Famous paintings · Ukiyo E
1749 – 1898
The most famous Ukiyo E paintings are Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831), Katsushika Hokusai's Femenine Wave (1830, Hokusai Museum), Utagawa Hiroshige's Early Department from a Daimyo (n.d., Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art), Katsushika Hokusai's Carp in Water (1832, Bristol Museum - Art Gallery) and Katsushika Hokusai's Fuji, Mountains in Clear Weather (Red Fuji) (1831). The list runs to 100 paintings by 14 artists, from 1749 to 1898, each with the collection that holds it today.
The ranking
Ranked by how widely each painting is known. The artist, the date, the size of the original, the museum that holds it today — and one detail to look for.
1831Woodblock print (ukiyo-e)25.7 × 37.9 cm
Belonging to the ukiyo-e (“pictures of the floating world”) genre, this print exemplifies the sophisticated techniques developed during Japan’s Edo period. The Great Wave is the first in Hokusai's celebrated series, “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” While seemingly focused on the tumultuous sea, the distant, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji anchors the scene, providing a sense of scale and symbolic stability.
Look formount Fuji in backgrounddynamic compositionprussian blue pigmentlarge wave
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
1830Woodblock printHokusai Museum
The use of Prussian blue pigment, imported from Europe during this period, contributes significantly to the print’s striking color palette – a vibrant contrast against the pale sky above.
Woodblock print37 × 24 cmNakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, Nagasaki
The technical brilliance of this piece lies in Hiroshige’s command over the traditional ukiyo-e printing process. The color palette is a masterclass in restraint; rather than overwhelming the viewer with brilliance, Hiroshige utilizes a sophisticated range of muted tones —soft greys, earthy browns, and tranquil blues—interrupted only by subtle, intentional pops of red and white.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
1832Woodblock printBristol Museum - Art Gallery
Hokusai, already a celebrated master by this period, was deeply influenced by Chinese folklore—particularly the legend of the carp leaping the Yellow River to transform into a dragon. “Carp in Water” exemplifies the hallmarks of Hokusai's signature nishiki-e style—a technique characterized by its bold use of color, intricate detail, and layered washes.
1831Woodblock print
Created in 1831, this woodblock print is part of Hokusai's renowned series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji." The ukiyo-e style, characterized by its bold outlines, flat colors, and emphasis on natural subjects, showcases Hokusai's exceptional skill and artistic vision. Hokusai, born in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1760, was a prolific artist known for his landscapes, woodblock prints, and manga.
Look forserene sky with deep blues and whitesdense forest at the base of the mountainvibrant red hue of Mount Fuji
1848Woodblock print37 × 25 cm
Yata Gorôemon Suketake is a woodblock print by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. This series contains fifty-one designs, each accompanied by a biographical inscription detailing the character's role within the narrative. Yata Gorôemon Suketake is depicted running through a landscape of destruction, amidst the broken pieces of a shoji and scattered flowers.
Katsushika HokusaiJapanese Ukiyo-e
1814Woodblock printed; ink, color and metallic pigment on paperThe Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C.
One recounts the passionate affair between Hanada Umenosuke and Tamami Oiso—a tale mirroring a popular folktale about Princess Tamatori, which explored themes of courage, vulnerability, and overcoming obstacles. Notably, one particular illustration—titled The Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife —captures Hokusai's genius in portraying an unconventional pairing: a woman enveloped by the limbs of two octopuses.
1834Sumi ink & washiThe Art Institute
A durable, absorbent paper essential for achieving the characteristic Ukiyo-e texture. In East Asian cultures, particularly in Japan and China, the crane represents longevity, happiness, good fortune, and imperial power. Cranes on Pine Tree was created during a pivotal period in Hokusai’s career, following his groundbreaking work Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.
Look forcrane symbolismmist
Woodblock print
This print, titled Couple Beside A Plum Tree At Night, was created by the Japanese artist Suzuki Harunobu. It belongs to the ukiyo-e tradition, a genre that captured the shifting social landscapes of the Edo period. Harunobu was born in Edo, Japan, in 1724 and continued to develop his distinct approach to woodblock printing until his death in 1770.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e Tradition
1834Woodblock print
In the background, Mount Fuji—a sacred symbol of Japan—appears small and distant, offering a point of stability amidst the turmoil. The Great Wave off Kanagawa has had an immeasurable impact on Western art.
