New to Romanticist? Start here
If you remember one Romanticist painter, make it Francisco Goya (1746–1828), the name behind The swing and La maja desnuda. . Madrid, Museo del Prado.. After that come Eugène Delacroix, J. M. W. Turner, Caspar David Friedrich and William Blake. Our 100 picks go from Francesco Mochi (born 1580) to Maxfield Parrish (born 1870), from 19 countries.
How we picked them. We list the artists our catalogue links to Romanticist, 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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Spanish From Fuendetodos ['Rococo', 'Romanticism', 'Modernism'] On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
He grew up in a lower middle-class household alongside his siblings: Rita, Tomás, Jacinta, Mariano, and Camilo. He studied under José Luzán y Martínez, learning the foundational mechanics of his craft.
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From Saint-Maurice On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
His mother, Victoire Oeben, was the daughter of the cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben. The transition from student to artist begins under Pierre- Narcisse Guérin.
See them at The traces of Delacroix’s life remain anchored in Paris.
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British From Maiden Lane Romanticism On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
In a house on Maiden Lane, within the busy Covent Garden district of London, Joseph Mallord William Turner entered the world. His beginnings were rooted in the practical trades of the city; his father, William Turner, worked as a barber and wigmaker.
See them at The Tate Britain houses much of his life's work, allowing a viewer to trace his development through the decades.
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German From Greifswald Romanticism On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
Born in the Baltic port city of Greifswald in 1774, Caspar David Friedrich’s early years were shaped by a profound sense of loss. In " Wanderer above the Sea of Fog " (c. 1818), the silhouetted figure confronts a swirling sea of mist, embodying the tension between human presence and the infinite.
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British From London Romanticism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
William Blake was born on November 28, 1757, in London, England. He was raised in a household above his father’s hosier shop at 28 Broad Street.
See them at The physical remnants of Blake’s vision are scattered across several major institutions, reflecting the global reach of his influence.
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French From Rouen Romanticism On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
From 1810 to 1815, the Louvre became Géricault's true academy. His early works, like The Charging Chasseur (1812), already hinted at this emerging sensibility, showcasing a boldness of execution and a fascination with movement reminiscent of Rubens’ energetic canvases. Géricault's name is inextricably linked with The Raft of the Medusa (1818-1819), a monumental canvas that transcends mere historical depiction and becomes a searing indictment of human fallibility and societal injustice.
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French From Paris Neoclassicism, Realism, Impressionism On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot was born in Paris in 1796. His father worked as a wig maker, and his mother, Marie-Françoise Corot, was a milliner.
See them at To find his traces, one often looks to Paris.
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British From East Bergholt Romanticism On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
He was the second son of Golding and Ann (Watts) Constable. His training began in earnest when he entered the Royal Academy Schools as a probationer in 1799.
See them at Tracing his presence across different collections reveals how his views of the English countryside have been gathered over time.
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French From Strasbourg Romanticism On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
This is where the life of Paul Gustave Louis Christophe Doré begins. He enters a world of shifting artistic currents, moving from the Rhine to the bustling streets of Paris.
See them at The physical remnants of Doré’s prolific output are scattered across several continents, preserved in institutions that hold his diverse range of media.
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Russian From Feodosiia Russian Romanticism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
His baptismal name, Hovhannes, son of Gevorg Aivazian, reflects a specific cultural lineage that preceded his emergence in the Russian imperial art scene.
See them at Aivazovsky’s presence in modern collections remains substantial, ensuring his technical approach to light and water is still accessible to those studying marine art.
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Polish From Free City of Kraków Romanticism, History painting On Wikipedia in 30 of 32 languages
His father, Franciszek Ksawery Matejko, was a tutor and a music teacher who had traveled from the Czech lands. Ann's High School, the rigors of formal schooling proved difficult, and he left the institution in 1851 after struggling with his grades.
See them at To follow the traces of his brush is to travel through the great halls of Europe, where his visions of the past remain held in trust.
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French From Paris Romanticism & Neoclassicism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
In the vibrant, turbulent landscape of nineteenth-century French art, few figures commanded the stage with as much dramatic presence as Hippolyte Paul Delaroche. Born in Paris in 1797 into a family where art was woven into the very fabric of daily life, Delaroche was destined for greatness.
Learned from Antoine-Jean Gros #14
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Swiss From Zurich Romanticism, Dark Romanticism On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
His father, Johann Caspar Füssli, was a man of both brush and pen, working as a painter of portraits and landscapes while also writing Lives of the Helvetic Painters. In 1761, he took orders and spent a period of time serving as a pastor.
