Realist painters, ranked
The most famous Realist painter is Гюстав Курбе (1819–1877), known for Зустріч або Добрий день, містере Курбе and Походження світу. Next come Жан-Франсуа Мілле, Ґергард Ріхтер, Вінслов Гомер and Едвард Гоппер. This ranking of the 100 most famous Realist painters runs from Жак Лоран Агассе (born 1767) to Петер 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 Гревіль-Аг Реалізм, Бабізонська школа Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
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Американець Born in Бостон Американський реалізм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Француз Born in Ла-Рошель Академічний реалізм Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
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Мексиканець Born in Ґуанахуато Мексиканський муралізм, Соціальний реалізм Wikipedia in 31/32 languages
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Росіянин українського походження Born in Чугуїв Реалізм Wikipedia in 32/32 languages
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Француз Born in Марсель Реалізм, Сатира Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
He was also a dedicated painter and sculptor, though recognition for these works came later in his life. He eschewed idealized representations, instead presenting a starkly honest portrayal of hardship and struggle. He bridged the gap between Romanticism and Realism, laying the groundwork for future generations of artists who sought to depict the world with unflinching honesty.
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Швед Born in Стокгольм Мистецтво та ремесла (Arts and Crafts) Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
The Old Man and the New Trees (1883).
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Росіянин Born in Єлабуга Реалізм, Передвижники Wikipedia in 30/32 languages
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Мексиканський Born in Чіуауа Соціалізм Реалізм, Мюралізм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
The Academy of San Carlos proved crucial in honing his technical skills while simultaneously fostering his rebellious spirit. This spirit of defiance would characterize his entire artistic career, driving him to constantly push boundaries and challenge conventional approaches.
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Німецький Born in Олесниця Капіталістична реалізм; Ніо-експресіонізм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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Німецький Born in Вроцлав Реалізм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
While largely self-taught, Menzel was not immune to artistic influences. His work resonated with French artists as well; Edgar Degas, famously, deeply admired Menzel’s skill, even copying his works and declaring him “the greatest living master.” This mutual respect highlights a shared commitment to realism and observation, despite differing national contexts.
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Португалька Born in Лісабон Сюрреалізм, експресіонізм, феміністичне мистецтво Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Француз Born in Гренобль Реалізм та символізм Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Французька Born in Бордо Реалізм, Живопис тварин Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
Rosa Bonheur's artistic style wasn’t about romanticizing animals; it was about portraying them with unwavering honesty and detail. The influence of artists like Nicolas Poussin and Peter Paul Rubens is evident in her compositions, but she always prioritized direct observation over idealized representation. Her dedication to realism influenced countless artists, and her paintings remain admired for their technical skill and emotional depth.
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Мексиканський Born in Місто Гузмана Мексиканський муралізм Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
Posada’s unflinching portrayal of Mexican society profoundly impacted Orozco's worldview, fostering an unwavering belief in the transformative potential of art to confront injustice and inspire change. Recognizing this conviction, he pursued formal training at the Academy of San Carlos in 1906, encountering David Alfaro Siqueiros—another student who would become a lifelong collaborator and fellow champion of Mexican muralism.
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Іспанець Born in Томельйосо Реалізм / Хіперреалізм Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
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Індійський Born in Кілманоор Академічний та індыйський синтез Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
Born on April 29, 1848, in the opulent confines of Kilimanoor Palace near Trivandrum, Kerala, his life unfolded as a remarkable synthesis of aristocratic privilege and an innate artistic spirit. Raja Ravi Varma passed away on October 2, 1906, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and shape the cultural landscape of India.
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Росія Born in Лоп'ял Національно-романтичний стиль Wikipedia in 29/32 languages
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Фiнський Born in Порі Нацiональний романтизм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
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Росіянин Born in Острогозьк Реалізм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Росіянин Born in Череповець Передвижники Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
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Південноафриканська Born in Кейптаун Романтизм Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
Marlene Dumas була представлена престижною галереєю David Zwirner з 2008 року і продовжує виставлятися міжнародно, надихаючи нове покоління художників. Його спадок полягає в тому, що вона створила творби, які є одночасно глибоко особистими та універсально резонують – картини, що кидають виклик нашим власним вразливостям, бажанням і упередженням.
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Американський Born in Колумбус Реалізм, Ashcan School Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
Both Members of This Club (1909) – Світова робота, що зображує атмосферу боксерського клубу. Stag at Sharkey’s (1909) – Ще одна ікона, яка зображує боксерський матч, відома своїм драматичним освітленням та композицією. Men of the Docks (1912) – Потужне зображення робітничого класу, яке демонструє майстерність Беллоуса у передачі фізичності та текстури.
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Німецько-американська Born in Нюрнберг Мінімалізм, Фігуративна скульптура Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
«Марія Магдалина» (199ття), скульптура, виготовлена з силіконової бронзи та кованої сталі, уособлює її здатність переосмислювати класичну іконографію крізь сучасну призму. Відкрита анатомія фігури та вразлива постава кидають виклик традиційним репрезентаціям святої, запрошуючи глядачів замислитися над темами гріха, спокути та жіночої суб'єктності.
