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Пабло Пикасо 1881–1973
Испанска Born in Малага Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Modern painters, ranked
The most famous Modern painter is Пабло Пикасо (1881–1973), known for Герника and Старият китарист. Next come Анди Уорхол, Фрида Кало, Салвадор Дали and Пийт Мондриан. This ranking of the 99 most famous Modern painters runs from Морис Дени (born 1870) to Анселм Кифер (born 1945), across 26 countries.
How this list is ranked. Artists whose works our catalogue files under Modern, in the order of our fame ranking of artists. Artists without a Wikidata identifier born after 1955 are left out until verified. The Wikipedia figure next to each name is the number of our 32 languages in which Wikipedia has an article on the artist.
The essentials
Ranked, with their masterpieces
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Испанска Born in Малага Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Мексиканка Born in Койоакан Сюрреализъм, мексиканско народно изкуство, реализъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Испанска Born in Барселона ['Сюрреализъм', 'Фовизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Руско-френска Born in Лйозна Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Фовизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
The result is a style that bridges Expressionism and abstraction. In works like The Lovers (1929), the sense of weightlessness and the use of intense color create a space where the physical laws of the world no longer apply. Paris arrives in 1910 or 1911, a sudden shift from the provincial constraints of the Russian Empire.
Where to see The legacy of his vision remains anchored in several key institutions across the globe.
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Франско-американска Born in Блейнвил-сюр-Мер ['Кубизъм', 'Дадаизъм', 'Концептуално изкуство'] Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
He found himself drawn to the ideas of Paul Cézanne, whose approach to form and structure left a mark on his developing vision. The year 1911 brought a significant shift as he became associated with a Cubist group. The ripples from his provocations reached far beyond the small circles of the avant-garde, eventually reshaping the very foundations of how we perceive creativity.
Where to see To follow the traces of his restless intellect, one might travel to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Германска и швейцарска Born in Мюнхенбухзее Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
Angel Applicant (1939). За да откриете следите от неговото изключително богато творчество, трябва да пътувате до Берн, Швейцария.
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Американец Born in Коуди Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
By 1947, a profound shift had taken hold in the way he approached the canvas. This change allowed him to stand over his work, becoming part of the creative act itself. He was among the first American painters to be recognized as a peer of the great 20th-century European masters, proving that a new, visceral language could emerge from the soil of the United States.
Where to see In New York City, the Museum of Modern Art holds several of his canvases, allowing viewers to stand before the sprawling, uncentered compositions that defined his era.
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Украинец/Руснак Born in Киев Супрематизъм, Абстрактно изкуство Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Италианец Born in Ливорно Експресионизъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Френска Born in Аржантьой ['Фавизъм', 'Кубизъм', 'Аналитичен кубизъм', 'Синтетичен кубизъм'] Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Белгерец Born in Лесин Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
Magritte’s early forays into painting around 1915 were marked by an Impressionistic sensibility. During the First World War, his path took a detour into the military, where he served as a cartographer in the Belgian army. The 1914 painting The Song of Love left a lasting impression on him, introducing a sense of dreamlike tension that resonated deeply.
Where to see The preservation of his visual puzzles is distributed across several major institutions, ensuring his presence remains felt in both Europe and the Americas.
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Австрийска Born in Тулн на Дунав Австрийски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Германец Born in Брюл ['Дадаизъм', 'Сюрреализъм'] Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
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Ирландец Born in Дъблин Експресионизъм, Кубизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (1944).
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Германец Born in Дрезден ['Фотореализъм', 'Абстракция'] Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
In 1951, he begins formal studies at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. From 1957 to 1961, he remains within the academy's structure, working as a master trainee. In 1972, he represented West Germany at the Venice Biennale, a moment that solidified his standing on the international stage.
Where to see The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.
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Dutch-American Born in Ротердам Abstract Expressionism Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
At twelve years old, Willem de Kooning leaves formal schooling behind to enter the world of commercial art. This period of focused training provides the essential tools for the radical shifts that await him across the Atlantic. In New York, de Kooning finds a mentor in Arshile Gorky.
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Американка Born in Сън Пъри Американски модернизъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
Georgia O'Keeffe was born on November 15, 1887, in a farmhouse near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Her father, Francis Calyxtus O'Keeffe, and her mother, Ida Totto O'Keeffe, raised her in this rural setting. The shift in her approach began when she encountered the teachings of Arthur Wesley Dow.