Look forspiral wavemt Fuji
Woodblock print
At the heart of the scene stands a commanding, ancient tree, its gnarled branches serving as a silent witness to the travelers passing beneath its canopy.
1794Woodblock print38 × 25 cmMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
In the fleeting moments of the Edo period, few artists captured the raw, unbridled energy of human emotion as piercingly as Tōshūsai Sharaku.
1845Woodblock print38 × 26 cmBujalance Collection
The scene unfolds with two women locked in a tender, silent exchange; one gently cradles the other's face, her gaze directed downward in a posture of quiet reflection or perhaps shared sorrow. The subtle palette, characteristic of mid-19th century Japanese printing, provides a sophisticated touch that integrates seamlessly into both contemporary minimalist settings and more traditional, richly textured interiors.
Look forsplit composition with haikucartouche
Yoshitoshiukiyo-e
Woodblock print
A woman stands at the center of a tranquil gathering, her long black hair cascading down her shoulders like ink spilled upon silk. Other figures drift in the background, some mirroring her grace with their own floral offerings, creating a sense of shared purpose or perhaps a seasonal celebration.
Utagawa KuniyoshiJapanese Ukiyo-e
1848–1850Full-color woodcut (nishiki-e)37 × 25 cmHammer Museum, Los Angeles
The scene unfolds on the Uji River, a tributary of Kyoto’s Kamogawa River, famed for its scenic splendor. Kuniyoshi skillfully juxtaposes this tranquil landscape with the tumultuous clash between two warring clans – the Tokugawa and Mito factions – vying for control during Japan's turbulent Edo Period.
1835Ukiyo-e woodblock print38 × 26 cm
Measuring 38 x 26 cm, the painting immediately draws the eye with its bold color palette dominated by rich blues and punctuated by the striking red of the woman's dress, creating an immediate sense of drama and visual excitement. The scene depicts Oniwakamaru, a legendary warrior known for his bravery and skill, engaged in a perilous battle with a colossal carp.
Look forgiant carpwomanchild
Woodblock print
The composition is a masterclass in perspective, leading the eye through a bustling scene of travelers and locals navigating the rugged terrain. Historically, this work belongs to a period where Hokusai was refining his ability to depict the sacred landscape through a lens of everyday reality.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e style
Woodblock print
The painting centers around a group of individuals enjoying themselves within the shadow of the 500 Rakan temples – a reference to Buddhist monks known for their wandering and meditation practices. The “Rakan” monks themselves symbolize detachment from worldly concerns and the pursuit of inner peace – ideals highly valued within Buddhist philosophy.
Look forwater viewboat
Woodblock print
Kuniyoshi's skill lies in his ability to synthesize multiple influences. This meticulous attention to detail is characteristic of Kuniyoshi's work and exemplifies the highest standards of Ukiyo-e artistry.
1858Woodblock printIndianapolis Museum of Art
“Tsukuda Offing” offers a glimpse into the vibrant commercial activity of Edo, then Japan’s imperial capital. The island itself, Tsukuda, was a vital trading hub, facilitating the flow of goods between Edo and other parts of Japan.
Utagawa KuniyoshiUkiyo-e Style
1848Woodblock print
Created around 1848, during Kuniyoshi’s most prolific period, this woodblock print captures a pivotal moment in the life of Benkei, the devoted disciple of the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a figure steeped in folklore and revered for his unwavering loyalty and martial prowess. Kuniyoshi’s skill as a printmaker is immediately apparent.
Look forbenkei figurewarriors
Woodblock print
Kuniyoshi’s mastery lies in his ability to build up subtle tonal variations – achieved by layering different shades of Prussian blue, brown, and black – creating a sense of atmospheric depth and luminous quality. Japanese Print “Catching Fireflies” by Utagawa Kuniyoshi Japanese Print “Catching Fireflies” by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Katsushika HokusaiJapanese Ukiyo-e
1830Ink wash painting
Hokusai’s genius lies in capturing not just what was seen but also what felt like to inhabit that era—a palpable sense of refinement and quiet contemplation amidst the burgeoning pressures of Western influence. The artist skillfully utilized Prussian blue pigment, imported from Europe during this period, which revolutionized Japanese color palettes and allowed for unprecedented vibrancy.