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French From Paris Neoclassicism & Romanticism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Antoine-Jean Gros, a name resonating with the grandeur and turbulence of Napoleonic France, occupies a fascinating space in art history —poised between the cool rationality of Neoclassicism and the burgeoning emotional intensity of Romanticism. Both parents were practitioners of the visual arts; his mother, Pierrette-Madeleine-Cécile Durand, a skilled pastel artist, and his father, Jean-Antoine Gros, a meticulous miniature painter and avid collector.
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German From Wolgast Romanticism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Born in 1777 in Wolgast, then part of Swedish Pomerania, into a family steeped in shipbuilding and connected to Prussian nobility, Runge’s early years were marked by illness, fostering a contemplative nature that would deeply inform his artistic pursuits. However, the pull of artistic expression proved too strong, leading him to Copenhagen in 1799 to study painting under Jens Juel.
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French From Montargis Neoclassicism & Romanticism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Anne-Louis Girodet de Roussy-Trioson, a name perhaps less instantly recognizable than his teacher Jacques-Louis David, nevertheless occupies a pivotal position in the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism. Born in Montargis, France, in 1767, Girodet’s artistic journey was one of both rigorous academic training and burgeoning emotional expression —a delicate balance that defined his unique style and secured his place as a significant figure in French art.
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French From Senlis Romanticism & Realism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Born in 1815 in Senlis, France, Thomas Couture emerged as a pivotal figure bridging Romanticism and Realism —a painter who dared to challenge academic convention while simultaneously mastering its techniques. His early life saw a relocation to Paris with his family, where he initially pursued studies at the École des Arts et Métiers before gravitating towards the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts.
Learned from Antoine-Jean Gros #14, Paul Delaroche #12
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British From Derby Chiaroscuro, Romanticism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Born in 1734 amidst the burgeoning industrial heartland of England, Wright didn’t merely depict his time—he illuminated it, both literally and figuratively. Though initially destined for law, young Joseph's inclination towards art proved irresistible, leading him to London at seventeen to study under Thomas Hudson, a prominent portrait painter of the day.
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British From Bristol Regency portraiture On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Born amidst the bustling port city of Bristol in 1769, Sir Thomas Lawrence emerged as a prodigious talent, a child prodigy whose artistic gifts blossomed with astonishing speed. He quickly established himself as a portrait painter in oils, securing his first royal commission – a portrait of Queen Charlotte in 1789 – and catapulting him into the heart of London society.
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English From Liverpool Romantic movement On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
George Stubbs enters the world as the son of John Stubbs, a currier, or leather-dresser, and Mary. Under the guidance of surgeon Charles Atkinson at York County Hospital, he begins a deep study of anatomy.
See them at The legacy of Stubbs’s anatomical precision survives in the halls of major international institutions.
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British From Calais Pre-Raphaelite On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Ford Madox Brown, born on April 16, 1821, in Calais, France, was a figure perpetually navigating the currents of artistic change during the Victorian era. His father’s initial aspirations for a naval career for young Ford were ultimately superseded by the undeniable pull of art, leading to studies in Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp under notable artists like Albert Gregorius and Pieter van Hanselaere.
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Italian From Venice Italian Romanticism On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
In the city of Venice, where the light dances upon the canals, Francesco Hayez entered the world on February 10, 1791. By 1806, his talent had grown enough to lead him to Milan, where he enrolled in the new academy of fine arts.
See them at To walk through the halls of Milan is to encounter the spirit of Hayez in many forms.
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French From Paris Romanticism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
He honed these skills further under sculptors like François - Joseph Bosio and Baron Antoine-Jean Gros, absorbing classical principles while simultaneously developing a uniquely Romantic sensibility. Early works like “Milo of Crotana Devoured by a Lion” (1819) and “Hercules with the Erymanthean Boar” (c. 1820), created while still a student, hinted at his emerging talent for dynamic composition and dramatic narrative.
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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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French From El Limón Romanticism, Neoclassicism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Born under the tropical sun of Samaná, in the Dominican Republic, on September 20, 1819, Théodore Chassériau’s life was a fascinating blend of cultures and artistic currents. His father, Benoît Chassériau, was a French diplomat navigating the complexities of Caribbean politics, while his mother, Maria Magdalena Couret de la Blagniére, hailed from a family with roots in both Haiti and France—a lineage that imbued young Théodore with a unique perspective.
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From Saint Petersburg On Wikipedia in 27 of 32 languages
Karl Pavlovich Bryullov (born Karl Briullo) was born on December 23, 1799, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His father, Pavel Ivanovich Briullo, was an academician, woodcarver, and engraver of Huguenot descent, who instilled in young Karl a love for the arts.
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British From London Victorian realism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, born in London on March 7, 1802, was more than merely a painter of animals; he became a visual chronicler of the Victorian soul as reflected through them. This experience birthed iconic works like Monarch of the Glen, completed in 1851, a breathtaking depiction of a stag embodying nobility, power, and the untamed beauty of the Highlands.
