The Realist names to know
If you remember one Realist painter, make it Gustave Courbet (1819–1877), the name behind The Stone Breakers and The Painter's Studio. After that come Jean-François Millet, Gerhard Richter, Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper. Our 100 picks go from Jacques Laurent Agasse (born 1767) to Peter Doig (born 1959), from 28 countries.
How we picked them. We list the artists our catalogue links to Realist, from the most famous down. Artists born after 1955 that we cannot yet check on Wikidata are left out. The Wikipedia number shows in how many of our 32 languages Wikipedia writes about them.
Quick facts
Meet them one by one
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French From Ornans Realism On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
The quiet village of Ornans, France, provided the backdrop for his beginnings. He grew up in a household alongside his sisters, Zoé, Zélie, and Juliette.
See them at His canvases are scattered across several major collections, inviting a close look at the textures of his paint.
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French From Gréville-Hague Realism, Barbizon school On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
Born on October 4, 1814, he did not enter the world of art through a gilded door. His parents, Jean-Louis-Nicolas and Aimée-Henriette-Adélaïde Henry Millet, were farmers.
See them at Paris remains the primary destination for his work.
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German From Dresden On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
Gerhard Richter enters a world defined by the tightening grip of National Socialism. His mother, Hildegard Schönfelder, works as a bookseller.
See them at The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.
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American From Boston American Realism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
Growing up in the rural stretches of Cambridge, Massachusetts, provided a quiet backdrop to his early years. During this time, he also spent a brief period studying with Frederic Rondel.
See them at Tracing the physical presence of his work requires visiting several major institutions across the United States.
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American From Upper Nyack American realism
Edward Hopper was born in Upper Nyack, United States of America. He studied at the New York School of Art under William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. In House by the Railroad (1925), a simple composition reveals a sense of mystery and isolation.
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French From La Rochelle Academic realism On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
The household is a structured one, including an elder brother, Alfred, and a younger sister, Marie. The pull of Paris eventually draws him away from the coastal life of La Rochelle.
See them at The physical presence of his canvases remains scattered across major international institutions.
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Mexican From Guanajuato Mexican Muralism, Social Realism On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
His early environment was marked by a significant loss when his twin brother, Carlos, died at the age of two. His formal education began in earnest at the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City.
See them at Here, the Detroit Industry Murals occupy a central place, capturing the mechanical pulse of labor and the grit of the industrial era.
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Ukrainian-born Russian From Chuhuiv Realism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
Ilya Yefimovich Repin entered the world on August 5, 1844, in Chuguev, located within the Kharkov Governorate of the Russian Empire. In 1863, driven by an ambition to refine his talent, he traveled to Saint Petersburg.
See them at The physical presence of Repin's oeuvre is scattered across several major institutions, reflecting the breadth of his influence.
Learned from Ivan Kramskoi #27 · Taught Valentin Serov #36, Boris Kustodiev #52
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French From Marseille Realism, Satire On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
Born in Marseille in 1808, Honoré-Victorin Daumier’s journey was one deeply intertwined with the tumultuous currents of 19th-century France. His early life, marked by his father's poetic aspirations and subsequent relocation to Paris in 1814, immersed him in a city brimming with artistic energy. He apprenticed under Alexandre Lenoir, absorbing classical influences alongside an appreciation for the dramatic chiaroscuro of Rubens, and further honed his skills at the Académie Suisse.
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Swedish From Storkyrkoförsamlingen Arts and Crafts movement On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
Carl Larsson was born on 28 May 1853 in the Gamla stan neighborhood of Stockholm, Sweden. He was sent to Principskolan, which functioned as a sub-division of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
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Russian From Yelabuga Realism, Peredvizhniki On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
He grew up in a family of merchants, the son of Ivan Vasilyevich Shishkin, a grain merchant who lived until 1872. After his time in Kazan, he moved toward professional artistic study, entering the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in 1852.
See them at To experience the quiet presence of Shishkin’s forests, one can visit several significant collections across Russia.
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British From Berlin Realism, Figurative art On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Lucian Michael Freud, born in Berlin in 1922, carried a lineage steeped in intellectual weight—the grandson of the pioneering psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. The looming shadow of Nazism forced his family to flee Germany in 1933, settling in London, a relocation that profoundly shaped both his life and the often somber, unsettling tone defining his artistic vision.
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American From Chadds Ford Township Regionalism, Realism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Birth and Background: Andrew Newell Wyeth was born on July 12, 1917, in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, to illustrator N.C. His father was a renowned illustrator, and several of his siblings also pursued artistic careers including Henriette Wyeth Hurd, Carolyn Wyeth, and Nathaniel Wyeth.
Learned from N.C. Wyeth #99
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Mexican From Chihuahua City Social Realism, Muralism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
David Alfaro Siqueiros, born José de Jesús Alfaro Siqueiros in 1896 – though later research pinpointed his birthplace as Chihuahua City rather than Camargo – was more than just a painter; he was a force of nature, an embodiment of the tumultuous spirit of post-revolutionary Mexico. The years between 1919 and 1923 proved pivotal as Siqueiros embarked on an extended sojourn to Europe.
