaxaca, Rufino Tamayo was a famous painter who began his artistic journey at the Academy of San Carlos (formerly the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes) and later worked at the National Museum of Archeology, where he developed a profound appreciation for pre-Columbian art and Mexican folk culture. An analysis of Tamayo’s work shows that the artist dove into exploring individual expression and the human condition through a modernist lens. There’s a clear inspiration from European masters such as Matisse and Picasso. His paintings often depict solitary figures in a cosmic landscape. Existentialism and the human experience are common themes in this famous painter’s work.
19. Claude Monet
Born in 1840, Monet famously experimented with color and brushwork, creating beautiful landscapes and scenes that evoke emotion, draw the eye in and create unique sensory experiences. The famous painter is known for his series of Water Lilies and Impressionism, Sunrise. Claude Monet is often regarded as the founder of the Impressionist painting movement. Monet's paintings are in famous galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and MoMA, New York City.
20. Norman Rockwell
Warmth, emotion and the everyday beauty of American life are elements that Normal Rockwell paintings exhibit. The famous painter tells detailed stories through color, imagery and facial expressions. His works include well-known pieces like Freedom of Speech and The Problem We All Live With, and he is best known for his work highlighted in The Saturday Evening Post, which has a historical account of the first issue appearing on August 4, 1821. The range of his work, from lighthearted depictions of small-town life to poignant social commentary on historical moments, is highly respected by art scholars. Rockwell’s skill in blending realism with idealism earned him recognition and a lasting legacy.
21. Sandro Botticelli
Botticelli is a famous painter of the Italian Renaissance whose work reflects the intellectual and cultural currents of his time, drawing inspiration from Neoplatonism and the revival of classical antiquity. His unique style is characterized by its flowing lines, vibrant colors and a sincere depiction of deep human emotion. His work is characterized by a sense of poetry. In one of the most famous Botticelli Paintings, The Birth of Venus, the painter explores mythology and portrays the goddess emerging from the ocean, surrounded by detailed yet somehow serene figures. Botticelli's paintings were created using delicate brushwork to evoke a sense of divine beauty and serenity.
22. Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat is one of the most famous painters of the 20th century who first gained recognition as a graffiti artist and part of the duo SAMO with Al Diaz. Their work challenged societal norms and brought attention to racially charged issues and the power dynamic of wealth. Bold, bright colors, frenetic lines and the meshing of text and imagery characterized his transition to canvas painting. There is raw energy in this famous painter’s style, as seen in some of the most prominent Basquiat paintings, including Hollywood Africans, Untitled (1982) and Boy and Dog in Johnnypump.
23. Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Pierre-Auguste Renoir is a famous painter with a signature style that blends brilliant colors with loose brushstrokes. He is highly regarded as a leading figure in the Impressionist movement. Born in 1841 in Limoges, France, Renoir's early work was characterized by its focus on everyday life and the simplicity and beauty of the form of the body. Social gatherings are prominent in much of his work, showcasing the vitality that comes from people spending time together. One of his most iconic works is set on a sunny day on the Seine, Luncheon of the Boating Party. This Renoir painting exemplifies the famous painter’s mastery of light and composition.
24. Frida Kahlo
Many of the most famous painters throughout history are men, but women like Frida Kahlo also make the list. She was born in 1907 in Coyoacán, Mexico, and a diagnosis of polio impacted the famous painter’s life as a child and a bus accident at 18, which led to numerous surgeries. These experiences influenced her art, and Frida Kahlo paintings are known to display intense emotions and to confront loss, pain and conflicts. Kahlo's self-portraits, The Two Fridas and Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird, are notable examples. Bold colors and Mexican symbolism are also prominent in her work, and they have garnered her a global following from art critics and budding artists alike.
25. Salvador Dali
Salvador Dalí is a famous painter celebrated for his surrealist masterpieces. Today, he remains recognized as a highly eccentric figure in 20th-century art. Born in 1904 in Figueres, Spain, Dalí developed a unique style that combined meticulous realism with dreamlike, surreal and fantastical elements. The famous painter’s work explores the depths of the subconscious mind, the bizarre or unknown and his fantasies. Perhaps the most iconic example is the Salvador Dalí painting The Persistence of Memory, which features soft melting clocks draped over a rugged, surreal landscape, symbolizing the fluidity of time and reality and the contradictions between soft and hard. This piece is housed at MoMA in New York City.
