Realist painters, ranked
The most famous Realist painter is Гюстав Курбе (1819–1877), known for Похороны в Орнане and Встреча или Здравствуйте, господин Курбе. Next come Жан-Франсуа Милле, Герхард Рихтер, Уинслоу Хомер and Эдвард Хоппер. This ranking of the 100 most famous Realist painters runs from Жак-Лоран Агас (born 1767) to Пьер Дойг (born 1959), across 31 countries.
How this list is ranked. Artists whose works our catalogue files under Realist, 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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Француз Born in Груши Реализм, Барбизонская школа Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
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Американец Born in Бостон Американский реализм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Француз Born in Ла-Рошель Академический реализм Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
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Мексиканец Born in Гуанахуато Мексиканский мурализм, социальный реализм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Российский художник (родился на Украине) Born in Чугуев Реализм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Француз Born in Марсель Реализм, сатира Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
Daumier – художник, который не боялся говорить правду, даже если это было опасно. Он оставил после себя богатое наследие, которое продолжает вдохновлять художников и зрителей по всему миру.
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Швед Born in приход Церкви Святого Николая Движение «Искусства и ремесла» Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
The Old Man and the New Trees (1883).
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Русский Born in Елабуга Реализм, Передвижники Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
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британский художник Born in Берлин Реализм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Американец Born in Чадс-Форд Реализм, Регионализм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Мексиканский Born in Чиуауа Социальный реализм, Мурализм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
«Городское блеск» (1930-е гг.) – критика капиталистической системы и изображение жизни города как места социальной изоляции и эксплуатации.
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Германия Born in Олесница Капиталистический реализм; Неоэкспрессионизм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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Немецкий Born in Вроцлав Реализм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
«Железная горнодобывающая мельница» (1872-1875) «История Фридриха Великого» (серия иллюстраций, 1840-1842) «Коронация императора Вильгельма I» (1873) «Портрет художника Франца Рудольфа Шмидта» (1868) «Встреча Фридриха Великого с Жан-Батистом Кольбертом» (1842)
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Португалька Born in Лиссабон Сюрреализм, экспрессионизм, феминистское искусство Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Француз Born in Гренобль Реализм и символизм Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Французская Born in Бордо Реализм, Живописец животных Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Мексиканский Born in Сьюдад-Гусман Мексиканская живопись Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Испанец Born in Томельосо Гиперреализм Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
López García’s method is marked by a deliberate process of layering paint—often applying multiple coats to achieve an unparalleled luminosity and depth of color. Subject Matter: López García consistently portrays scenes from the urban landscape of Madrid, capturing its architectural grandeur and atmospheric subtleties. Robert Hughes famously hailed López García as “the greatest realist artist alive,” recognizing his unparalleled skill and profound understanding of form and light—a judgment that solidified his place in art history.
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Индийский Born in Килиманур Академический и индийский Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
Born in 1848 within the opulent confines of Kilimanoor Palace, nestled amidst the verdant hills of Kerala, his life unfolded as a remarkable synthesis of aristocratic privilege and an incandescent creative spirit. He is widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Indian Art” – a title earned through his groundbreaking innovations in technique, subject matter, and accessibility.
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Русский Born in Лопьял Романтизм; Символизм Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
He sought to capture the essence of Russia, not just its historical record, but also its spirit – its deep-rooted folklore, its heroic traditions, and its mystical connection to nature. Viktor Vasnetsov played an instrumental role in the Russian Revivalist movement, which sought to reclaim and celebrate Russia’s rich cultural heritage.
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Финский Born in Пори Национальный романтизм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Русский Born in Острогожск Реализм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Русский Born in Череповец Передвижники Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Южноафриканская Born in Кейптаун Романтизм Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
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Американский Born in Колумбус Реализм, Ashcan School Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
Both Members of This Club (1909) – Знаковая работа, изображающая атмосферу боксерского клуба. Stag at Sharkey’s (1909) – Еще одна культовая картина боксерского матча, известная своим драматическим освещением и композицией. Men of the Docks (1912) – Мощное изображение рабочих на пристани, демонстрирующее мастерство Бэллоуэса в передаче физической силы и текстуры.