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German From Oleśnica ['Capitalist Realism', 'Neo-Expressionism'] On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
His early life was marked by displacement; as a child, he fled with his family first to Thuringia and then, seeking refuge from Communist rule, to West Germany in 1953. Before dedicating himself fully to painting, Polke underwent an apprenticeship as a stained-glass worker in Düsseldorf (1959-1960), a formative experience that honed his technical skill and introduced him to the possibilities of manipulating light and color.
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German From Wrocław Realism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von Menzel, a name synonymous with German Realism, was more than just a painter; he was a visual chronicler of 19th-century life. Born on December 8, 1815, in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), his journey began not amidst the hallowed halls of artistic academies, but within the practical world of his father’s lithographic workshop.
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Portuguese From Lisbon Surrealism, Expressionism, Feminist Art On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1935, her early life was shaped by the heavy, turbulent atmosphere of a world caught between tradition and political upheaval.
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American From Philadelphia Realism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
While his interests often led him abroad for study, the geography of his existence remained largely centered in Philadelphia. He died in Philadelphia on June 25, 1916.
See them at The physical presence of Eakins's vision remains scattered across several major institutions, primarily concentrated in the American Northeast.
Learned from Léon Bonnat #49
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French From Grenoble Realism and Symbolism On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
Born in Grenoble, France, on January 14, 1836, Ignace Henri Jean Theodore Fantin-Latour grew up in an environment where art was a daily presence. During these formative years, he studied under Louis-Alexandre Péron and Horace Lecoq de Boisbaudran.
See them at His presence is felt in the quiet halls of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, where his canvases reside among the great shifts of nineteenth-century art.
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French From Bordeaux Realism, Animalière On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
The family’s relocation to Paris in 1828 marked a turning point, providing Rosa with access to formal artistic training.
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Mexican From Ciudad Guzmán Mexican Muralism On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
José Clemente Orozco, born November 23, 1883, in the small town of Zapotlán el Grande (now Ciudad Guzmán), Jalisco, Mexico, stands as a monumental figure in the pantheon of Mexican muralists. Orozco's formal training began at the Academy of San Carlos in 1906, where he encountered David Alfaro Siqueiros, a fellow student who would become another key player in the burgeoning Mexican mural movement.
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Spanish From Tomelloso Realism, Hyperrealism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Early Training: His uncle, Antonio López Torres, a local landscape painter, recognized and nurtured his nephew's burgeoning skill, providing initial lessons.
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Indian From Kilimanoor Academic & Indian fusion On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Raja Ravi Varma, a name that resonates with artistic innovation in India, emerged from the royal lineage of Kilimanoor Palace in Kerala during the mid-19th century. Recognizing that original paintings were inaccessible to most Indians, he established the Raja Ravi Varma Fine Arts Lithographic Press in 1894.
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Scottish From Edinburgh Figurative painting
Early moves took him from Scotland to Trinidad in 1962, followed by Canada in 1966, each shift imprinting upon his developing sensibility a sense of displacement and a fascination with the way places linger within us long after we’ve left them. Doig’s formal artistic training began in London, attending Wimbledon School of Art, Saint Martin’s School of Art, and finally Chelsea School of Art where he earned his MA.
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From Lopyal On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
Born on May 12, 1848, in the village of Vyatka (now Kirov), Russia, Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov came from a family with strong ties to both religion and art.
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Finnish From Pori National Romanticism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Akseli Gallen-Kallela, born Axel Waldemar Gallén in 1865 in Pori, Finland, wasn’t merely a painter; he was a visual poet of a nation finding its voice. His early years were marked by a tension between familial expectations and artistic ambition, leading him to Paris in 1884 to study at the Académie Julian.
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Russian From Ostrogozhsk Realism On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
Ivan Nikolaevich Kramskoy, born on May 27, 1837, in the quiet town of Ostrogozhsk, stands as a monumental figure within the landscape of Russian art history. Under the guidance of mentors like Mikhail Borisovich Tulinov, who recognized his burgeoning genius, Kramskoy began to forge a path that would eventually lead him to become a cornerstone of the Peredvizhniki, or the Wanderers movement.
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Russian From Cherepovets Peredvizhniki On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
To gaze upon a canvas by Vasily Vasilievich Vereshchagin is to step directly into the heat, dust, and harrowing reality of the nineteenth century’s most turbulent frontiers. Born in 1842 in Cherepovets, Russia, Vereshchagin possessed a unique lineage that blended the scientific with the martial. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, serving as a medic, he experienced the visceral horrors of siege warfare firsthand.
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South African, Dutch From Cape Town Romanticism, Figurative painting On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Marlene Dumas, born in 1953 in Cape Town, South Africa, is a painter whose work resonates with an emotional depth rarely encountered in contemporary art. Dumas’s formal artistic journey began at the University of Cape Town in 1972, where she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree alongside studies in ethics.