Where to see To see her paintings in person, one can travel to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum holds a significant portion of her output.
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Американски Born in Дъгавпилс Цветово полево изкуство
No. 10 (Brown Black Sienna on Dark Wine).
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Германец Born in Мюнхен Немски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Мексиканец Born in Гуанахуато Мексикански мурализ, Социален реализъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Френска Born in Аржантан ['Кубизъм', 'Тубизъм', "Секция д'Ор", 'Пуризъм', 'Дадаизъм', 'Конструктивизъм'] Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
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Италианец Born in Волос Метафизично изкуство Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
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Италианец Born in Реджо ди Калабрия Футуризъм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Австрийска, чешка, британска Born in Пьохларн Експресионизъм, Виенска авангарда Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
He developed a nervously animated style, using bold lines and imagery that drew inspiration from Medieval compositions. He was a leading figure of the Expressionist movement, moving away from simple visual accuracy to capture something much deeper. In 1909, he wrote the short play Murderer, the Hope of Women, which is often recognized as one of the first Expressionist dramas.
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Германец Born in Ашафенбург Германски експресионизъм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Испанска Born in Мадрид Кубизъм, Синтетичен кубизъм, Аналитичен кубизъм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
There is a certain mathematical logic to how he builds a canvas. In many of his works, he moves away from the chaotic, shattering abstraction seen in earlier Cubism, opting instead for a more organized and legible structure. He was one of the three leading figures of Cubism, working in the same orbit as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.
Where to see Tracing the physical presence of his work requires a trip through several major collections.
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Армениско-американска Born in Ван Абстрактен експресионизъм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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French Born in Хавър Art Brut Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
Figure in Red (Personnage au costume rouge) (1961).
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Френска Born in Шато ['Фювизъм', 'Нов класицизъм'] Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Колумбиец Born in Меделин Ботероизъм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
Dancing in Colombia (1980) улавя оживена сцена с музиканти и танцьори, използвайки гъсти слоеве боя, за да придаде на фигурите тактилна, тежка текстура. В контраст на това, по-късните му творби често се изправят срещу по-мрачните аспекти на родната му страна. Mona Lisa, Age Twelve. Присъствието на Фернандо Ботеро се усеща в тихите ъгли на Богота, по-специално в историческия квартал Ла Канделария.
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Германец Born in Унтерхаус ['Нова обективност', 'Дадаизъм', 'Експресионизъм'] Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Полска Born in Варшава Арт Деко, Кубизъм Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
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Френски Born in Париж Фуавизъм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
Alongside luminaries like André Derain and Henri Matisse, he spearheaded this revolutionary artistic cohort that boldly challenged established conventions of representation. Energetic Brushwork: Paintings by Vlaminck pulsate with dynamism thanks to thick, visible brushstrokes—a technique that communicates spontaneity and immediacy. Following a visit to a Van Gogh exhibition, Vlaminck famously articulated his admiration for the artist's groundbreaking vision.
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Германец Born in Лайпциг Експресионизъм, Нова обективност Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Бесо е известен със своите смели цветове и сложни текстури, които създават въздействие върху зрителя и предава истинската същност на творбите му. Той използва различни техники за рисуване и инкрустация, като например маслени бои и акварели, за да постигне желаните ефекти.
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Унгарско-френска Born in Печ Оп Арт, Кинетично изкуство, Геометрична абстракция Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Vasarely’s approach relies on a systematic use of geometry to trigger a physical response in the viewer. He did not rely on traditional light sources or classical chiaroscuro to create form. He remained a central figure in modern art history until his death in Paris, France, on 15 March 1997.
Where to see Tracing the physical presence of his work requires traveling across several locations in France and Hungary.
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Австрийски и Нова Зеландия Born in Виена Свободен стил Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
Роден: 15 декември 1928 г., Виена, Австрия. Починал: 19 февруари 2000 г.
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Германец Born in Донауешинген Неоекспресионизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Френска Born in Ньой сюр Сен Нов реализъм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
Niki de Saint Phalle was born Catherine Marie-Agnès Fal de Saint Phalle on October 29, 1930, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. Her father, André Marie de Saint Phalle, whose banking company went bankrupt during the Wall Street Crash of 1929, came from an old noble family from France.