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Російський/Український/Грецький Born in Маріупольський повіт Реалізм, Імпресіонізм Wikipedia in 27/32 languages
Furthermore, Kuindzhi was influenced by several key artistic movements and figures. The influence of Caspar David Friedrich, a German Romantic landscape painter known for his evocative depictions of nature, is also evident in Kuindzhi's use of dramatic lighting and atmospheric perspective. His early work shows traces of Ivan Aivazovsky’s marine realism, while his later paintings reflect elements of Impressionism and Symbolism.
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Бразилець Born in Бродовскі Неореалізм Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Російський Born in Тобольськ Реалізм Wikipedia in 28/32 languages
Instead, he chose to focus on the lives of those often overlooked – peasants, laborers, the marginalized, and the forgotten souls inhabiting the fringes of 19th-century Russia. His paintings weren’t simply representations of reality; they were potent social commentaries, exposing the hardships, injustices, and spiritual emptiness that permeated Russian society at the time. 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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Російська Born in Кібартай Настроєний ландшафт Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
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Російський Born in Санкт-Петербург Імпресіонізм, 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 Імпресіонізм, Реалізм, Японізм Wikipedia in 26/32 languages
(також відомий як Молода жінка в червоній куртці) — Музей д'Орсе, Париж. Цікава історія — Національна галерея Вікторії, Мельбурн. Гра в схованки — Національна галерея мистецтв, Вашингтон. Фараон і його мертвий син — Єврейський музей, Нью-Йорк.
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Данський Born in Ставанґер Реалізм, Імпресіонізм Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
His marriage to Marie deteriorated, culminating in divorce in 1905.
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Бельгійський Born in Еттербек Соціалістичний реалізм Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
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Фінська Born in Порвоо Реалізм Wikipedia in 25/32 languages
Louis Pasteur dans son laboratoire de l (1886).
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Франція Born in Ліон Академізм Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
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Російський, Український Born in Воронеж Реалізм, Символізм Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
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French Born in Дьєз Realism Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
Recognizing his burgeoning artistic aptitude, Devilly championed Friant's ambition to dedicate himself entirely to painting—encouraging him to prioritize observation and meticulous detail—techniques that would become hallmarks of Friant’s oeuvre. His formative friendships with fellow artists—Aimé Morot, Victor Prouvé, and Jules Bastien-Lepage—established during this period solidified his connection to the avant-garde currents circulating within Parisian intellectual circles. Émile Friant’s artistic legacy rests firmly on his unwavering commitment to realism—a style he embraced while simultaneously transcending its constraints—resulting in a distinctive voice that resonated throughout the late nineteenth century and into the early twentieth.
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Американський Born in Утрехт Лумiнізм, Реалізм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
Lighter Relieving the Steamboat Aground: Captures a moment of rural American life with stunning detail. Дослідження світу Bingham через відтворення дозволяє шанувальникам мистецтва відчути зв’язок із його шедеврами, зберігаючи його спадщину для майбутніх поколінь.
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Born in Байонна Wikipedia in 23/32 languages
Léon Joseph Florentin Bonnat was born in Bayonne, France, in 1833 and passed away in 1922. While assisting in the shop, he diligently copied engravings of works by Old Masters, fostering a deep passion for drawing and laying the foundation for his future career.
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Француз Born in Севр Барбізонська школа Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
Inspired by Paulus Potter's iconic "Young Bull" and the monumental canvases of Cuyp and Rembrandt, Troyon experienced a profound revelation: he discovered his true vocation within animal painting. A pivotal moment arrived during Troyon’s visit to the Netherlands in 1846 – a journey that irrevocably altered the trajectory of his artistic career.
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Born in Інс Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
«Портрет молодої дівчини» також демонструє його майстерність у змахуванні ніжних рис обличчя та передачі внутрішніх емоцій.
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Росіянин Born in Астрахань Реалізм, Ар-нуво Wikipedia in 24/32 languages
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Росіянин 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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Австрієць Born in Ізельсберг-Штронах Муніхська школа Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Російський Born in Москва Романтизм, Реалізм Wikipedia in 18/32 languages
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Фінська Born in Виборг ['Натуралізм', 'Реалізм'] Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
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Росій/Українська Born in Полтава Реалізм, Передвижники Wikipedia in 19/32 languages
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Російський Born in Москва Реалізм, Академізм Wikipedia in 22/32 languages
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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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Німецький Born in Шробенгаузен Портрет Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
During this period, he produced some of his most celebrated works, including portraits of prominent figures such as Pope Leo XIII, Otto von Bismarck, Richard Wagner, and Franz Liszt – each rendered with remarkable sensitivity and insight.