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American From Columbus Ashcan School, Realism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Arriving in New York in 1904, Bellows quickly found mentorship under Robert Henri, a leading figure of the Ashcan School. This group of artists – including John Sloan, William Glackens, and George Luks – deliberately turned away from academic conventions, choosing instead to depict the gritty realities of urban life: crowded tenements, bustling streets, and the everyday struggles of working-class Americans.
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German-American From Nuremberg Feminist Art, Sculpture On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
As the daughter of renowned Minimalist sculptor Tony Smith and actress/opera singer Jane Lawrence, she was immersed in a world where creative expression wasn’t merely a pursuit but a way of life.
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Russian/Ukrainian/Greek From Mariupol uyezd Realism, Impressionism On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
Born in 1842, or perhaps 1841 – the exact date shrouded in some mystery – in Mariupol, Ukraine, his origins were humble, steeped in the multicultural tapestry of the region. Of Greek descent, a lineage tracing back to ancestors who sought refuge near the Azov Sea during Catherine II’s reign, Kuindzhi's early life was marked by hardship.
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Brazilian From Brodowski Neo-Realism On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
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Russian From Tobolsk Critical Realism On Wikipedia in 28 of 32 languages
Vasily Grigoryevich Perov, born Vasily Vasiliev in 1834 in the remote Siberian town of Tobolsk, emerged as a pivotal figure in Russian art, a painter whose work became synonymous with critical realism. Born out of wedlock to Baron Grigory Kridener and Akulina Ivanova, Perov’s early years were marked by an unconventional upbringing that instilled within him a keen sensitivity to societal inequalities.
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Russian From Kybartai Mood landscape On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
Isaak Ilyich Levitan was born on August 30, 1860, in a shtetl called Kibarty, located in the Augustów Governorate of Congress Poland, which was then part of the Russian Empire.
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Russian From Saint Petersburg Impressionism, Art Nouveau On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
Valentin Alexandrovich Serov, born into a world already resonating with artistic brilliance on January 19, 1865, in Saint Petersburg, was destined to become one of Russia’s most celebrated portraitists. His lineage itself spoke volumes – the son of composer Alexander Serov and Valentina Bergman, also a gifted musician, young Valentin grew up enveloped by creativity.
Learned from Ilya Repin #8
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French From Nantes Impressionism, Realism, Japonisme On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Around 1854, he moved to Paris to begin his formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts.
See them at Though his later years were consumed by a profound devotion to religious subjects, it is his depictions of Victorian life that remain his most significant contribution to the art of the nineteenth century.
Learned from Hippolyte Flandrin #84
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American From Gladwyne Expressionism, Realism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Born: January 28, 1900, in Merion Square, Pennsylvania. Enrolled in the fine art program at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art & Design) in 1921.
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Danish From Stavanger Realism, Impressionism On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
Born in 1851 in Stavanger, Norway, Krøyer’s early life was marked by an unusual upbringing; raised not by his biological mother but by her sister and brother-in-law, the Danish zoologist Henrik Nikolai Krøyer, he found himself transplanted to Copenhagen and immersed in a world of scientific inquiry alongside artistic cultivation. Krøyer became central to this community, forging close friendships with artists like Michael and Anna Ancher, and writer Holger Drachmann.
Learned from Léon Bonnat #49
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Belgian From Etterbeek Social Realism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Initially drawn to sculpture, studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels under Louis Jehotte and Charles-Auguste Fraikin, Meunier’s artistic path took an unexpected turn after encountering Gustave Courbet's groundbreaking realism. Works like “The Salle St Roch” (1857) and “A Trappist Funeral” (1860) demonstrate his ability to capture the atmosphere of ordinary moments, but it was his immersion into the world of industry that truly ignited his artistic vision.
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Danish From Copenhagen Realism & Romanticism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Carl Heinrich Bloch, born in Copenhagen on May 23rd, 1834, was a Danish painter whose name became synonymous with profoundly moving depictions of biblical narratives and the quiet dignity of everyday life. However, Bloch's unwavering passion for art proved irresistible, leading him to enroll at the Royal Danish Academy of Art in 1855 under the tutelage of Wilhelm Marstrand.
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Russian From Krasnoyarsk Realism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Born in 1848 in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Surikov's early life was marked by hardship and familial struggles—a formative experience that instilled within him an unwavering dedication to portraying the realities of rural Russian society with unflutched honesty. Recognizing Surikov’s talent, his father secured him admission to the St Petersburg Academy of Arts, where he honed his skills under the guidance of masters like Konstantin Dmitrievich Makovsky and Ivan Alekseyevich Kramskoy.
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Finnish From Kiala manor Realism On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
Albert Edelfelt was born on July 21, 1854, in Porvoo, Finland. Between 1873 and 1874, he spent time at the Antwerp Academy of Art, where he focused on the mechanics of history painting.
See them at To see his brushwork in person, one might travel to Helsinki.
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French From Lyon Academic art On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Early training under Léon Cogniet provided a foundational grounding, but it was through diligent study of the Dutch masters at the Louvre – painters like Gabriel Metsu and Gerard Douw – that Meissonier truly discovered his artistic voice. Meissonier’s breakthrough arrived in 1831 with Les Bourgeois Flamands (Dutch Burghers), exhibited at the Salon.
