7 most famous and iconic paintings in the world | The Times of India (2024)

Humans have always been a creative bunch of people. Our first form of creative invention was creating fire with rocks and then we went on to create cave art, pottery, and then masterpieces on canvas. With time, forms and the message behind these arts changed. Today, art holds a mirror to human civilization, it is filled with emotions, stories, and historical tales that have been painted on blank paper through brushstrokes and colours.
Among the countless masterpieces that hang on museum walls worldwide waiting to be admired by the audience, here we list seven of the most famous and iconic paintings in the world.

Leonardo da Vinci's ‘Mona Lisa’ is without a doubt one of the most famous paintings in the whole wide world. Currently housed in Louvre, Paris, this masterpiece has been the center of attention for years now. The portrait's beauty lies in Mona Lisa’s smile and the way she looks at the audience. The beautiful mix of colours and tones gives the painting an unparalleled lifelike quality. Da Vinci’s craft has been drawing viewers into Mona Lisa's world for a long time.

A beautiful painting that gained even more attention through social media and the ‘aesthetic’ phase, van Gogh's ‘Starry Night’ is an iconic example of his emotional depth and unique visual language. It is said that ‘Starry Night’ was painted during van Gogh's stay at a mental asylum. The swirling, tumultuous sky and the sleepy village in the painting convey a sense of isolation and inner turmoil that he might have experienced at that time. The thick brushstrokes and vibrant, contrasting colours create a beautiful painting, admired by people across all age groups.

‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch is one of his most famous paintings. But, something that not many people know is that Munch created different versions of ‘The Scream’ which was later compiled in a series named ‘Frieze of Life’. The painting by Munch stands as a haunting representation of existential angst and inner turmoil. The figure's contorted face, set against a blood-red sky, embodies a sense of overwhelming anxiety and despair.

(Image: National Gallery of Norway/Wikipedia)

One of the most elegant paintings, Johannes Vermeer's ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ is an epitome of the simplicity of the Dutch Golden Age. The girl’s slightly tilted gaze as she looks back at someone along with the use of light and shadow draws the audience towards her little pearl earring. The softness of the girl's scarf and the beauty of the pearl highlights the artist’s meticulous attention to detail and brilliant use of colour.

(Image: Wikipedia)

A stark contrast from any of the paintings above is Pablo Picasso's ‘Les Demoiselles d'Avignon’. This painting isn’t of a sweet, docile woman or the beautiful sea and mountain. But rather it portrays five nude women in a disjointed, angular style, challenging traditional notions of female representation. The sharp geometric shapes create a compelling artwork and redefine the different forms of art styles. This one for sure paved the way for modern art movements.

(Image: Museum of Modern Art, New York/Wikipedia)

Eugène Delacroix's beautiful painting ‘Liberty Leading the People’ features the strong message of the spirit of revolution and political turmoil and disturbances during the July Revolution in 1830 France. The monumental painting depicts Liberty as a woman leading the charge, holding the French tricolor flag. Delacroix's dynamic brushwork and the use of bold, passionate colours infuse the scene with energy. The painting is an excellent symbol of freedom and the spirit of a nation in revolt.

(Image: Wikipedia)

Another masterpiece that has invited speculation and intrigue is Salvator Mundi. The speculation - Did da Vinci paint all of the painting or just some parts of it? ‘Salvator Mundi’ has mesmerized audiences with its portrayal of Christ as the Saviour of the World. The painting's little details, such as the bright orb in Christ’s hand and Christ's serene expression in the painting, display da Vinci's mastery of capturing human expression and divine presence. The painting has a rather calming vibe to it and is the perfect representation of religious art.

(Image: Wikipedia)