Utagawa KuniyoshiUkiyo-e Tradition
1830Woodblock printTokyo National Museum
Kuniyoshi frequently incorporated elements from Chinese folklore and literature into his work, drawing upon a rich tradition of storytelling that shaped Japanese culture. This particular print may allude to themes of virtue, wisdom, and the importance of female education – values highly esteemed within the social hierarchy of Edo Japan.
Look forscrollfigurestext
Discover "Poem By Bunya No Asayasu" by Katsushika Hokusai – a stunning depiction of boats on the water.
Suzuki HarunobuUkiyo-e
Experience 'The Kiss' by Suzuki Harunobu – a stunning ukiyo-e masterpiece showcasing intimacy & beauty.
Ink on paperMinneapolis Institute Arts
Katsushika Hokusai, a titan of Japanese art, is instantly recognizable for his monumental wave prints, yet his oeuvre encompassed a remarkable breadth of subject matter and stylistic approaches. Research confirms this artwork was produced during the Edo period (1603–1868) and was created by a pupil of Hokusai himself.
Look forukiyo-e style
The composition is dynamic; diagonal lines created by the falling rain and the sloped umbrellas convey movement and energy. Fuji In A Downpour exemplifies Hokusai's mastery of woodblock printing.
Look forrainumbrellaspeople walking together
1898Woodblock print26 × 36 cmBujalance Collection
As a protégé of the legendary Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Sakamaki inherited a gift for dramatic tension and anatomical precision. This delicate balance of detail and space allows the viewer to feel the stillness that is so vital to the Noh experience—a silence that is not empty, but rather filled with anticipation.
Look forintricate clothingsocial interaction
184837 × 26 cm
184836 × 26 cm
184836 × 25 cm
Unknown
While seemingly simple in its subject matter – two swords displayed on stands – the work reveals layers of meaning when viewed within the context of Edo period Japan. The painting depicts precisely what its title suggests: two Japanese swords, or katana, presented on ornate stands. One sword is noticeably longer than the other, and their placement creates a subtle crossing effect, drawing the eye across the composition. While samurai were no longer actively engaged in warfare, their status and the symbolism associated with their weapons remained deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Despite its simplicity, ‘Swords On Stand’ possesses a quiet emotional resonance.
Look forcrossing compositiontwo swords on standscontrasting lengths
Katsushika HokusaiJapanese Ukiyo-e
1830Painting
Produced sometime during Hokusai’s prolific output—likely around 1830—this artwork offers a glimpse into the artist’s evolving stylistic sensibilities as he moved beyond his celebrated woodblock prints to experiment with oil paints, marking a significant step in his artistic trajectory. While precise dating remains elusive, its presence within Hokusai's oeuvre underscores his unwavering commitment to innovation and observation.
Woodblock print36 × 23 cmNakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, Nagasaki
As the eye wanders across the composition, one is immediately struck by the rhythmic flow of the river, which splits into two currents around a central islet, creating a sense of movement that feels both eternal and fleeting. The scene depicts the Tenryu River boat landing, a place where the rugged mountain ravines finally give way to a broader, more navigable expanse.
Admire Goyo Hashiguchi’s ‘Lady In Grey Kimono,’ a stunning Ukiyo-e portrait of a Japanese woman.
Discover Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Fifty-Three Stations,’ a stunning Ukiyo-e woodblock print capturing Edo period life.
YoshitoshiUkiyo-e
Discover 'Assassin Prince' by tsukioka yoshitoshi – a dramatic Ukiyo-e woodblock print featuring a warrior & monstrous figure.
YoshitoshiUkiyo-e
Explore 'Hiratsuka' by tsukioka yoshitoshi – a stunning ukiyo-e woodblock print depicting a military procession.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
Capturing Edo-era craftsmanship & daily life in stunning detail.
Kitagawa UtamaroUkiyo-e
1806
Admire 'Flowers' by Kitagawa Utamaro (1806), a serene ukiyo-e masterpiece featuring blossoms & a moonlit scene.
1805231 × 80 cm
Admire 'Man Behind a Sliding Door' by Suzuki Harunobu – a serene 18th-century Japanese print.
Yosa BusonUkiyo-e
1749Woodblock print, ink, and paper102.2 × 51.6 cmMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
The image is rendered in a grayscale palette, utilizing varying weights of black ink against a light background to suggest volume and texture. The following elements define the visual structure: Line Work: Heavy, deliberate outlines define the edges of the kimono, the stool, and the figure's limbs. Produced during the Edo period, this work reflects the aesthetic principles of 18th-century Japan.