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Френско-американка Born in Париж Абстрактен експресионизъм, сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
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британски художник Born in Берлин Реализъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Британски Born in Касълфорд Модернизъм, абстрактна скулптура Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
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Американски Born in Филаделфия Дада, Сюрреализъм
He died in Paris in 1976, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and provoke.
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Френски-Поляк Born in Париж Класически, Фигуративен Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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Германец Born in Крефелд Флукс, Перформанс Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
His work expanded the definition of art beyond aesthetic concerns to encompass political, environmental, and spiritual dimensions.
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Германец Born in Берлин Берлинско Дада, Нова обективност Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Германец / Франзец Born in Страсбург Дадаизъм / Супрематизм / Абстрактно изкуство Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
Hans Peter Wilhelm Arp, born September 16, 1886, in Strasbourg, Germany—now Alsace, France—was a German-French sculptor, painter, and poet whose artistic vision was profoundly shaped by his dual heritage. These formative experiences exposed him to influential artistic movements of the time, including Impressionism and Cubism, laying the groundwork for his distinctive style. Major retrospectives organized by the Museum of Modern Art in New York (1958) and the Musée National d’Art Moderne in Paris (1962) further cemented his legacy as one of the foremost sculptors of his generation.
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Френски Born in Париж Кубизъм, Дадаизм, Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Шведско-американска Born in Малмьо Поп арт Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Испанско-мексиканска Born in Ангелес Пара-сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Нидерландски Born in Утрехт Де Стил, Неопластицизъм Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
While celebrated primarily as a painter, Theo van Doesburg’s artistic pursuits were remarkably diverse and far-reaching. This period also saw him teaching at the Bauhaus in Weimar, Germany – a crucible of modern design and architecture – where he shared his ideas with a new generation of artists and designers, fostering dialogue and pushing the boundaries of creative expression. The early impact of Vincent van Gogh's expressive brushwork instilled in him a deep appreciation for emotional intensity, while Kandinsky’s Rückblicke provided the crucial conceptual framework for embracing abstraction as a means of accessing spiritual truth.
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Украинец/Русь Born in Москва Конструктивизъм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Френски Born in Париж Експресионизъм, Фавизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Унгарец Born in Бяч-Кайала Конструктивизъм, Баухаус Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
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Британски Born in Брайтън Арт Нуво Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Beardsley's artistic vision was profoundly shaped by Japanese woodcuts—particularly those depicting grotesque imagery and unsettling narratives—which captivated him during his formative years. This fascination with the macabre and fantastical translated into a strikingly original approach to illustration, characterized by elaborate compositions, meticulously refined lines, and an exploration of themes bordering on eroticism.
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Scottish-American Born in Абердин Architectural sculpture Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
Alexander Milne Calder’s influence extended far beyond his own creations, shaping the artistic landscape of subsequent generations.
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Американски Born in Малден ['Минимализъм', 'Пост-пейинтеристична абстракция'] Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
Stella не търсеше емоционалната турбуленция или субективния жест, които определяха художници като Полк и Клайн; той искаше нещо по-чисто, по-обективно – дестилирана версия на живописта до нейните най-фундаментални елементи.
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British-Mexican Born in Клейтън ле Удс Surrealism Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
Arca de Noé (1967), жизненопредставящо Ноевия ковчег, препълнен с фантастични същества, е отличен пример за нейното изследване на темите за сътворението и обновлението.
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Украинка Born in Киевска област Наивно изкуство, Народно изкуство Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Мексикански Born in Чиуауа Социален реализъм, Мурализъм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
His studies at the Academy of San Carlos proved pivotal, not only honing his technical skills but also fostering a rebellious spirit that would soon find expression in his groundbreaking approach to mural painting. This rebellious impulse would continue throughout his life, driving him to confront injustice wherever he encountered it and advocating tirelessly for the rights of marginalized communities.
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Германец Born in Олешница Капиталист Реализъм; Ньооекпресионизъм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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, skills he would later subtly incorporate into his own paintings. He died in Cologne in June 2010 after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and provoke – a testament to his unique vision and enduring legacy.
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Born in Торино Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
"Абстрактна скорост + звук (Velocità Astratta + Rumore)" е значима творба, изследваща скоростта, символизирана от автомобил. "Уличната лампа" exemplifies неговото проучване на светлината, атмосферата и движението.