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From Paris On Wikipedia in 24 of 32 languages
Émile Jean-Horace Vernet was born on June 30, 1789, in Paris, France – remarkably, within the Louvre Palace while his parents resided there during the French Revolution.
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French From Avignon Landscape, Seascape On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Claude-Joseph Vernet, born in Bordeaux in 1714, wasn’t initially destined for the grand landscapes and dramatic seascapes that would define his legacy. Vernet’s formal training began under his father, Antoine Vernet, a decorative painter, and Nicolas- Bernard Lépicié, providing him with a solid academic foundation before he ventured towards the artistic heart of Europe: Rome.
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From Haydon Bridge On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
Martin's early life was marked by practical pursuits. His early works show a developing interest in dramatic lighting and composition, foreshadowing his later signature style.
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Norwegian, Danish-Norwegian From Bergen Romanticism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
Johan Christian Claussen Dahl emerged from a background far removed from the academic elite. His formal development began in earnest between 1803 and 1809, when he studied under Johan Georg Müller.
See them at His presence in the public sphere remains significant, anchored by collections in Norway, Denmark, and Germany.
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French From Paris Romanticism, Neoclassicism On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
Born in Paris in 1733, Hubert Robert entered a world where his family's social standing was tied to the service of others.
See them at The preservation of Robert’s prolific output is spread across several major international institutions, reflecting the reach of his influence during the late eighteenth century.
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American From Wilkes-Barre On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
His early environment was shaped by the harsh realities of the American frontier, specifically through the stories of his mother, Polly Sutton. He eventually achieved professional standing when he was admitted to the Bar in 1819.
See them at Catlin’s visual record is scattered across several major institutions, making a comprehensive study of his output a matter of visiting specific collections.
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American From Charlestown Romanticism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
Born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, on April 27, 1791, into a family steeped in intellectual and religious fervor – his father, Jedidiah Morse, was a prominent Calvinist minister and geographer – young Samuel’s early life was shaped by a rigorous upbringing that instilled in him a deep sense of purpose.
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Norwegian From Christiania Romanticism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Born in Christiania (present-day Oslo) in 1825, Hans Fredrik Gude emerged as a pivotal figure in the blossoming of Norwegian National Romanticism. At just sixteen years old, Gude embarked on a transformative journey to Düsseldorf, Germany, enrolling at the prestigious Düsseldorf Academy in 1841.
Learned from Andreas Achenbach #43
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Ukrainian From Moryntsi Romanticism On Wikipedia in 32 of 32 languages
Born into serfdom in 1814 in the humble village of Moryntsi, Ukraine, his early life was steeped in hardship, yet illuminated by an innate artistic talent that would ultimately transcend his circumstances and ignite a cultural awakening. Shevchenko’s path took a pivotal turn when he was sent to Kyiv for education, first at the Grammar School and then the Theological Seminary.
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British From York Romanticism On Wikipedia in 23 of 32 languages
At age 11, on 8 October 1798, he was apprenticed as a printer in Hull. His training was not limited to the classroom; he spent one year as a private pupil under Thomas Lawrence.
See them at Etty’s physical presence in modern collections remains significant, though his distribution is uneven.
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German-American From Schwäbisch Gmünd Romanticism On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
Formal training came later, with studies under John Rubens Smith in Philadelphia providing a foundational grounding before his pivotal move to Germany in 1840 and enrollment at the prestigious Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. Further studies in Munich under Cornelius and Kaulbach broadened his artistic horizons, while journeys to Venice and Rome brought him face-to-face with the masters of the Renaissance – Titian and Michelangelo.
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French From Cluny Neoclassicism & Romanticism On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
Rome and Neoclassical Influences: He traveled to Rome in 1784, where he immersed himself in the study of classical art, particularly admiring the works of Canova and Correggio.
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British From Leeds Victorian, Nocturnes, Pre-Raphaelite On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
He was the eldest of six children born to Mary and David Grimshaw. In 1856, he married his cousin, Frances Theodosia Hubbard.
See them at Finding his paintings in person allows for a closer look at the way he handled light on wet cobblestones and the subtle textures of a moonlit sky.
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Scottish From Stockbridge Portraiture, Realism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born in 1756 amidst the burgeoning Enlightenment of Scotland, Sir Henry Raeburn emerged as a pivotal figure in British portraiture. Orphaned at a young age, Raeburn’s early life was shaped by the support of his brother William, who secured him an education at Heriot's Hospital in Edinburgh.
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Danish From Copenhagen Neoclassical & Romanticism On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
This familial influence proved foundational as Abildgaard embarked on his artistic journey, receiving initial training with a local painting master before formally enrolling at the New Royal Danish Academy of Art in 1764.