Giclée print38 × 26 cm
Here, the mundane act of walking becomes imbued with poetic weight, suggesting journeys both physical and spiritual.
Woodblock print49 × 35 cmSaitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore
One wrestler holds his opponent down upon his knees, a pivotal moment of tension that suggests the climax of a match. It is a window into the heart of Japan's Edo and Meiji periods, where the sacred ritual of sumo met the vibrant, everyday pulse of urban life.
Woodblock print (ukiyo-e)RISD Museum, Providence
“Scrbbling on the Storehouse Wall” is deeply rooted in the cultural and philosophical context of Edo-period Japan. As one of the last great masters of Ukiyo-e, Kuniyoshi’s work represents a crucial bridge between traditional Japanese art and Western artistic influences, solidifying his place as an icon of Japanese art history.
Look fordynamic compositionkabuki actors
Woodblock print (cherry wood)
The print's muted palette – primarily Prussian Blue – contributes to its contemplative mood, mirroring the spiritual essence of its subject matter. Produced during the Edo period, a time of relative stability and flourishing arts patronage in Japan, reflecting broader cultural values emphasizing harmony and spiritual aspiration.
1793Woodblock printTsutaya Jűzaburô (Kôshodô)
Produced during Hokusai's prolific output, this artwork offers a glimpse into daily life and social customs, skillfully capturing a moment of serene contemplation amidst bustling urban activity. The print’s dynamic arrangement—characterized by overlapping figures and a shallow depth—reflects the conventions of ukiyo-e style. The creation of Travelling Nuns exemplifies the intricate woodblock printing process characteristic of Edo-period art.
Admire Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Chrysanthemum Spray,’ a serene woodblock print showcasing floral beauty & traditional Japanese aesthetics.
1795Woodblock printMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York
In the ephemeral realm of the Edo period, few artists captured the raw, electric energy of the Kabuki stage quite like the enigmatic Tōshūsai Sharaku. The composition brings us face-to-face with Segawa Tomisaburo II and Ichikawa Kurizo, locked in a pose that is both dramatic and tender. To possess or display a work by Sharaku is to hold a piece of art history’s greatest mysteries.
Look forintimate poseornate clothing
1827
Admire Katsushika Hokusai’s "Cherry Blossoms & Warbler." A stunning Ukiyo-e print showcasing delicate beauty, traditional Japanese art, and a serene composition.
Explore Japanese art history & a unique visual narrative.
Discover "A Courtesan Wearing A Bathing Robe" by Suzuki Harunobu – a stunning example of Japanese ukiyo-e art.
1830Woodblock print
The composition immediately draws the eye to the foreground, dominated by a carefully arranged group of animals engaged in their work. Kuniyoshi's work is firmly rooted in the “floating world” – a term used to describe the vibrant entertainment culture of Edo Japan, which encompassed everything from Kabuki theater to pleasure districts.
Look foranimal dyeing scene
Utagawa KuniyoshiUkiyo-e Tradition
1860Ukiyo-e woodblock print
Kuniyoshi’s technical skill is immediately apparent in the bold lines and carefully constructed composition. The inclusion of these natural motifs also reflects the Edo period’s growing interest in landscape painting and its connection to Zen Buddhism.
Look forstrengthheavy beam
Discover Suzuki Harunobu’s ‘Potted Chrysanthemums And Full Moon,’ a delicate monochrome drawing showcasing exquisite floral still life & intricate metalwork.
Exquisite ukiyo-e print by Suzuki Harunobu depicting Kaga no Chiyo.
Katsushika HokusaiUkiyo-e
The scene centers on two figures seated directly on the ground before a vibrant red building – likely a teahouse or modest residence. One man is absorbed in reading, his posture suggesting deep concentration. Mitsuke exemplifies Hokusai’s mastery of ukiyo-e, or “pictures of the floating world.” While best known for his landscapes, Hokusai also excelled at depicting scenes of everyday life.
Look forhandbagbooksred building in background
Discover Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘An Ancient View Of The Pontoon Bridge At Sano,’ a stunning Ukiyo-e woodblock print.
By movement
Ukiyo-e42 · 1749–1898
Ukiyo-E32 · 1803–1853
Ukiyo E15 · 1794–1857
Japanese Ukiyo-e4 · 1814–1848
Ukiyo-e Tradition3 · 1830–1860
Plan your visit
New York leads with 4 of the 100; the Metropolitan Museum of Art alone holds 4.