26. Thomas Kinkade
Who is the most famous painter in modern times? It might be Thomas Kinkade. He is known for creating breathtaking landscapes that evoke warmth and nostalgia. You often find tiny cottages, peaceful gardens and serene rural settings represented in his art. Thomas Kinkade's paintings are frequently reproduced. His ability to connect with a broad audience contributed to his popularity, and he is easily recognized as one of the best-selling painters of his time. While the professional art community has criticized him for selling out and creating overly sentimental pieces, the famous painter’s impact on popular culture is undeniable.
27. Pablo Picasso
When we think of famous painters and their paintings who left a mark on history, Pablo Picasso comes to mind. He is widely considered the most famous painter of the 20th century. Renowned for co-founding the Cubist movement, this revolutionized modern art with innovative techniques and distinctive styles. Picasso's paintings, such as Les Demoiselles d'Avignon and Guernica, reflect his ability to eloquently capture complex emotions and social commentary, solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure.
28. Andrew Wyeth
With attention to detail and emotion shining through in his work, Andrew Wyeth, born in 1917, is a famous painter renowned for the particular way that he depicts rural landscapes and life. His use of tempera and watercolor created distinct textures. His art pieces have a haunting mood, including Christina’s World, which depicts a woman in a vast field; Winter 1946, in which a boy contemplates on a barren hillside; and Helga Testorf, an intimate portraiture. Andrew Wyeth’s paintings are displayed in prestigious galleries like the Art Institute of Chicago.
29. Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol is a famous painter and the Pope of Pop. He was successfully employed earlier in his career as a commercial illustrator and later pioneered the Pop Art movement, which blended commercial and fine art. Warhol's paintings include iconic images such as the Campbell's Soup Cans, Red Lenin and Marilyn Diptych. His famous paintings challenged traditional artistic values and explored consumerism and celebrity culture themes. His work is showcased at MoMA in New York City and other highly recognized art museums worldwide.
30. Georgia O'Keeffe
Georgia O’Keeffe is another prominent woman on this list. She is celebrated as a pioneering figure in American modernism. The famous painter is known for striking depictions of things we see in real life, every day, including flowers, landscapes and bones. Georgia O’Keeffe paintings include a unique perspective that emphasizes beauty in the simplicity of nature. Abstraction, emotion and depth are prominent in her paintings, which sets her apart from her contemporaries. Her American Southwest pieces capture the essence of the region’s vast landscapes and vibrant flora. O’Keeffe is perhaps best recognized as a strong female voice in what was at that time a male-dominated field.
31. Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall was born in Belarus in 1887 and later on moved to Paris, where he developed a unique style combining folk culture, Jewish traditions, and vibrant colors. The Russian-French artist is best known for his dreamy, imaginative works that blended elements of Cubism, Symbolism, and Fauvism. Chagall's paintings often featured whimsical scenes, floating figures, and a surreal mix of reality and fantasy. He used these themes to express emotions, love, and spiritual connections, making his work both deeply personal and universally relatable. Some of his most famous pieces include I and the Village and his stained-glass windows. Chagall had an innovative use of color, which he used to emphasize the story he was telling. This technique has made him one of the most famous painters of the 20th century.
Who are the top 10 greatest artists of all time? Who is the most recognized artist of all time? The answers to these questions are impossible to unpack, but famous painters from today and yesteryear are included in the list. Each has significantly contributed to history. They bring unique perspectives and styles that continue challenging how we view the world and beg us to ask questions and seek information.
From the renowned mastery of Da Vinci and Raphael in the Renaissance era to the bold, modern innovations of Matisse and Picasso, these famous painters have shaped the trajectory of our world and how we view art. As we celebrate the legacies they've created and left behind, let’s protect and continue to admire their labor of love. The hope is that it will inspire us to continue creating.
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