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German From Kassel Realism, Romanticism On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
This early exposure to industry and commerce would subtly inform Achenbach's later realism, grounding his romantic sensibilities in a tangible understanding of the world around him.
Taught Oswald Achenbach #59, Hans Gude #35
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German From Leipzig Romanticism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Carl Gustav Carus stands as a singular, luminous figure in the tapestry of German history, a man whose intellect refused to be confined by the boundaries of a single discipline. Born in Leipzig in 1789, Carus was far more than a mere painter; he was a true polymath, navigating the intricate intersections of medicine, botany, geology, and psychology with equal mastery.
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Dutch-Belgian From Amsterdam Romanticism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
Henriëtte Ronner-Knip, born in Amsterdam in 1821, wasn’t simply a painter of animals; she was a chronicler of domestic intimacy, a keen observer of the quiet dramas unfolding within bourgeois homes. Her father, Josephus Augustus Knip, himself an accomplished artist, provided her earliest instruction, fostering a dedication to observation and technique that would remain central to her work throughout her career.
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British From Highgate Victorian, Nonsense On Wikipedia in 26 of 32 languages
Born in 1812 in Holloway, North London, into a family teeming with twenty-one children, Lear’s early life was marked by both financial instability and a burgeoning artistic talent. His father, Jeremiah Lear, faced hardship after the Napoleonic Wars, forcing young Edward to begin earning a living through his drawings at the tender age of fifteen.
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From Paris On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
He enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts in 1812, studying under Pierre- Narcisse Guérin.
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German From Speyer Neoclassical On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
Anselm Feuerbach (1829-1880) stands as a monumental figure in the tapestry of German Romanticism and Neoclassicism, embodying a rare and harmonious fusion of these two powerful artistic currents.
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American From Philadelphia Neo-classical, Illustration On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born Frederick Maxfield Parrish in 1870, amidst the burgeoning artistic landscape of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this American painter and illustrator would come to define a unique aesthetic that captivated generations. From his earliest years, encouraged by parents who themselves were artists – Stephen Parrish, a respected painter and etcher, and Elizabeth Bancroft – young Frederick displayed an innate talent for drawing.
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Austrian German From Vienna Romanticism; Impressionism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
His journey into the heart of artistry was paved by a family legacy deeply rooted in visual expression; his father, Jakob Alt, was a skilled lithographer, and his brother, Franz, followed a similar path into painting.
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Dutch-French From Dordrecht Romanticism & Classicism On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
Born in Dordrecht, Netherlands, in 1795, he was a figure deeply shaped by both Dutch artistic traditions and the burgeoning Romantic movement taking hold in France.
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Spanish From Granada Orientalism, Symbolism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Born in Granada, Spain, in 1851, Falero’s life was one of unexpected turns, intellectual curiosity, and a captivating artistic vision that blended academic skill with a distinctly romantic sensibility. He studied under Gabriel Ferrier in Paris before continuing his education in London, which would become his adopted home.
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British From London Victorian Art, Art Criticism
Ruskin’s emergence as a significant voice in the art world began with Modern Painters (1843-1860), a monumental five-volume work initially conceived as a defense of J.M.W. Unto This Last (1860), a series of essays originally published in The Cornhill Magazine, marked a turning point in his career.
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English Romantic Landscape Painting
In the annals of Victorian landscape painting, few names evoke as much nocturnal mystery as Sebastian Pether. He belonged to a rare lineage of artists known collectively as The Moonlight Pethers, a trio comprising his father, Abraham, and his brother, Henry. Born in November 1793, Sebastian William Thomas Pether was immersed in the language of light from his earliest years.
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British-American From Horncastle Romanticism, Neoclassicism On Wikipedia in 13 of 32 languages
Born under the skies of Horncastle, Lincolnshire in 1783, Thomas Sully’s journey was one of remarkable transatlantic passage – not merely geographical, but artistic and cultural. The son of actors, Matthew and Sarah Chester Sully, young Thomas experienced an itinerant childhood when his family emigrated to Charleston, South Carolina in 1792, seeking new opportunities on the American stage.
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Austrian From Horní Planá Biedermeier, Landscape On Wikipedia in 25 of 32 languages
Born in Oberplan, a small village nestled in what is now the Czech Republic – Bohemia at the time – on October 23, 1805, Stifter’s early life was profoundly shaped by the quiet rhythms of rural existence and the loss of his father at a young age.