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Американка/Герчинка Born in Нюрнберг Фигуративная скульптура Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Русский/Украинский/Греческий Born in Мариупольский уезд Реализм, Импрессионизм Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Despite these challenging circumstances, a nascent artistic inclination began to blossom, nurtured by a Greek family friend who provided him with rudimentary education and introduced him to the world of art. He briefly attempted to establish his own photographic studio but faced financial difficulties, leading him to relocate to Saint Petersburg in 1865. Arkhip Kuindzhi died in 1910, leaving behind a legacy as one of Russia’s most beloved landscape painters – a master of light and color whose works continue to inspire awe and wonder.
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Бразилец Born in Бродовски Неореализм Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Русский Born in Тобольск Реализм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
He quickly demonstrated exceptional talent, earning silver and gold medals at the Imperial Academy of Arts – awards that not only validated his abilities but also afforded him the extraordinary opportunity to study abroad in 1862. Vasily Perov’s untimely death from tuberculosis in 1882 at the age of 48 marked a significant loss for Russian art.
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Русский Born in Кибартай Пейзаж настроения Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Русский Born in Санкт-Петербург Импрессионизм, модерн Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
While he continued to receive commissions from Russia’s aristocracy – portraits of Grand Duke Pavel Alexandrovich, S.M. From 1900 onwards, Serov’s work began to reflect a growing engagement with modernism, though he never fully abandoned his commitment to realism. Serov’s early period is marked by an extraordinary sensitivity to light and atmosphere, evident in works like Girl with Peaches (1887) and Girl Covered by the Sun (1888).
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Француз Born in Нант Импрессионизм, Реализм, Японизм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
(также известный как «Молодая женщина в красном жакете») — Музей Орсе, Париж. Интересная история — Национальная галерея Виктории, Мельбурн. Прятки — Национальная галерея искусств, Вашингтон. Фараон и его мертвый сын — Еврейский музей, Нью-Йорк.
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Датский Born in Ставангер Реализм и импрессионизм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Бельгиец Born in Эттербек Социалистический реализм Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
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Датчанин Born in Копенгаген Реализм и Романтизм Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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Русский Born in Красноярск Реализм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Финляндский Born in Порвоо Реализм Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
He shared a small studio at 24 Rue Bonaparte with a friend from Finland. He also developed a friendship with Jean-Baptiste Pasteur, the son of the chemist Louis Pasteur. Younger Finnish painters, including Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Gunnar Berndtson, looked to his methods and his ability to navigate the European art world.
Where to see To see his brushwork in person, one might travel to Helsinki.
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Французский Born in Лион Академизм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Французский Born in Данвиллер Натурализм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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Русский, Украинский Born in Воронеж Реализм, Символизм Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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French Born in Дьёз Realism Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
His father, Virgile, worked as a locksmith, while his mother, Catherine Torlotin, descended from a peasant lineage and had previously served as a maid for Madame Parisot—circumstances reflecting the modest origins of an artist destined to achieve unparalleled renown. His second Salon submission, Œdipe maudissant son fils Polynice, secured him a Second Rome Prize—a prestigious honor awarded annually by the Académie des Beaux-Arts—despite fierce competition from established artists.
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Американский Born in Утрехт Льюмизм, Реализм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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Французский Born in Севр Баризоньонская школа Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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Born in Инс Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
«Портрет молодой девушки» также демонстрирует его умение изображать тонкие черты лица и передавать внутренние эмоции.
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Русский Born in Астрахань Реализм, модерн Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Русский Born in Санкт-Петербург Передвижники Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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British Portrait painting
In the heart of the nineteenth century, as Britain navigated the profound shifts of the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of its global influence, William Salter emerged as a painter capable of capturing the very soul of Victorian grandeur. The zenith of Salter’s career arrived in 1836 with the unveiling of his most ambitious and celebrated undertaking: The Waterloo Banquet.
