36 Famous Oil Paintings and the Artists Who Shaped Art History

Of the countless art pieces created throughout the ages, why are some heralded as masterpieces and others not?

What makes an oil painting famous?

Let’s look at some of the most famous oil paintings in the world and find out!

1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

• Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
• Year Painted: Not Specified
• Medium: Oil on Poplar Panel
• Dimensions: 77 cm × 53 cm
• Current Location: Louvre Museum, Paris

Mona Lisa is undoubtedly the most renowned oil painting portrait in the world. Created during the Renaissance period, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa stands as a masterpiece that is steeped in history and vividly showcases da Vinci’s mastery of oil painting techniques.

Numerous art lovers assert that they have been utterly captivated by the mysterious smile depicted on the Mona Lisa. What are your thoughts?

2. The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

• Artist: Vincent van Gogh
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on Canvas
• Dimensions: 73.7 cm × 92.1 cm
• Current Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York

Vincent van Gogh once said, “Art is meant to console those who are broken by life.”

The Starry Night, painted by Vincent van Gogh during some of his most challenging times, stands as a powerful testament to this idea. Crafted in a bold and innovative style, The Starry Night is a masterpiece that captures a profound sense of dreamlike serenity, offering peace to those who view it.

3. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

• Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
• Year Painted: N/A
• Medium: Tempera on gesso, pitch, and mastic
• Dimensions: 460 cm × 880 cm
• Current Location: Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is a masterful work, rich in historical and cultural significance. Created to depict the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples—the foundation of the Christian rite of Holy Communion—this piece stands as a testament to the profound influence of Christianity on Western culture.

4. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí

• Artist: Salvador Dalí
• Year Painted: [Year]
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 24 cm × 33 cm
• Current Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York City

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí stands as one of the most celebrated oil paintings, primarily due to its profound symbolism. The 20th-century art movement Surrealism sought to transform our interaction with art, and Dalí's The Persistence of Memory exemplifies this revolutionary approach.

5. The Scream by Edvard Munch

• Artist: Edvard Munch
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil, tempera, pastel, and crayon on cardboard
• Dimensions: 91 cm × 73.5 cm
• Current Location: National Gallery and Munch Museum, Oslo, Norway

The Scream, often recognized in contemporary culture, is a renowned oil painting characterized by its Expressionist style. What exactly does that style entail, you may wonder?

Put simply, expressionism is an art movement where the artist’s aim is to evoke strong emotions. In the case of The Scream’s vivid color palette and distorted forms, Edvard Munch is attempting to convey feelings of fear and anxiety.

6. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer

• Artist: Johannes Vermeer
• Year Painted: 1665
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 44.5 cm × 39 cm
• Current Location: Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands

This breathtaking oil painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring, is often referred to by art critics as the “Mona Lisa of the North.”

The exquisite brushwork, harmonized color palette, and elegant composition crafted by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer invite you to immerse yourself in the girl’s pearl earring and gentle eyes, making the Girl with a Pearl Earring a stunning exemplar of the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age.

7. The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

• Artist: Sandro Botticelli
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Tempera on canvas
• Dimensions: 172.5 cm × 278.9 cm
• Current Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Painted by Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus is regarded as one of the most famous oil paintings due to its breathtaking portrayal of Venus. Created during the Early Renaissance period and in direct contrast to the conservative Christian values of its time, it is not surprising that this iconic work has endured through the ages.

8. Guernica by Pablo Picasso

• Artist: Pablo Picasso
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 349.3 cm × 776.6 cm
• Current Location: Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid, Spain

The renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso created Guernica to raise awareness about the devastation of war. It was a reaction to the bombing of the town of Guernica and is often regarded by critics as one of the most impactful anti-war oil paintings in art history.

9. The Night Watch by Rembrandt Van Rijn

• Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn
• Year Painted: Unknown
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 349.3 cm × 776.6 cm
• Current Location: Amsterdam Museum, on permanent loan to Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Similar to the “Girl with the Pearl Earring,” Rembrandt van Rijn’s The Night Watch is a renowned artwork created during the height of the Dutch Golden Age.

The Night Watch has earned its place on our list of the most famous oil paintings due to its masterful use of color and value, resulting in a captivating piece rich in depth.