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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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Italian From Montevarchi Baroque Sculpture
Born in Montevarchi, Tuscany, in 1580, he embarked on an artistic journey that traversed Florence and Rome, culminating in a legacy defined by dramatic emotion and masterful technique. His work serves as a vital bridge between the structured elegance of the late Renaissance and the explosive, theatrical grandeur of the Baroque era, foreshadowing the monumental style later perfected by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
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German From Düsseldorf Düsseldorf School, Romanticism On Wikipedia in 21 of 32 languages
Born in Düsseldorf in 1827 and passing in 1905, Achenbach’s life was deeply interwoven with the artistic currents of the Düsseldorf School, a movement renowned for its dedication to realistic depictions of nature and atmospheric effects. A turning point in Achenbach’s artistic journey arrived with his travels throughout Bavaria and Tyrol in 1843, followed by a transformative trip to northern Italy with friend Albert Flamm in 1845.
Learned from Andreas Achenbach #43
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From Stockbridge On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born on October 24, 1796, in Stockbridge near Edinburgh, Roberts’s early life was marked by practical training. He then transitioned to scene painting for James Bannister’s circus, honing his skills in creating immersive environments.
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British From London Neoclassical On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Herbert James Draper, a name resonating with the echoes of Victorian and Edwardian artistry, was born in London in 1863, a city brimming with both industrial progress and a fervent revival of classical ideals. His early education at Bruce Castle School provided a foundation, but it was within the hallowed halls of the Royal Academy Schools that Draper’s artistic destiny began to unfold.
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English From Aldfield Genre painting, panoramic narrative On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born: January 9, 1819, Aldfield, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. Early career focused on portrait painting and literary subjects (Shakespeare, Scott).
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German From Prenzlau Classicism, Romanticism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
His upbringing was steeped in artistry; his father, Philipp Hackert, practiced as both a portraitist and an animal painter, laying the initial groundwork for young Jacob’s creative journey.
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Spanish From Reus Orientalist Painting On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Born into an illustrious lineage of Spanish painters, Fortuny was destined to inherit a world saturated with color and texture. As the son of the genre painter Mariano Fortunes y Marsal, his early years were steeped in the rich aesthetics of the 19th century. The historical significance of Mariano Fortuny y Marsal extends far beyond the borders of the art galleries and fashion houses of his time.
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Scottish From Fife Romanticism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
In the grand tapestry of nineteenth-century British art, few threads shine with as much warmth and human empathy as those woven by Sir David Wilkie. Born in the humble village of Pitlessie, Fife, Wilkie emerged from a background steeped in the quiet dignity of rural Scotland.
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German From Bad Arolsen Düsseldorfs Schule On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
In the sweeping landscape of nineteenth-century German art, few figures loom as large or as dramatically as Wilhelm von Kaulbach.
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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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Austrian From Elbigenalp Neoclassicism & Romanticism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Joseph Anton Koch stands as a singular figure in Austrian art history—a painter who deftly navigated the shifting currents of Neoclassicism into the burgeoning fervor of German Romanticism. However, Koch's youthful spirit rebelled against such constraints, leading to a brief but formative wanderlust through France and Switzerland before he finally established himself in the artistic crucible of Rome in 1795.
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From Szczebrzeszyn On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Józef von Brandt, born in the small Polish town of Szczebrzeszyn in 1841 and passing away in Radom in 1915, was more than just a painter; he was a chronicler of a nation’s spirit. Leszczynski and the Noblemen's Institute, a path seemingly destined for engineering when he moved to Paris in 1858 to study at the Ecole centrale.
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Belgian From Dinant Romanticism On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
From humble beginnings – his father a soldier turned police brigadier, his mother a daily wage earner – Wiertz’s early talent for drawing was nurtured by Paul de Maibe, a local benefactor who recognized the spark within the young artist and secured him entry into the Antwerp Academy in 1820.
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Austrian-German From Prague Secessionist, Mystical Allegories On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
He immersed himself in subjects far removed from traditional academic painting – parapsychology, Darwinism, Asiatic philosophy, and the writings of Schopenhauer.
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Norwegian Neo-Romanticism
In the coastal town of Kragerø, a young boy named Theodor Kittelsen learned early that life could be as unpredictable as the sea. This support allowed him to enter Wilhelm von Hannø’s drawing school in Christiania.
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English Pastoral Painting
Henry William Banks Davis, born in Finchley in 1833 and passing away in 1914, was a quintessential English landscape and animal painter whose work captured the idyllic spirit of the Victorian era. Though not a name immediately recognized alongside the Pre-Raphaelites or Impressionists, Davis enjoyed remarkable popularity during his lifetime, exhibiting over one hundred works at the Royal Academy between 1852 and 1904.
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French From Trélon Academic Painting On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
Léon François Comerre (1850-1916) stands as a prominent figure in French Academic painting, celebrated primarily for his exquisitely rendered portraits of women—particularly those embodying youthful beauty—and his evocative depictions of Oriental landscapes and figures. However, from a young age, he possessed an undeniable passion for artistic pursuits, nurtured by encouragement at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lille where he excelled under Alphonse Colas, securing a prestigious gold medal in 1867.