Hokusai Museum
The Art Institute
Minneapolis Institute Arts
The painters
1760–1849 · Japan · 33
Japanese ukiyo-e artist of powerful waves and landscapes rendered in bold, decisive lines.
1. The Great Wave off Kanagawa, 2. Femenine Wave, 4. Carp in Water, 5. Fuji, Mountains in Clear Weather (Red Fuji), 7. Kinoe no komatsu, 8. Cranes on pine tree, 10. The Great Wave, 11. Mishima pass in Kai province, 27. The Fuji seen from the Mishima pass, 29. Sazai hall - 500 Rakan temples, 37. Beauties of the Three Cities, 40. Poem by Bunya No Asayasu, 42. Black Lacquer Box, 43. Fuji in a Downpour, 51. Swords on Stand, 52. Two Crabs, 55. Fuji Blue, 56. A monster rat from the Raigo Ajari Kaisoden, 57. Senju in the Musachi provimce, 59. The Fifty-three Stations of the Tôkaidô Road, 62. Making Mochi, 64. Ningyo, 65. Woman Looking at Herself in a Mirror, 68. The Suspension Bridge Between Hida and Etchu, 69. View of Honmoku, 74. Hotei, the God of Good Fortune, 75. Travelling Nuns, 79. Chrysanthemum Spray, 83. Cherry Blossoms and Warbler, 95. Big Wave, 96. Mitsuke, 97. Flowers and water lilies in the Mangwe, Tome, 99. An Ancient View of the Pontoon Bridge at Sano
1798–1861 · Japan · 23
Japanese ukiyo-e master of dynamic warrior prints and fantastical mythological creatures.
6. Yata Gorôemon Suketake, 17. Hatakeyama Shigetada, 20. Battle of Uji River, 22. Eight Hundred Heroes of Our Country, 23. The sailor Tokuso and the sea monster, 24. Oniwakamaru and the Giant Carp, 25. From Suikoden of Japanese Heroes, 26. The suicide of morozumi Masakiyo, 28. Mongaku doing penace at the Nachi waterfall, 30. Tokiwa Gozen in the snow, 31. Musashi on the back of a whale, 35. The young Benkei holding a pole, 36. Woman catching firefly by a stream, 38. Kotenrai Ryioshin loading a connon, 39. Women, 48. Senzaki Yagorô Noriyasu, 49. Katsuta Shin'emon Taketaka, 50. Ôboshi Rikiya Yoshikane, 73. Scrbbling on the Storehouse Wall, 84. Kajiwara Genda Kagesue for Umegae, 89. Animals dyeing fabrics, 90. Roshi Ensei lifting a heavy beam, 94. Man on a boat
1797–1858 · Japan · 8
Japanese ukiyo-e master of poetic landscapes and atmospheric views of the Tōkaidō road.
3. Early Department from a Daimyo, 18. 73 the City Flourishing, 34. Tsukuda Offing in the Eastern Capital, 46. Untitled (Two Rabbits, Pampas Grass, and Full Moon), 53. The Tenryu River, Mitsuke, 71. 113. Aoi Slope Outside Toranomon Gate, 78. 16. Flower Park and Dangozaka Slope in Sendagi, 80. 10. Sunrise at Kanda Myōjin Shrine
1724–1770 · Japan · 7
A pioneer of ukiyo-e, Suzuki Harunobu revolutionized art with his nishiki-e prints.
9. Couple Beside a Plum Tree at Night, 41. Kiss, 66. Man Behind a Sliding Door Pulling the Kimono of a Woman on the Veranda, 85. The Seven Gods of Good Luck in the Floating World, 88. A Courtesan Wearing a Bathing Robe, 92. Potted Chrysanthemums and Full Moon, 93. Modern Representation of the Poetess Kaga No Chiyo
· Japan · 7
Sharaku was a master of ukiyo-e known for dynamic kabuki actor portraits.
14. Kabuki Actor Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei, 32. Ichikawa Komazō III as Nitta Yoshisada, 33. Bandō Hikosaburō III as Obiya Chōemon, 47. Sawamura Sojuro III as Nagoya Sanza, 70. Sakata Hangorō III as Yahazu no Yahatei, 81. Actor Segawa Tomisaburo II & Ichikawa Kurizo, 87. Matsumoto Kōshirō IV as the hick spendthrift from Yamato
1786–1865 · Japan · 5
A rediscovered master.