10. The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch

• Artist: Hieronymus Bosch
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on oak panels
• Dimensions: 205.5 cm × 384.9 cm
• Current Location: Museo del Prado, Madrid

The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch is a renowned oil painting brimming with symbolism. While not much is known about the artist or his intentions for the work, this iconic triptych's portrayal of both celestial and infernal imagery has inspired numerous interpretations from art enthusiasts.

11. The Birth of Venus by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

• Artist: William-Adolphe Bouguereau
• Year Painted: [Year]
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 300 x 218 cm
• Current Location: Musée d’Orsay, Paris

The Birth of Venus by William-Adolphe Bouguereau is celebrated for the artist's extraordinary technical mastery. While some viewers may find it lacks the emotional resonance typical of other renowned oil paintings on similar themes, there is no denying the lasting allure of this iconic artwork in the realm of contemporary modern art.

12. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

• Artist: Gustav Klimt
• Year Painted: N/A
• Medium: Oil with gold leaf on canvas
• Dimensions: 180 cm x 180 cm
• Current Location: Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna, Austria

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt portrays a couple in a tender embrace, rendered in the Art Nouveau style. It generated considerable controversy during its time, yet Klimt defended his creation with a powerful statement: “If you cannot please everyone with your deeds and your art, please a few.”

13. The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese

• Artist: Paolo Veronese
• Year Painted: [Year not specified]
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 77 m × 9.94 m
• Current Location: Louvre Museum

The Wedding Feast at Cana by Paolo Veronese was created during the late Renaissance period. Commissioned by the Black Monks of the Order of Saint Benedict to depict the Biblical story of the "Wedding at Cana," it has gained recognition as one of the most famous oil paintings in the world due to its profound cultural significance.

14. The Hay Wain by John Constable

• Artist: John Constable
• Year Painted: 1821
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 130.2 cm × 185.4 cm
• Current Location: National Gallery, London

The Hay Wain is a highly acclaimed oil painting in England, cherished by the British public! In a past BBC poll, numerous Britons ranked it as their second favorite painting, expressing that the depicted landscape evokes a deep sense of nostalgia.

15. The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan Van Eyck

• Artist: Jan van Eyck
• Year Painted: Unknown
• Medium: Oil on oak panel comprised of 3 vertical boards
• Dimensions: 82.2 cm × 60 cm; overall panel 84.5 cm × 62.5 cm
• Current Location: National Gallery, London

In the oil painting community, Jan van Eyck is incredibly renowned. Consequently, many of his works, including The Arnolfini Portrait, are regarded as masterpieces.

Jan van Eyck stands out among many renowned artists due to his pioneering work in the oil-glazing technique, where he layered translucent oil paint to achieve remarkably realistic contrasts of light and shadow.

16. The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer

• Artist: Johannes Vermeer
• Year Painted: Not Specified
• Medium: Oil on Canvas
• Dimensions: H 45.5 cm × W 41 cm
• Current Location: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Johannes Vermeer, the renowned Dutch artist behind “The Girl with a Pearl Earring,” also painted The Milkmaid during the Dutch Golden Age. This oil painting on canvas depicts a solitary woman indoors, reflecting Vermeer’s favored themes of domesticity and intimacy.

17. American Gothic by Grant Wood

• Artist: Grant Wood
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on beaverboard
• Dimensions: 78 cm × 65.3 cm
• Current Location: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

American Gothic is a renowned oil painting by Grant Wood, celebrated for its rich and layered cultural symbolism.

When this famous oil painting was first created, America was suffering from the Great Depression. During such a tense period, many conflicting opinions naturally arose among American citizens, and in this seemingly simple painting featuring two rural scenes, those conflicts have been symbolically represented.

18. The Son of Man by René Magritte

• Artist: René Magritte
• Year Painted: Unknown
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 116 cm × 89 cm
• Current Location: Private collection

The Son of Man by René Magritte is a renowned oil painting celebrated as a quintessential work of the Surrealist art movement. Fun fact: this painting is the first self-portrait on this list of the world's most famous artworks!

19. Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez

• Artist: Diego Velázquez
• Year Painted: 1656
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 318 cm × 276 cm
• Current Location: Museo del Prado, Madrid

Diego Velázquez is renowned as one of the most prominent artists of the Spanish Golden Age, and his oil painting, Las Meninas, is widely regarded as one of the most significant works of that era.