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French From Paris Romanticism On Wikipedia in 15 of 32 languages
Eugène Louis Gabriel Isabey (1803-1886) stands as a pivotal figure in French Romantic painting, particularly renowned for his breathtaking depictions of the sea and coastline. Early Training & Influences: Isabey's artistic education began under his father’s tutelage, where he diligently absorbed the stylistic principles of Old Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer.
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English From Heidelberg Romanticism, Neoclassicism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Born in the tranquil setting of Handschuhsheim, Germany, in 1797, Carl Anton Joseph Rottmann emerged as a profound voice within the movement of German Romanticism. His journey was one of constant movement, traveling through the rugged terrains of Greece, Italy, and the Bavarian Alps, each location leaving an indelible mark on his palette and his perception of the divine within the natural world.
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German From Friedrichstadt Romanticism & Biedermeier On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Born in the cultural heart of Dresden in 1803, Adrian Ludwig Richter emerged as a defining voice of the German Romantic movement. As he transitioned from the precision of etching to the expansive possibilities of oil on canvas, Richter developed a style that bridged the gap between the technical accuracy of the Biedermeier period and the emotive, sweeping grandeur of Romanticism.
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French From Lyon Romanticism & Symbolism
Born in Lyon in 1814, his life was deeply interwoven with the shifting currents of artistic thought, transitioning from the emotive fervor of Romanticism towards the more introspective realms of Symbolism. Janmot's artistic journey began with formal education at the Royal College of Lyon, where he encountered influential figures like Frederic Ozanam and absorbed the philosophical currents championed by Abbé Noirot.
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French From Lyon Romanticism On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
François Auguste Biard stands as a singular figure in 19th-century French art, distinguished not merely by his prolific output but also by an audacious spirit—a willingness to embrace adventure and challenge conventional artistic norms. Born in Lyon in 1799 as François Thérèse Biard, he lived a life that defied the expectations of his clergyman father.
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French From Paris Romanticism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Achille Jacques Jean Marie Devéria stands as a singular figure in French Romantic painting, distinguished not merely by his artistic skill but also by the profound psychological depth he imbued into his canvases. Devéria’s artistic journey began in the heart of Paris, where he received rigorous instruction from masters such as Louis Lafitte and Anne-Louis Girodet -Trioson.
Learned from Anne-Louis Girodet #16
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American From Austerfield Romanticism
William Bradford, born around 1590 in Austerfield, England, occupies a unique and pivotal position in the narrative of American art. His skill in depicting maritime activity within dramatic natural settings is showcased beautifully in "Whaler and Fishing Vessels near the Coast of Labrador " (c. 1880). Elected an associate member of the National Academy of Design in 1874, he gained recognition for his contributions to American art.
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Norwegian From Helgøya Romantic Landscape On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Peder Andersen Balke, born in 1804 on the humble island of Helgøya in Norway, emerged as a profoundly original voice within the landscape tradition of the 19th century.
Learned from Johan Christian Dahl #31
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From Salisbury
William Brassey Hole’s early life was marked by tragedy. Following his father's death, the family relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Danish From Copenhagen Romanticism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
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French From Saint-Omer Academic art On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Alphonse-Marie-Adolphe de Neuville, a name resonant with the drama and patriotic fervor of 19th-century France, was born in Saint-Omer in 1835. He first sought guidance within the established academic system, briefly attending the naval school at Lorient before ultimately pursuing formal training under the watchful eye of François - Edouard Picot.
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Austrian From Vienna German Romanticism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Moving to Munich in 1828, following Schubert’s death, marked a pivotal shift. There, he found mentorship under Cornelius, then director of the Academy, and forged connections with fellow artists like Schnorr, creating a fertile environment for his artistic growth.
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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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Scottish From Dunfermline Pre-Raphaelite influences On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
Born in the textile town of Dunfermline, Scotland, on December 13, 1821, Sir Joseph Noel Paton emerged as a unique voice within the Victorian art world.
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Scottish From Edinburgh Romanticism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Worked as an assistant to Allan Ramsay, a prominent portrait painter, in London (1774-1778).
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From Penegoes On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Richard Wilson was born on July 24, 1713, in Islington, United Kingdom. Wilson’s initial skills were likely developed through self-study and observation, as well as potentially from other artists of the time.
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Filipino From Badoc European Academic Style On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
Juan Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta (1857–1899) stands as one of the Philippines’s most celebrated artists, a figure whose dramatic canvases captured the spirit of his era and cemented his place in the annals of European art history.
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American From Charleston Romanticism On Wikipedia in 18 of 32 languages
Born November 5, 1779, on a South Carolina rice plantation – a landscape that would subtly inform his later artistic sensibilities – Allston’s life was one of intellectual pursuit and aesthetic experimentation. London became Allston’s crucible, where he entered the Royal Academy Schools under the tutelage of Sir Benjamin West, a prominent figure in British art and a key link between European traditions and American aspirations.