Taught Édouard Detaille #85
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French From Damvillers Naturalism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Formal training followed at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, beginning in 1867, where he studied under Alexandre Cabanel – a prominent academic painter known for his polished technique and historical subjects.
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Russian From Voronezh Realism, Symbolism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Academy Years: Ge studied under master painter Pyotr Basin at the Imperial Academy of Arts, receiving a gold medal in 1857 for "The Witch of Endor Invoking the Spirit of the Prophet Samuel.".
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French From Dieuze Realism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
His early Salon submissions, including “The Prodigal Son” and “Studio Interior,” demonstrated a burgeoning talent for narrative painting and an ability to capture the nuances of human emotion.
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American From Utrecht Luminism, Realism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
George Caleb Bingham, born in 1811 amidst the rolling landscapes of Virginia, wasn’t destined for a life steeped in artistic convention. This is strikingly evident in works like Order at the Border (1850), where the golden hues of the setting sun illuminate a tense negotiation between settlers and Native Americans, imbuing the scene with both beauty and underlying tension.
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From Bayonne On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
His early life took an interesting turn when his family moved to Madrid in 1846, where his father established a bookshop. He received formal training under Madrazo in Madrid before returning to Paris.
Taught Peder Severin Krøyer #39
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French From Sèvres Barbizon School, Naturalism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Constant Troyon's early years were shaped by his family’s connection to the porcelain manufactory in Sèvres. He received mentorship from Camille Roqueplan, who introduced him to other prominent Barbizon artists like Rousseau and Jules Dupré.
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Swiss From Ins Realism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Albert Samuel Anker, a name synonymous with idyllic Swiss scenes and heartwarming portrayals of rural life, was born on April 1st, 1831, in the small town of Ens, Switzerland.
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Russian From Astrakhan Realism, Art Nouveau On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
The story of Boris Mikhailovich Kustodiev begins in Astrakhan, Russia, where he was born on March 7, 1878.
See them at In the city of Saint Petersburg, the Brodsky House Museum preserves his presence, offering a glimpse into the intimate atmosphere he once inhabited.
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French From Courrières Realism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Jules Breton (1827–1906) stands as a cornerstone of French Realism, an artistic movement dedicated to portraying life accurately and truthfully without embellishment—a mission he embraced wholeheartedly in his canvases. Born in the small village of Courrières in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France, Breton’s early life was marked by modest circumstances but fueled by an unwavering passion for observation and representation.
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Danish From Bornholm Realism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Michael Peter Ancher stands as one of Denmark’s most celebrated realist painters, a master whose brushstrokes are inextricably linked to the artistic fervor of Skagen. This remote fishing village, nestled where the Baltic and North Seas converge in Jutland’s far north, served as more than just a subject for Ancher; it was the very heartbeat of his creative existence.
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Russian From Saint Petersburg Peredvizhniki, Lyrical Realism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov (1844–1927) stands as a cornerstone figure in Russian landscape painting and the Peredvizhniki movement—a collective of realist artists who championed artistic freedom and social reform. Often dubbed “the Knight of Beauty,” Polenov embodied both European artistic sensibilities and deep roots within Russian culture, reflecting a vision where art served not merely for aesthetic pleasure but actively fostered happiness and moral upliftment.
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British Portrait painting
In the heart of the nineteenth century, as Britain navigated the profound shifts of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of its global influence, William Salter emerged as a painter capable of capturing the very soul of Victorian grandeur. Born in 1804 in the quiet town of Honiton, Devon, Salter’s early life was rooted in the traditional English landscape, yet his artistic spirit was destined for much larger stages.
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Austrian From Iselsberg-Stronach Munich School, Genre painting On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
His beginnings were steeped in the realities of rural life; his parents, Michael and Maria Defregger, were farmers who instilled in him a deep connection to the land. Despite these sorrows, a spark of creativity ignited within him.
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Russian From Moscow Romanticism, Realism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Early Career: Venetsianov initially pursued a career in civil service before dedicating himself to art. Early Struggles: Despite demonstrating talent, Venetsianov faced difficulties securing commissions as a freelance portraitist, highlighting the challenges artists encountered outside formal academic institutions.
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Finnish From Vyborg ['Naturalism', 'Realism'] On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Beyond his landscapes, Järnefelt was a masterful portraitist, often capturing the leading figures of Finnish society, from politicians to academics. His accolades reflect a career of international significance, including winning gold medals at the Paris Exposition Universelle in both 1889 and 1900.
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Russian/Ukrainian From Poltava Realism, Peredvizhniki On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
Born in Poltava, Ukraine, in 1846, Nikolai Alexandrovich Yaroshenko’s life was a tapestry woven from military service, artistic passion, and a profound empathy for the hardships faced by ordinary people.
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Russian From Moscow Realism, Academic art On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
From an early age, Makovsky demonstrated exceptional aptitude, entering the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture at just twelve years old, where he flourished under the tutelage of Karl Bryullov and Vasily Tropinin. Makovsky continued his artistic education at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg, beginning in 1858.