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Американка Born in Манхатън Абстрактен експресионизъм, Color Field Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Американка Born in Гейлсбърг Сюрреализъм Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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Американски Born in Лексингтън Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
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Германец/Американски Born in Ню Йорк Изразяване Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Унгарско-индийска Born in Будапеща Модерно индийско изкуство, Авангард Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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Нидерландски Born in Амстердам Кобра
Alongside Corneille, Constant, Jan Nieuwenhuys, and Christian Dotremont, Appel spearheaded a radical departure from established artistic norms. The controversial fresco "Questioning Children" (1949), commissioned for Amsterdam City Hall, exemplified CoBrA’s provocative spirit but also sparked public outcry, ultimately leading to its being covered up – a testament to the movement’s challenging nature. The influence of Picasso and Matisse is evident in Appel’s early works, particularly his still lifes, where he skillfully captures the textures and colors of everyday objects with a masterful eye for composition.
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Американски Born in Ню Йорк Абстрактен експресионизъм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
Vir Heroicus Sublimis (1958-60), монументална творба, допълнително затвърди този подход, с множество zips, създаващи усещане за пространствена дълбочина и предизвикващи чувства на възхищение и копнеж. "Zip"-ът не беше просто естетичен елемент; той беше структурна единица, същевременно разделяща и обединяваща платното, действайки като символичен маркер на човешко присъствие в безкрайното.
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Португалска Born in Лисабон Сюрреализъм, Експресионизъм, Феминистки изкуство Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Германо-американец Born in Ботроп Геометрична абстракция Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
He died on March 25, 1976, in New Haven, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge artists, designers, and educators alike – a testament to the power of observation, experimentation, and the enduring mystery of color.
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Чешка Born in Опатово ['Реализъм', 'Символизъм', 'Орфизъм', 'Кубизъм', 'Абстракция'] Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
Amorpha, Fugue en deux couleurs, субектът вече не е човек или място, а самото взаимодействие на цвета. Тази творба често се цитира като един от първите случаи на напълно нерепрезентативна живопис. Слоистовете пигмент не описват сцена; те създават ритъм от светлина и движение, който съществува независимо от всеки физически модел. Disks of Newton, Study for Fugue in Two Colors, около 1911 г.
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Мексикански Born in Сиудад Гусман Мексикански мурализъм Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Italian Born in Куарниенто Futurism, Metaphysical art Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Португалско-френска Born in Лисабон Абстрактно изкуство, Art Informel Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
The paintings behind the names
Through time
In figures
| Франция | 16 |
|---|---|
| САЩ | 15 |
| Германия | 13 |
| Испания | 5 |
| Обединено кралство | 5 |
| Мексико | 4 |
| Нидерландия | 4 |
| Италия | 4 |
| 1870s | 13 |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 27 |
| 1890s | 15 |
| 1900s | 15 |
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 13 |
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 3 |
All of them, in order
Your questions, answered
First place goes to Пабло Пикасо (#1); Анди Уорхол (#2) and Фрида Кало (#3) complete the podium.
Пабло Пикасо (#1), Анди Уорхол (#2), Фрида Кало (#3), Салвадор Дали (#4) and Пийт Мондриан (#5).
“This process was less about controlled brushwork and more about a rhythmic, almost primal release of energy onto the surface.” — from our biography of Джаксън Полък (#10).
Франция: 16 of the 99 painters in this list were born there, then САЩ (15) and Германия (13).
The women of this list (17): Фрида Кало (#3), Джорджия О‘Киф (#23), Яйои Кусама (#32), Тамара де Лемпицка (#41), Ники де Сент Пол (#50), Луиз Буржоа (#52), Ремедиос Варо (#65) and Леонора Карингтън (#75).
Most painters in this list were born in the 1880s (27 of 99), between 1870 and 1945 overall.
The earliest-born painter in this list is Морис Дени (#73), born in 1870.
The highest-ranked painters born in САЩ are Анди Уорхол (#2), Джаксън Полък (#10), Джаспър Джонс (#21), Рой Лихтенщайн (#22) and Джорджия О‘Киф (#23).
The highest-ranked living painters in this list are Герхард Рихтер (#19), Джаспър Джонс (#21) and Анселм Кифер (#49).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are MoMA - Музеят на модерното изкуство (14), Art Institute of Chicago (5) and Музей Фолкванг (5).
The highest-ranked painters born in Франция are Марсел Дюшан (#8), Жорж Брак (#13), Фернан Леже (#28), Жан Дюбюфе (#36) and Андре Дьорен (#37).
Our catalogue holds 29,146 works by these painters.
Keep reading
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