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British From Arnold Romanticism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born on October 25th, 1802, in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, England, his path to recognition was uniquely shaped by a blend of familial encouragement and geographical circumstance. He came under the tutelage of François Louis Thomas Francia, a watercolorist deeply influenced by English masters like Thomas Girtin. Simultaneously, Bonington ventured into historical painting, creating dramatic compositions such as "Charles V. visits François Ier after the Battle of Pavia" (c. 1827).
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Russian From Karpovo Romanticism On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Vasily Andreyevich Tropinin (19 March 1776 – 16 May 1857) remains a cornerstone of Russian Romanticism, an artist whose life story is as poignant and profound as the portraits he left behind. His journey from the son of a peasant farmer to a celebrated master of the Imperial Academy of Arts is a testament to an indomitable spirit.
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German From Bernau im Schwarzwald Pre-Raphaelite Style On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Hans Thoma stands as a singular figure in German art history, renowned for his evocative landscapes and portraits that capture the spirit of the Black Forest region—a place deeply ingrained within his artistic vision. Born in Bernau bei Berlin in 1839, he embarked on an artistic journey marked by unwavering devotion to his homeland’s traditions and folklore.
Learned from Hans Gude #35
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Franco-British From Strasbourg Romanticism On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages
Philip James de Loutherbourg, also known as Philip Jacques de Loutherbourg, was a Franco-British painter celebrated for his dramatic depictions of naval battles, expansive landscapes, and innovative contributions to theatre design.
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English Genre painting
Born in London amidst the bustle of Victorian England, his artistic journey began not through formal training but through the tutelage of his father, John Morgan – a genre artist himself – who instilled within him a profound appreciation for observing and depicting everyday life.
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British-Australian From London Romanticism
Conrad Martens emerged as a significant figure in 19th-century art, bridging the worlds of European artistic tradition and the burgeoning landscape painting scene of colonial Australia. Born in London in 1801, his lineage was marked by international connections – his father, J.C.H.
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French From La Rochelle Orientalism On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born in La Rochelle, France, in 1820, he embarked on an artistic journey marked by early exposure to landscape painting under the guidance of Louis Cabat. Fromentin’s artistic breakthrough arrived in 1847 with “Les gorges de la Chiffa,” a monumental canvas that immediately garnered acclaim at the Paris Salon and established him as one of the foremost interpreters of Algeria's dramatic topography.
Pictures worth knowing
When it happened
Fun figures
| United Kingdom | 25 |
|---|---|
| France | 24 |
| Germany | 14 |
| United States | 4 |
| Spain | 3 |
| Russia | 3 |
| Norway | 3 |
| Austria | 3 |
| 16th century | 2 |
|---|---|
| 18th century | 47 |
| 19th century | 51 |
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | 13 |
|---|---|
| The Louvre | 10 |
| National Gallery | 5 |
| Tate Gallery | 3 |
| Alte Nationalgalerie | 3 |
| Hamburger Kunsthalle | 3 |
| Musée d'Orsay | 3 |
| Museum of Fine Arts | 3 |
Just the names
Francisco GoyaSpanish · 1746–1828Eugène Delacroix1798–1863J. M. W. TurnerBritish · 1775–1851Caspar David FriedrichGerman · 1774–1840William BlakeBritish · 1757–1827Théodore GéricaultFrench · 1791–1824Jean-Baptiste-Camille CorotFrench · 1796–1875John ConstableBritish · 1776–1837Gustave DoréFrench · 1832–1883Ivan AivazovskyRussian · 1817–1900Jan MatejkoPolish · 1838–1893Paul DelarocheFrench · 1797–1856Henry FuseliSwiss · 1741–1825Antoine-Jean GrosFrench · 1771–1835Philipp Otto RungeGerman · 1777–1810Anne-Louis GirodetFrench · 1767–1824Thomas CoutureFrench · 1815–1879Joseph Wright of DerbyBritish · 1734–1797Thomas LawrenceBritish · 1769–1830George StubbsEnglish · 1724–1806Ford Madox BrownBritish · 1821–1893Francesco HayezItalian · 