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Австриец Born in Изельсберг-Штронах Мюнхенская школа Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Русский Born in Москва Романтизм, Реализм Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Финляндский Born in Выборг ['Натурализм', 'Реализм'] Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
Beyond his landscapes, Järnefelt was a masterful portraitist, often capturing the leading figures of Finnish society, from politicians to academics. His accolades reflect a career of international significance, including winning gold medals at the Paris Exposition Universelle in both 1889 and 1900. From the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki to the Imperial Academy of Arts in St.
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Русский/Украинец Born in Полтава Реализм, Передвижники Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Русский Born in Москва Академизм, Реализм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
Throughout his career, Makovsky’s art served as a window into Russian life, particularly its historical and cultural richness. The Russian Bride’s Attire (1889), also known as Beneath the Crown, stands as a prime example—a lavishly detailed portrayal of pre-wedding rituals, brimming with symbolism and vibrant color. Konstantin Makovsky’s influence extends beyond his impressive body of work.
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American Born in Zanesville Beaux-Arts Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
Yet, Gilbert’s genius was not reserved solely for the heights of Manhattan; his commitment to civic dignity is equally evident in his monumental public works, such as the Minnesota Capitol and the Detroit Public Library, where he utilized scale and ornamentation to celebrate the permanence of American institutions.
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Русский Born in Москва Лирический пейзаж Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
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Американский Born in Сент-Луис Документальная фотография
He deeply admired Eugène Atget, whose intimate photographs of Parisian streets captured a timeless quality, and August Sander, whose portraits aimed for an objective cataloging of German society. However, it was his time in Paris in 1926 that proved pivotal, exposing him to European artistic trends and solidifying his desire to move beyond purely decorative photography.
Key works · The 100 most famous works
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Греческий Born in Тинос Мюнхенская школа Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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Венгерско-словацкий Born in Словакия Импрессионизм, Реализм Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
Born into a family steeped in Hungarian nobility – specifically within the Mednyánszky lineage, tracing its roots back through generations of landowners – László’s early years were shaped by the rhythms of aristocratic life. The Carpathian Mountains and the Hungarian plains—the settings of his childhood—became recurring motifs, representing not just geographical locations but also symbols of belonging, loss, and the enduring connection to one’s roots.
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Нидерландский Born in Гронинген Хейга Скол, Реализм Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
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Финка Born in Ноормаркку Живопись реализма Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Британский Born in Стретфорд Индустриальная живопись Wikipedia in 13/32 languages
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Поляк Born in Лович Реализм, позитивизм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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British Realistic Landscape Painting
John Arthur Fraser began his days in London, England, born on January 9th, 1838. His father, a tailor from Portsoy, Scotland, carried the political weight of the Chartist movement into their home, while his maternal grandparents had settled in Stanstead, Lower Canada, years earlier. His paintings of the Rockies, such as Fishing Camp, the Rockies, captured the heavy presence of mountains like Mt.
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Serbian Born in Orlovat Realism painting Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
His work remains a vital touchstone for understanding the social fabric of the 19th and early 20th centuries in the Balkans. Through his dedication to realism, he ensured that the faces, the traditions, and the very soul of Serbia would remain vibrantly alive for generations to come. His life, spanning nearly a century until his death in 1953, served as a living bridge between the traditionalist roots of the Balkans and the rigorous academic standards of the Western art world.
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Французский Born in Париж Реализм; Карактеризм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
«Absinthe Drinkers» (Пьющие абсент) — 1881: Пожалуй, самое знаменитое его полотно, изначально называвшееся «Les déclassés» («Опустившиеся»). Эта картина представляет собой суровое воплощение социального отчуждения и сегодня хранится в Палате Легион д'Онёр в Калифорнии.
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датчанка/швейцарка Born in Сольо Реализм, портрет Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Греческий Born in Леспос Мюнхенская школа Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
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Русский Born in Москва Реализм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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American Born in Норвич Impressionism, Realism, Seascapes
Born in Norwich, Connecticut, his early life took him through the landscapes of Minnesota, where his family had moved following his father's appointment as a rector. Walden became a celebrated figure in the salons of Paris, earning medals and eventually being inducted into the French Legion of Honor.