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American From Zanesville Beaux-Arts On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born in Troy, New York, his formative years were steeped in a deep appreciation for classical tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. Through his formal training at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Gilbert developed a philosophy that would become his hallmark: the seamless synthesis of Beaux-Arts principles with the cutting-edge engineering techniques of a burgeoning nation.
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German From Schrobenhausen Portraiture On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Born in Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, in 1836, his journey from a mason’s son to the celebrated “Malerfürst” (Painter Prince) is a testament to ambition, talent, and a keen understanding of societal currents.
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Russian From Moscow Lyric Landscape Painting On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
In the vast, sweeping expanse of nineteenth-century Russian art, few names evoke the quiet, melancholic beauty of the natural world as poignantly as Alexei Kondratyevich Savrasov. Born in Moscow in 1830, Savrasov did not merely paint landscapes; he captured the very breath of the Russian earth.
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American From St. Louis Documentary photography
Louis in 1903, emerged as a pivotal figure in American photography, his name inextricably linked with the visual record of the Great Depression. Evans’s upbringing, marked by frequent moves between cities like Toledo, Chicago, and New York, instilled in him an early awareness of the diverse facets of American life.
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Hungarian From Mukachevo Realism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Mihály Munkácsy, born Michael Leo Lieb on February 20, 1844, in the small town of Munkács (now Mukachevo, Ukraine), emerged from a childhood steeped in adversity to become one of Hungary’s most celebrated and internationally recognized artists. A pivotal moment arrived with a state grant enabling Munkácsy to broaden his horizons through study abroad, first in Vienna (1865), then Munich (1866), and finally Düsseldorf (1868).
Taught Fritz von Uhde #94
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From Pest On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
His parents, Adolf and Johanna Laub, were a tailor and seamstress respectively, of Jewish origin. Further studies in Munich and Paris broadened his artistic horizons.
Works to know · Their 100 best-known works
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Greek From Tinos Munich School, Impressionism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
He began his studies at the School of Fine Arts in 1854, initially as an auditor, eagerly absorbing knowledge before officially enrolling and benefiting from the tutelage of Philippos Margaritis, Agathangelos Triantafyllou, and others who instilled in him a solid foundation in draftsmanship and composition.
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Hungarian-Slovak From Beckov Impressionism, Realism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Born into the waning aristocracy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1852, Baron László Mednyánszky was a figure perpetually poised between worlds – nobility and peasantry, Hungary and Slovakia, tradition and modernity. The art of Baron László Mednyánszky is characterized by a distinctive blend of styles and subject matter.
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Dutch From Groningen Hague School, Realism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
He initially pursued formal education at the Minerva Academy in Groningen from 1835 to 1842, laying the groundwork for his artistic journey. His studies continued at the Royal Academy for Fine Arts in Amsterdam, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Jan Kruseman.
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Danish From Grenaa Realism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Born on December 10, 1859, in the pastoral surroundings of Balle Mølle near Grenå, Denmark, Mønsted’s formative years were shaped by a sense of familial prosperity and a deep-rooted connection to the Danish countryside. His artistic journey began in earnest at the Aarhus Art School in 1875, where he honed his foundational skills under the guidance of Andries Fritz.
Learned from Peder Severin Krøyer #39, William-Adolphe Bouguereau #6
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French From Bernwiller Academic realism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Born in the tranquil Alsatian village of Bernwiller in 1829, Jean-Jacques Henner emerged as a pivotal figure in 19th-century French painting. His early education at the College of Altkirch revealed a burgeoning aptitude for drawing, prompting his parents to support further studies with Gabriel-Christophe Guérin in Strasbourg before he ventured to Paris.
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Finnish From Noormarkku Realism and Impressionism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Born in 1861 in Normarkku, Finland, her artistic identity was deeply rooted in a lineage of creativity.
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British From Stretford Industrial Painting On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
Laurence Stephen Lowry, born in the heart of Stretford, Cheshire, in 1887, remains one of Britain’s most beloved and distinctive voices in twentieth-century art. While his name is now synonymous with the gritty, evocative landscapes of Northern England, his journey to international acclaim was a slow, poignant ascent.
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Polish From Boczki Realism, Positivism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Józef Chełmoński, born in 1849 in the small village of Łowicz, Poland, was an artist whose life and work became inextricably linked to the soul of his nation’s countryside. Formal studies followed at the Warsaw Drawing Class from 1867 to 1871, where he benefited from private lessons under the esteemed Wojciech Gerson.
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WahooArt From Paris 19th Century Art
Lutkin’s early life remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, though it is known he received his initial artistic training from his father, William Lutkin Sr., a landscape painter who instilled in him a deep appreciation for the beauty of the English countryside.
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British Realistic Landscape Painting
John Arthur Fraser began his days in London, England, born on January 9th, 1838. His father, a tailor from Portsoy, Scotland, carried the political weight of the Chartist movement into their home, while his maternal grandparents had settled in Stanstead, Lower Canada, years earlier. His paintings of the Rockies, such as Fishing Camp, the Rockies, captured the heavy presence of mountains like Mt.