1791–1882Antoine-Louis BaryeFrench · 1795–1875Akseli Gallen-KallelaFinnish · 1865–1931Théodore ChassériauFrench · 1819–1856Karl Bryullov1799–1852Edwin LandseerBritish · 1802–1873Horace Vernet1789–1863Joseph VernetFrench · 1714–1789John Martin1789–1854Johan Christian DahlNorwegian, Danish-Norwegian · 1788–1857Hubert RobertFrench · 1733–1808George CatlinAmerican · 1796–1872Samuel Finley Breese MorseAmerican · 1791–1872Hans GudeNorwegian · 1825–1903Taras ShevchenkoUkrainian · 1814–1861William EttyBritish · 1787–1849Emanuel LeutzeGerman-American · 1816–1868Pierre-Paul Prud'honFrench · 1758–1823John Atkinson GrimshawBritish · 1836–1893Henry RaeburnScottish · 1756–1823Nicolai AbildgaardDanish · 1743–1809Andreas AchenbachGerman · 1815–1910Carl Gustav CarusGerman · 1789–1869Henriette Ronner KnipDutch-Belgian · 1821–1909Edward LearBritish · 1812–1888Léon Cogniet1794–1880Anselm FeuerbachGerman · 1829–1880Maxfield ParrishAmerican · 1870–1966Rudolf von AltAustrian German · 1812–1905Ary SchefferDutch-French · 1795–1858Luis Ricardo FaleroSpanish · 1851–1896John RuskinBritish · 1819–1900Sebastian PetherEnglish · 1790–1844Thomas SullyBritish-American · 1783–1872Adalbert StifterAustrian · 1805–1868Konstantin MakovskyRussian · 1839–1915Francesco MochiItalian · 1580–1654Oswald AchenbachGerman · 1827–1905David Roberts1796–1864Herbert James DraperBritish · 1863–1920William Powell FrithEnglish · 1819–1909Jacob Philipp HackertGerman · 1737–1807Mariano Fortuny MarsalSpanish · 1838–1874David WilkieScottish · 1785–1841Wilhelm von KaulbachGerman · 1805–1874Jean-Jacques HennerFrench · 1829–1905Joseph Anton KochAustrian · 1768–1839Józef Brandt1841–1915Antoine WiertzBelgian · 1806–1865Gabriel von MaxAustrian-German · 1840–1915Theodor KittelsenNorwegian · 1857–1914William Henry DavisEnglish · 1833–1914Léon ComerreFrench · 1850–1916Eugène IsabeyFrench · 1803–1886Carl RottmannEnglish · 1797–1850Ludwig RichterGerman · 1803–1884Anne François Louis JanmotFrench · 1814–1892Francois Auguste BiardFrench · 1799–1882Achille DevériaFrench · 1800–1857William BradfordAmerican · 1590–1657Peder BalkeNorwegian · 1804–1887William Brassey Hole1846–1917Wilhelm MarstrandDanish · 1810–1873Alphonse de NeuvilleFrench · 1835–1885Moritz von SchwindAustrian · 1804–1871Herman HerzogGerman/American · 1832–1932Joseph Noel PatonScottish · 1821–1901Alexander NasmythScottish · 1758–1840Richard Wilson1713–1782Juan LunaFilipino · 1857–1899Washington AllstonAmerican · 1779–1843
Ludwig Van BeethovenGerman · 1770–1827Richard Parkes BoningtonBritish · 1802–1828Vasily Andreevich TropininRussian · 1776–1857Hans ThomaGerman · 1839–1924Philip James de LoutherbourgFranco-British · 1740–1812Frederick MorganEnglish · 1847–1927Conrad MartensBritish-Australian · 1801–1878Eugène FromentinFrench · 1820–1876Good questions
Francisco Goya (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Eugène Delacroix (#2) and J. M. W. Turner (#3).
Francisco Goya (#1), Eugène Delacroix (#2), J. M. W. Turner (#3), Caspar David Friedrich (#4) and William Blake (#5).
The highest-ranked painters born in the United Kingdom are J. M. W. Turner (#3), William Blake (#5), John Constable (#8), Joseph Wright of Derby (#18) and Thomas Lawrence (#19).
The earliest-born painter in this list is Francesco Mochi (#58), born in 1580.
Andreas Achenbach (#43) taught Oswald Achenbach (#59) and Hans Gude (#35).
Paris: 9 of the painters in this list were born there.
United Kingdom: 25 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then France (24) and Germany (14).
1 women are in this ranking: Henriette Ronner Knip (#45).
The highest-ranked painters born in France are Eugène Delacroix (#2), Théodore Géricault (#6), Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (#7), Gustave Doré (#9) and Paul Delaroche (#12).
“Instead, he applied oil paint directly onto the plaster walls of his home.” — from our biography of Francisco Goya (#1).
Most painters in this list were born in the 19th century (51 of 100), between 1580 and 1870 overall.
Our catalogue holds 23,004 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 Contemporary Realist artistsThe Gleaners · Jean-François Millet
Famous Impressionist artistsStarry Night (New York, MoMA) · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Neoclassicist artistsThe Death of Marat · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Realist artistsThe origin of the world · Gustave Courbet
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 WarholOther 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 Realism paintingsNighthawks · Edward HopperFamous 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