FUN FACT! When it was initially painted, it sparked controversy as it depicts the viewpoint of the King and Queen of Spain observing their subjects in the main chamber of the Royal Alcazar of Madrid.

20. The Birth of the Virgin by Francisco de Zurbarán

• Artist: Francisco de Zurbarán
• Year Painted: [Insert Year]
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 55-1/2 x 42-3/4 in.
• Current Location: Norton Simon Museum

The renowned oil painter Francisco de Zurbarán is celebrated for his vibrant and valuable religious artworks, with The Birth of the Virgin serving as a prime example of his distinctive style.

21. The Birth of Venus by Alexandre Cabanel

• Artist: Alexandre Cabanel
• Year Painted: [Insert Year]
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 150 cm × 250 cm
• Current Location: Musée d’Orsay, Paris

The next famous oil painting on our list is the third titled The Birth of Venus. Created by Alexandre Cabanel, it is renowned for the elegant modeling of the figure and the smooth brushwork.

22. Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth

• Artist: Andrew Wyeth
• Year Painted: [Insert Year]
• Medium: Egg tempera on gessoed panel
• Dimensions: 81.9 cm × 121.3 cm
• Current Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York

Christina’s World is Andrew Wyeth’s most renowned oil painting, celebrated for its profound psychological symbolism.

23. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne

• Artist: Paul Cézanne
• Year Painted: N/A
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 47.5 cm × 57 cm
• Current Location: Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Paul Cézanne is a renowned French painter who later influenced many modern art movements, with Cubism being the most notable example.

The renowned oil painting, The Card Players, created during his later years, exemplifies the influential style of the Post-Impressionist movement.

24. The Starry Night Over the Rhône by Vincent Van Gogh

• Artist: Vincent van Gogh
• Year Painted: [Insert Year Here]
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 72.5 cm × 92 cm
• Current Location: Musée d’Orsay, Paris

The Starry Night Over the Rhône is a renowned easel painting by Vincent van Gogh that captures the enchanting night landscape of Arles.

25. The Girl with a Mandolin by Pablo Picasso

• Artist: Pablo Picasso
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 100.3 cm x 73.6 cm
• Current Location: The Museum of Modern Art, New York

The Girl with a Mandolin by Pablo Picasso is a renowned Cubist painting celebrated for its distinctive style, which epitomizes the aesthetics of that era.

26. A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat

• Artist: Georges Seurat
• Year Painted: Not Specified
• Medium: Oil on Canvas
• Dimensions: 207.6 cm × 308 cm
• Current Location: Art Institute of Chicago

A Sunday Afternoon is the most renowned oil painting on this list that employs the Pointillist technique. It is regarded as the seminal work of the Neo-Impressionist art movement and stands as one of Georges Seurat’s most celebrated oil paintings.

27. Almond Blossoms by Vincent van Gogh

• Artist: Vincent Van Gogh
• Year Painted: 1889
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 73.5 cm × 92 cm
• Current Location: Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

This enchanting oil painting, embodying the beginning of a new life, was created by Vincent Van Gogh to honor the birth of his brother’s newborn son, Vincent Willem.

28. Cow’s Skull: Red, White, and Blue by Georgia O’Keeffe

• Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe
• Year Painted: [Insert Year]
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 101.3 cm × 91.1 cm
• Current Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

This iconic oil painting by Georgia O’Keeffe is rich in American cultural symbolism! The red, white, and blue colors represent the nation, while the cow skull symbolizes the resilience of American citizens during challenging times.

29. Impression, Sunrise by Claude Monet

• Artist: Claude Monet
• Year Painted: Information not provided
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 48 cm × 63 cm
• Current Location: Musée Marmottan Monet, Paris

In Impression, Sunrise, Claude Monet depicts the serene landscape of the port of Le Havre, his hometown. This iconic oil painting is renowned for having coined the term of the Impressionist art movement.

30. Irises by Vincent van Gogh

• Artist: Vincent van Gogh
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 71 cm × 93 cm
• Current Location: J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California

Irises is the final painting by Vincent van Gogh featured in our collection of renowned oil paintings, distinguished by its striking silhouettes and luminous composition.

31. Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo da Vinci

• Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
• Year Painted: Unknown
• Medium: Oil on walnut panel
• Dimensions: 71 cm × 93 cm
• Current Location: Czartoryski Museum, Kraków, Poland

This renowned oil painting portrait is part of a limited collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s surviving portraits of women, of which there are only four!

32. Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David

• Artist: Jacques-Louis David
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 261 cm × 221 cm
• Current Location: Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison

This oil painting serves as a tribute to one of Napoleon’s most significant achievements, embodying deep historical importance.

33. The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso

• Artist: Pablo Picasso
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on panel
• Dimensions: 122.9 cm × 82.6 cm
• Current Location: Art Institute of Chicago

The Old Guitarist is one of Pablo Picasso’s most renowned oil paintings, celebrated for its profound emotional resonance.

34. The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt Van Rijn

• Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn
• Year Painted: Unknown
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 160 cm × 128 cm
• Current Location: Location unknown since

This oil painting dates back to the Dutch Golden Age and is renowned for its depiction of a biblical story. However, it has not been located since it was stolen.

35. The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo

• Artist: Frida Kahlo
• Year Painted: N/A
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 173.5 cm × 173 cm
• Current Location: Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City

The Two Fridas is a striking double self-portrait oil painting by renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, celebrated for her use of bold and vibrant colors in her works.

36. Whistler’s Mother by James Abbott McNeill Whistler

• Artist: James Abbott McNeill Whistler
• Year Painted: Not specified
• Medium: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 1,443 mm × 1,624 mm
• Current Location: Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Whistler’s Mother is among the most renowned American oil paintings globally, celebrated for its masterful employment of varying tones of a single color.

A Brief History Of Oil Painting

Oil paint is one of the oldest painting mediums still in use today. With a rich history, it has experienced numerous revivals over the years.

When Did Oil Painting Begin?

Oil paintings originated as early as the 7th century CE, when artists in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, extracted oil from walnuts and poppies to create Buddhist murals on cave surfaces.

What Is the Earliest Known Oil Painting in History?

According to our findings, the earliest known oil painting in history is the Buddhist murals located in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, as previously mentioned.

Timeline of Oil Painting

Certainly, the history of oil painting extends well beyond the Buddhist murals. The revival and subsequent popularization of the oil medium became particularly evident in the following periods:

Early Renaissance Period

The Early Renaissance was a period in Italian history ranging from the 14th to the 16th centuries CE. During this time, Jan van Eyck 'perfected' the oil medium by developing the oil-glazing technique, which allowed oils to replace the more commonly used egg-yolk tempera of the era.

Renaissance Era

The Renaissance period produced numerous iconic oil paintings and renowned artists. Works by Leonardo da Vinci, such as “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa,” have endured the test of time in art history, thanks to their origins in this remarkable era.

Baroque Era

The Baroque period, which spanned from the late 16th century to the early 18th century, produced some of the world’s most ornate artworks. Pieces like “Las Meninas” and “The Night Watch” exemplify the aesthetics of this era.

Contemporary Era

Despite various changes throughout history, oil paint remains the preferred choice for many artists. This preference persists even with the availability of acrylics, which offer the advantage of faster drying times.

What Factors Contribute to the Value of Oil Paintings?

Oil paintings are often regarded as more valuable than other types of paintings for several reasons, including:

FAQ

Which Italian City Was Notable for Its Oil Paintings?

Florence, Italy is renowned for its oil paintings and is often referred to as the birthplace of the Renaissance, serving as a hub of artistic activity during that era.

Who is the Most Renowned Oil Painter?

Leonardo da Vinci is renowned as one of the greatest oil painters, celebrated not only for his stunning oil paintings but also for his innovative spirit that resulted in the development of numerous groundbreaking techniques.

What Type of Oil Paint Did Van Gogh Use?

Vincent van Gogh used oil paint made from poppyseed oil and linseed oil.

The History of Oil Painting on Canvas

Oil painting on canvas originated during the Early Renaissance, being initially employed by artists like Giotto di Bondone and Cimabue.

Did John Van Eyck Perfect Oil Painting?

Jan van Eyck perfected oil painting by developing a glazing technique that fully utilized the unique characteristics of the medium.

What is the Lifespan of Oil Paintings?

On average, oil paintings have a lifespan of about 50 YEARS. With time, colors may fade, and cracks can develop on the surface.

How Can I Learn Oil Painting?

Oil is a remarkable medium that has contributed to some of the world's most significant masterpieces. If you're eager to follow in the footsteps of the great oil painting masters, now is the perfect time to start.