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Росіянин Born in Москва Ліричний пейзаж Wikipedia in 21/32 languages
Key works · The 100 most famous works
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Грецький Born in Тінос Муніхська школа, Імпресіонізм Wikipedia in 20/32 languages
The family’s relocation to Athens in 1850 proved pivotal, opening doors to formal artistic training previously unavailable on Tinos. For years, he generously shared his knowledge and expertise with a new generation of artists, including Ernst Oppler, Fritz Osswald, Anna May-Rychter, and Stefan Popescu, shaping their artistic development and perpetuating the traditions of the Munich School.
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Угорсько-словацький Born in Бецков (село) Імпресіонізм, Реалізм Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
He received some formal training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich and later studied under Isidore Pils in Paris, a pivotal period that exposed him to the burgeoning Impressionist movement. Notable Works: The River Poprad at Strážky, Flaming Landscape, End of Life.
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Нідерландський Born in Гронінген Гаазька школа, Реалізм Wikipedia in 16/32 languages
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Фінка Born in Ноормаркку Живопис реалізму Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Британська Born in Стретфорд Індустріальний живопис Wikipedia in 13/32 languages
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Поляк Born in Бочкі-Хелмонські Реалізм, позитивізм 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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Данська/Швейцарська Born in Сольо Реалізм, портрет Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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грек Born in Хідіра Мюнхенська школа Wikipedia in 8/32 languages
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Росіянин Born in Москва Реалізм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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American Born in Норвіч 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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Російський Born in Москва Аналітична реалізм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Нідерландська Born in Гронінген Марина (Морський живопис) Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
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Француз Born in Париж Реалізм Wikipedia in 14/32 languages
«Бретонки на Відпустку» (Музей Калусте Гульбенкіана, Лісабон) – передає атмосферу традиційного бретонського релігійного фестивалю. «Портрет Бретонської Дівчини» – демонструє його майстерність у портретній живописці та увагу до деталей. «Гамлет і Розкопувачі» (1883) – показує здатність зображувати драматичні сцени з літератури.
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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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Німецько-американська Born in Бремен Дюссельдорфська школа, Школа річки Гудзон (під впливом)
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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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Німець Born in Волькенбург Імпресіонізм Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Вельш Born in Гейверфордвест Модернізм Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
She quickly found herself drawn into the orbit of Auguste Rodin, one of the most influential sculptors of his time. It wasn’t until after her passing – and following a memorial exhibition held in London in 1946 – that her artistic contributions began to be fully appreciated by the wider art world.
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Британський Born in Ліверпуль Соціалістичний реалізм Wikipedia in 11/32 languages
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Американський Born in Нідем Реалізм, ілюстрація Wikipedia in 15/32 languages
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Американский Born in Маттапойзетт Академическая классическая живопись Wikipedia in 17/32 languages
Francis Davis Millet’s formative years were marked by significant events that would indelibly shape his worldview and artistic vision. Born into a family steeped in seafaring tradition – his father was a surgeon practicing in Mattapoisett – Millet developed an early fascination with the natural world, particularly the sea. Crucially, Millet’s exposure to John LaFarge at Trinity Church ignited his passion for large-scale decorative work, introducing him to the Beaux-Arts aesthetic and establishing a cornerstone of his artistic style.
The paintings behind the names
Through time
In figures
| Франція | 19 |
|---|---|
| Росія | 16 |
| Сполучені Штати Америки | 8 |
| Німеччина | 6 |
| Сполучене Королівство | 6 |
| Мексика | 3 |
| Україна | 3 |
| Польща | 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 Мілле (#2) and Ґергард Ріхтер (#3) complete the podium.
Гюстав Курбе (#1), Жан-Франсуа Мілле (#2), Ґергард Ріхтер (#3), Вінслов Гомер (#4) and Едвард Гоппер (#5).
The highest-ranked living painters in this list are Ґергард Ріхтер (#3), Антоніо Лопес Гарсія (#22), Петер Дойг (#24), Марлен Дюма (#29) and Кікі Сміт (#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 Росія are Шишкін Іван Іванович (#11), Васнецов Віктор Михайлович (#25), Крамськой Іван Миколайович (#27), Верещагін Василь Васильович (#28) and Перов Василь Григорович (#34).
“Daumier’s technique was characterized by loose brushwork and dramatic lighting, anticipating some of the techniques later embraced by the Impressionists.” — from our biography of Оноре Дом'є (#9).
The earliest-born painter in this list is Жак Лоран Агассе (#96), born in 1767.
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Державна Третьяковська галерея (12), Музей д’Орсе (11) and Метрополітен-музей (6).
The women of this list (8): Паула Рего (#17), Роза Бонер (#20), Марлен Дюма (#29), Кікі Сміт (#31), Аліса Нел (#38), Елін Даніельсон-Гамбогі (#73), Берта Вегманн (#80) and Гвен Джон (#95).
Москва: 5 of the painters in this list were born there.
Франція: 19 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then Росія (16) and Сполучені Штати Америки (8).
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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