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Serbian From Orlovat Realism painting On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born in 1857 in Paraćin, Serbia, Predić emerged during a transformative era defined by the shifting borders and cultural tensions of the Austro-Hungarian influence. His life, spanning nearly a century until his death in 1953, served as a living bridge between the traditionalist roots of the Balkans and the rigorous academic standards of the Western art world.
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From Paris On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Before dedicating himself to art, Raffaëlli explored interests in music and theatre. His formal artistic training was brief but impactful – three months under Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
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Danish/Swiss From Soglio Realism, Portraiture On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
This delayed start perhaps fueled her intense focus and determination once she did embark on her artistic education, studying under Frederik Ferdinand Helsted, Heinrich Buntzen, and Frederik Christian Lund – foundational figures who laid the groundwork for her developing style. The pursuit of artistic refinement led Wegmann to Munich in 1875, initially under the tutelage of historical painter Wilhelm von Lindenschmit the Younger, followed by genre painter Eduard Kurzbauer.
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Greek From Chidira Munich School, Academic Realism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
Georgios Jakobides stands as a monumental figure in the annals of Greek art, a painter whose brush captured the tender nuances of human existence through the rigorous lens of the Munich School. Born in 1853 in Chidira, Lesbos, within the Ottoman Empire, Jakobides’ early life was shaped by a landscape of profound tradition and cultural transition.
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Russian From Moscow Realism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Vladimir Yegorovich Makovsky (1846-1920) stands as a pivotal figure in the history of Russian realist painting, serving as a profound voice for the Peredvizhniki movement. As the son of Yegor Ivanovich Makovsky, a renowned collector and founder of the Moscow Art School, Vladimir was raised within an environment that prioritized artistic excellence and social responsibility.
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American From Norwich Impressionism, Realism, Seascapes
Born in Norwich, Connecticut, his early life took him through the landscapes of Minnesota, where his family had moved following his father's appointment as a rector. Walden became a celebrated figure in the salons of Paris, earning medals and eventually being inducted into the French Legion of Honor.
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French From Lyon Neoclassical On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin (1809–1864) remains a luminous figure in the pantheon of French Neoclassicism, an artist whose brush captured the profound intersection of spiritual devotion and classical grace. The trajectory of Fland_rin’s talent took a decisive turn in 1829 when he arrived in Paris to enter the legendary studio of Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres.
Taught James Tissot #37
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French From Paris ['Post-Impressionism', 'Symbolism', 'Synthetism'] On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Gustave Caillebotte, born in Paris in 1848 and tragically passing away in 1894, remains a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism within French art. Often overshadowed by his more flamboyant contemporaries like Monet or Renoir, Caillebotte’s unique perspective—a meticulous observation of everyday Parisian life filtered through a distinctly modern sensibility—offers a compelling window into the burgeoning urban landscape of late 19th-century France.
Learned from Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier #44
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Russian From Moscow Analytical Realism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Pavel Nikolayevich Filonov, born in Moscow in 1883, remains a profoundly compelling and often enigmatic figure within the landscape of Russian avant-garde art. His life wasn’t merely a chronicle of artistic creation but a philosophical quest—a relentless pursuit to dissect and reveal the very essence of reality through his unique method of Analytical Realism. The rigorous logic of Bertrand Russell, the epistemological inquiries of G.E.
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Dutch From Groningen Marine Painting On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Born in the historic city of Groningen in 1831, Hendrik Willem Mesdag was destined for a life shaped by both commerce and creativity. As the son of the banker Klaas Mesdag and Johanna Wilhelmina van Giffen, his early path seemed predestined for the world of finance; however, the gentle influence of his father, an amateur painter himself, planted the seeds of an artistic vocation.
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French From Paris Naturalism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Formal Education: From 1869, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under renowned instructors Alexandre Cabanel and Jean-Léon Gérôme. Early Influences: His early works reflect the academic style prevalent during his studies, but he soon developed a distinct naturalist sensibility.
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After his father's death in 1837, Stevens began his formal training at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. In 1843, he moved to Paris to join his brother Joseph and enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts.
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German/American From 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. In 1871, seeking new opportunities and perhaps escaping the political turmoil of Germany, Herzog immigrated to the United States, declaring his intention for naturalization in Philadelphia.
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Danish Golden Age
Born in the historic city of Aarhus in 1863, Carl Vilhelm Holsoe was a child of architectural lineage, the son of the respected architect N.P.C. His journey through the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and the Kunstnernes Frie Studieskoler—studying under luminaries such as Peder Severin Krøyer —provided him with more than just technical prowess; it instilled a profound sensitivity to how light interacts with the boundaries of a room.
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British From London Victorian Landscape/Biblical
Crucially, he moved to Liverpool in 1826, a city then at the heart of Britain’s burgeoning maritime trade, providing him with unparalleled access to subject matter and inspiration.
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Spanish From Eibar Realism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Ignacio Zuloaga y Zabala, born in the Basque town of Eibar in 1870, stands as a pivotal figure in late 19th and early 20th-century Spanish painting. This period wasn’t about imitation, but absorption; he observed the innovations of artists like Ramon Casas, Gauguin, and Toulouse-Lautrec, yet steadfastly maintained a distinct focus on his Spanish heritage.