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Француз Born in Париж ['Постимпрессионизм', 'Символизм'] Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Русский Born in Москва Аналитическая реальность Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Голландский Born in Гронинген Марина (Морская живопись) Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
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Французский Born in Париж Реализм Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
«Бретонские девушки на празднике Рождества Богородицы»: Эта работа демонстрирует мастерство Дэган-Бувре́та в изображении религиозных сцен и передаче эмоциональной глубины персонажей. «Портрет бретонской девочки»: Художник уделял особое внимание деталям портрета, создавая реалистичный образ юной девушки с выразительными глазами и мягкой улыбкой.
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Stevens’s early work demonstrated a mastery of conventional naturalistic style, heavily influenced by 17th-century Dutch genre painting. He meticulously studied the works of artists like Gerard ter Borch and Gabriel Metsu, absorbing their techniques for depicting domestic interiors and everyday life.
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Немецко-американский Born in Бремен Дюссельдорфская школа, Школа реки Гудзон (под влиянием)
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Danish Golden Age
His achievements, including receiving the prestigious Eckersberg Medal, reflect a career dedicated to the pursuit of visual truth through atmosphere.
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Немец Born in Волькенбург/Мульде Импрессионизм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Британский Born in Ливерпуль Социальный реализм Wikipedia in 11/32 languages
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Американский Born in Нидем Реализм, иллюстрация Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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American Born in Маппоисетт Academic classical painting Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
His decision to enlist in the Massachusetts Regiment at sixteen – initially as a drummer boy before transitioning to surgical assistant under his father’s guidance—provided invaluable experience during the Civil War, exposing him to the visceral realities of conflict and fostering an acute awareness of human emotion. Francis Davis Millet died tragically aboard the RMS Titanic on April 15th, 1912, while traveling to New York City on Academy business – an event that shocked the art world and cemented his place in history as a symbol of artistic dedication and unforeseen misfortune.
The paintings behind the names
Through time
In figures
| Франция | 19 |
|---|---|
| Россия | 16 |
| США | 7 |
| Германия | 6 |
| Великобритания | 6 |
| Мексика | 3 |
| Украина | 3 |
| Польша | 3 |
| 18th century | 2 |
|---|---|
| 19th century | 86 |
| 20th century | 12 |
All of them, in order
Your questions, answered
First place goes to Гюстав Курбе (#1); Жан-Франсуа Милле (#2) and Герхард Рихтер (#3) complete the podium.
Гюстав Курбе (#1), Жан-Франсуа Милле (#2), Герхард Рихтер (#3), Уинслоу Хомер (#4) and Эдвард Хоппер (#5).
The highest-ranked living painters in this list are Герхард Рихтер (#3), Антонио Лопес Гарсия (#22), Пьер Дойг (#24), Марлен Дюма (#29) and Кики Смит (#31).
Most painters in this list were born in the 19th century (86 of 100), between 1767 and 1959 overall.
The highest-ranked painters born in Россия are Иван Иванович Шишкин (#11), Виктор Михайлович Васнецов (#25), Иван Николаевич Крамской (#27), Василий Васильевич Верещагин (#28) and Василий Григорьевич Перов (#34).
“Mediums: Versatile in his artistic pursuits, López García excels in pencil drawing, oil painting on board, carved wood sculpture, and bas relief in plaster—demonstrating a mastery of diverse mediums that underscores his adaptability and creative spirit.” — from our biography of Антонио Лопес Гарсия (#22).
The earliest-born painter in this list is Жак-Лоран Агас (#96), born in 1767.
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Государственная Третьяковская галерея (12), Музей Орсе (11) and Метрополитен-музей (8).
The women of this list (8): Паула Рего (#17), Роза Бонёр (#20), Марлен Дюма (#29), Кики Смит (#31), Элис Нил (#38), Элин Даниельсон-Гамбоджи (#73), Берта Вегманн (#80) and Гвен Джон (#95).
Москва: 5 of the painters in this list were born there.
Франция: 19 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then Россия (16) and США (7).
Our catalogue holds 20,627 works by these painters. Each one can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print.
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