12. Four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, 19. Sumo Spectators, 21. Sumo wrestler Somagahana Fuchiemon, 98. Sumo, 100. The Ghost
1839–1892 · Japan · 5
Japanese ukiyo-e printmaker known for dramatic warrior scenes and psychological depth in woodblocks.
16. Woman with Iris, 60. Assassin Prince, 61. Hiratsuka, 77. A married woman in the Meiji Period, 86. Lin Chong
Questions & answers
Hover over a question to read the answer.
Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831) is the most famous Ukiyo E painting and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Katsushika Hokusai's Femenine Wave (1830, Hokusai Museum), Utagawa Hiroshige's Early Department from a Daimyo (n.d., Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art) and Katsushika Hokusai's Carp in Water (1832, Bristol Museum - Art Gallery).
In order: The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Katsushika Hokusai), Femenine Wave (Katsushika Hokusai), Early Department from a Daimyo (Utagawa Hiroshige), Carp in Water (Katsushika Hokusai), Fuji, Mountains in Clear Weather (Red Fuji) (Katsushika Hokusai), Yata Gorôemon Suketake (Utagawa Kuniyoshi), Kinoe no komatsu (Katsushika Hokusai), Cranes on pine tree (Katsushika Hokusai), Couple Beside a Plum Tree at Night (Suzuki Harunobu) and The Great Wave (Katsushika Hokusai).
Judged by this ranking, Katsushika Hokusai: 33 of the 100 most famous Ukiyo E paintings are from this painter's hand, including The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Femenine Wave and Carp in Water.
With 4 of the 100, the Metropolitan Museum of Art comes first, followed by the Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art (2) and the Bujalance Collection (2); New York has 4 in all.
Start with New York (4), Nagasaki (2) and Washington, D.C. (1): together they hold 7 of the 100, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art and the Bujalance Collection.
Ranked by the number of their works among the 100 most famous Ukiyo E paintings: Katsushika Hokusai (33), Utagawa Kuniyoshi (23), Utagawa Hiroshige (8), Suzuki Harunobu (7) and Sharaku (7).
The earliest is Yosa Buson's Woman Burning Incense (1749, Metropolitan Museum of Art) (1749); the latest, Kogyo Sakamaki's Söshiarai Komachi. Nögaku Zue (1898, Bujalance Collection) (1898).
The biggest is Katsushika Hokusai's Woman Looking at Herself in a Mirror (1805) at 231 × 80 cm; the smallest, Utagawa Hiroshige's Untitled (Two Rabbits, Pampas Grass, and Full Moon) (1851) at 20 × 25 cm.
99 of these 100 paintings are available hand-painted in oil, from $181, and 99 as a canvas print, from $47.
By recognition: Wikipedia articles in the most languages (Wikidata sitelinks), our manual ranking and page visits. Several records of one painting count once; details, copies and studies are excluded.
Bring one home
99 paintings of this list can be ordered as museum-grade, hand-painted oil reproductions, from $181.
We started with every Ukiyo E painting in our catalogue and ranked them by how famous they are. Three clues decide the order: in how many languages Wikipedia has an article about the painting, where our curators place it, and how often people open its page on our site. Each painting appears only once, and details, copies and studies are left out.
Famous Impressionism paintings
Water Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Baroque paintings
Las Meninas · Diego Velázquez
Famous Romanticism paintings
Liberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintings
Nighthawks · Edward Hopper
Famous Post-Impressionism paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintings
The Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Surrealism paintings
The Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Neoclassicism paintings
Napoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Symbolism paintings
The Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintings
Burial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintings
The Swing · Jean-Honoré Fragonard
500–1000
Famous Early Medieval paintings
The Night Revels of Han Xizai · Gu Hongzhong
1000–1300
Famous High Medieval paintings
Crucifix · Cimabue
1300–1400
Famous Late Medieval paintings
Our Lady of the Don · Theophanes the Greek
1400–1600
Famous Renaissance paintings
Mona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
1600–1800
Famous Early Modern paintings
The Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
1800–1900
Famous 19th Century paintings
Starry Night · Vincent van Gogh
1900–1980
Famous Modern paintings
Guernica · Pablo Picasso
1980–
Famous Contemporary paintings
Girl with Balloon · Banksy