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German From Wolkenburg Impressionism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Fritz von Uhde (born Friedrich Hermann Carl Uhde; 22 May 1848 – 25 February 1911) was a German painter of genre and religious subjects.
Learned from Mihály Munkácsy #66
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Welsh From Haverfordwest Modernist On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born Gwendolen Mary John in Haverfordwest, Wales, in 1876, her life unfolded as a deliberate counterpoint to the flamboyant artistic circles of her time. Unlike her celebrated brother, Augustus Edwin John, whose charismatic personality often overshadowed his work, Gwen carved a path defined by solitude, spiritual seeking, and an unwavering commitment to capturing the inner lives of her subjects.
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Swiss From Geneva Romanticism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Jacques Laurent Agasse (1767-1849) stands as a singular figure in the annals of Swiss art history, celebrated primarily for his unparalleled dedication to capturing the essence of equine anatomy and portraying animals with breathtaking realism. Born in Geneva amidst the burgeoning Enlightenment, Agasse’s artistic journey began with formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts de Genève, establishing him firmly within the classical tradition.
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British From Liverpool Social Realism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
This foundational period led him to South Kensington (later the Royal College of Art) and the prestigious Royal Academy Schools, where he forged lasting connections with fellow artists like Hubert von Herkomer and Frank Holl.
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Scottish From Stirling Victorian Art
Born on February 1st, 1806, in Saint Ninians, Stirling, Harvey emerged from the rugged beauty of his homeland to become one of the most distinguished figures of the Victorian era. His early years were shaped by the meticulous traditions of Scottish Romanticism, having studied under the guidance of William Laidlaw.
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American From Needham Realism, Illustration On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Newell Convers Wyeth, born October 22, 1882, in Needham, Massachusetts, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Golden Age of American illustration. This early support proved crucial, leading him to formal training at Mechanics Arts School and later, Massachusetts Normal Art School, where he was advised to embrace the path of illustration.
Taught Andrew Wyeth #13
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American From Mattapoisett Academic classical painting On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, in either 1846 or 1848 – conflicting accounts exist, a diary suggesting the latter date – Millet’s journey from a young drummer boy in the Civil War to a celebrated artist and influential figure in American art circles is a testament to his multifaceted talent and unwavering dedication.
Pictures worth knowing
When it happened
Fun figures
| France | 19 |
|---|---|
| Russia | 16 |
| United States | 8 |
| United Kingdom | 7 |
| Germany | 6 |
| Denmark | 4 |
| Mexico | 3 |
| Ukraine | 3 |
| 18th century | 2 |
|---|---|
| 19th century | 86 |
| 20th century | 12 |
Just the names
Gustave CourbetFrench · 1819–1877Jean-François MilletFrench · 1814–1875Gerhard RichterGerman · born 1932Winslow HomerAmerican · 1836–1910Edward HopperAmerican · 1882–1967William-Adolphe BouguereauFrench · 1825–1905Diego RiveraMexican · 1886–1957Ilya RepinUkrainian-born Russian · 1844–1930Honoré DaumierFrench · 1808–1879Carl LarssonSwedish · 1853–1919Ivan ShishkinRussian · 1831–1898Lucian FreudBritish · 1922–2011Andrew WyethAmerican · 1917–2009David Alfaro SiqueirosMexican · 1896–1974Sigmar PolkeGerman · 1941–2010Adolph von MenzelGerman · 1815–1905Paula RegoPortuguese · 1935–2022Thomas EakinsAmerican · 1844–1916Henri Fantin-LatourFrench · 1836–1904Rosa BonheurFrench · 1822–1899José Clemente OrozcoMexican · 1883–1949Antonio López GarcíaSpanish · born 1936Raja Ravi VarmaIndian · 1848–1906Peter DoigScottish · born 1959Viktor Vasnetsov1848–1926Akseli Gallen-KallelaFinnish · 1865–1931Ivan KramskoiRussian · 1837–1887Vasily VereshchaginRussian · 1842–1904Marlene DumasSouth African, Dutch · born 1953George BellowsAmerican · 1882–1925Kiki SmithGerman-American · born 1954Arkhip KuindzhiRussian/Ukrainian/Greek · 1841–1910Candido PortinariBrazilian · 1903–1962Vasily PerovRussian · 1833–1882Isaac LevitanRussian · 1860–1900Valentin SerovRussian · 1865–1911James TissotFrench · 1836–1902Alice NeelAmerican · 1900–1984Peder Severin KrøyerDanish · 1851–1909Constantin MeunierBelgian · 1831–1905Carl BlochDanish · 1834–1890Vasily SurikovRussian · 1848–1916Albert EdelfeltFinnish · 1854–1905Jean-Louis Ernest MeissonierFrench · 1815–1891Jules Bastien-LepageFrench · 1848–1884Nikolai GeRussian · 1831–1894Émile FriantFrench · 1863–1932George Caleb BinghamAmerican · 1811–1879Léon Bonnat1833–1922Constant TroyonFrench · 1810–1865Albert AnkerSwiss · 1831–1910Boris KustodievRussian · 1878–1927Jules BretonFrench · 1827–1906Michael AncherDanish · 1849–1927Vasily PolenovRussian · 1844–1927William SalterBritish · 1804–1875Franz DefreggerAustrian · 1835–1921Alexey VenetsianovRussian · 1780–1847Eero JärnefeltFinnish · 1863–1937Nikolai YaroshenkoRussian/Ukrainian · 1846–1898Konstantin MakovskyRussian · 1839–1915Cass GilbertAmerican · 1859–1934Franz von LenbachGerman · 1836–1904Alexei SavrasovRussian · 1830–1897Walker EvansAmerican · 1903–1975Mihály MunkácsyHungarian · 1844–1900Philip de László1869–1937Nikolaos GyzisGreek · 1842–1901László MednyánszkyHungarian-Slovak · 1852–1919Jozef IsraëlsDutch · 1824–1911Peder Mørk MønstedDanish · 1859–1941Jean-Jacques HennerFrench · 1829–1905Elin Danielson-GambogiFinnish · 1861–1919L. S. LowryBritish · 1887–1976Józef ChełmońskiPolish · 1849–1914Nicolas François Octave TassaertWahooArt · 1800–1874John FraserBritish · 1838–1898Uroš PredićSerbian · 1857–1953Jean-François Raffaelli1850–1924Bertha WegmannDanish/Swiss · 1847–1926Georgios JakobidesGreek · 1853–1932Vladimir MakovskyRussian · 1846–1920Lionel WaldenAmerican · 1861–1933Hippolyte FlandrinFrench · 1809–1864Édouard DetailleFrench · 1848–1912Pavel FilonovRussian · 1883–1941Hendrik Willem MesdagDutch · 1831–1915Pascal Dagnan-BouveretFrench · 1852–1929Alfred Émile Léopold Stevens1823–1906Herman HerzogGerman/American · 1832–1932Carl Vilhelm HolsoeDanish · 1863–1935Samuel WaltersBritish · 1811–1882Ignacio ZuloagaSpanish · 1870–1945Fritz von UhdeGerman · 1848–1911Gwen JohnWelsh · 1876–1939Jacques Laurent AgasseSwiss · 1767–1849Luke FildesBritish · 1844–1927George HarveyScottish · 1806–1876N.C. WyethAmerican · 1882–1945Francis Davis MilletAmerican · 1848–1912Good questions
Gustave Courbet (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Jean-François Millet (#2) and Gerhard Richter (#3).
Gustave Courbet (#1), Jean-François Millet (#2), Gerhard Richter (#3), Winslow Homer (#4) and Edward Hopper (#5).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Tretyakov Gallery (11), Musée d'Orsay (8) and Metropolitan Museum of Art (8).
France: 19 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then Russia (16) and United States (8).
The highest-ranked painters born in Russia are Ivan Shishkin (#11), Viktor Vasnetsov (#25), Ivan Kramskoi (#27), Vasily Vereshchagin (#28) and Vasily Perov (#34).
8 women are in this ranking: Paula Rego (#17), Rosa Bonheur (#20), Marlene Dumas (#29), Kiki Smith (#31), Alice Neel (#38), Elin Danielson-Gambogi (#73), Bertha Wegmann (#80) and Gwen John (#95).
“He favored an impasto style, applying paint thickly to emphasize the materiality of the medium itself.” — from our biography of Gustave Courbet (#1).
Moscow: 5 of the painters in this list were born there.
Most painters in this list were born in the 19th century (86 of 100), between 1767 and 1959 overall.
The highest-ranked living painters in this list are Gerhard Richter (#3), Antonio López García (#22), Peter Doig (#24), Marlene Dumas (#29) and Kiki Smith (#31).
The earliest-born painter in this list is Jacques Laurent Agasse (#96), born in 1767.
Our catalogue holds 20,627 works by these painters. Each one can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print.
Read more
Other styles
Famous Baroque artistsNight Watch · Rembrandt
Famous Impressionist artistsStarry Night (New York, MoMA) · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Romanticist artistsSaturn Devouring His Son · Francisco Goya
Famous Neoclassicist artistsThe Death of Marat · Jacques-Louis David
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 Warhol
Famous Surrealist artistsFrida Kahlo - `The Two Fridas` · Frida KahloOther eras
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 Romanticism paintingsLiberty Leading the People · Eugène DelacroixFamous Post-Impressionism paintingsStarry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintingsThe Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Surrealism paintingsThe Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Neoclassicism paintingsNapoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis DavidFamous Renaissance paintingsMona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Symbolism paintingsThe Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintingsBurial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintingsThe Swing · Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Famous Art Nouveau paintingsThe kiss · Gustav KlimtKeep exploring
![[Barn with Porch Addition, Old Lyme, Connecticut] by Walker Evans](/media/artworks/images-thumb/26/c9/26c9d55ccaf816d39d37c3b2e849aaef.jpg)
