High Medieval artists at a glance
Giotto (1267–1337) is the most famous High Medieval artist, best known for Madonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) and The Stefaneschi Triptych (recto). Then Duccio di Buoninsegna, Cimabue, Zhao Mengfu and Zhu Xi. The list covers 96 artists born between 970 and 1269 in 19 countries, from Xu Daoning to Huang Gongwang.
Method. Scope: artists filed under High Medieval in our catalogue. Order: our artist fame ranking. Excluded: artists born after 1955 without a Wikidata identifier. Wikipedia figure: languages with an article, out of our 32.
Key data
Ranked list
1/ 96
b. Vicchio Wikipedia 31/32
Instead of the distant, symbolic figures common in the Byzantine tradition, he focused on a clear and simple structure. The scenes follow the Life of the Virgin and the Life of Christ.
Location The Scrovegni Chapel holds the large fresco cycles that changed how stories were told on walls.
Trained by Cimabue #3 · Trained Pietro Cavallini #84
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Italian b. Siena Sienese School, Trecento Gothic Wikipedia 31/32
His work reflects a delicate balance between the celestial splendor of the East and a growing interest in the tangible, human presence. His most monumental achievement remains the Maestà, an expansive altarpiece for Siena Cathedral that was completed by June 1311.
Location The physical remnants of Duccio's career are scattered across several major institutions, offering a way to encounter his specific approach to light and form.
Trained by Cimabue #3
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b. Florence Wikipedia 28/32
He was a child of the Florentine streets, growing up in a landscape where the heavy, golden formality of the East met a new, restless desire for something more human. This was followed by the Crucifix at San Domenico in Arezzo, dating around 1270, where the body of Christ appears to buckle under the weight of his own agony.
Location To follow the path of his brush is to travel across the great cities of Europe and beyond.
Trained Giotto #1
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Chinese b. Huzhou Literati Painting; Landscape Painting Wikipedia 18/32
Zhao Mengfu (1254–1322) stands as a monumental figure in Yuan Dynasty art and arguably the progenitor of modern Chinese landscape painting. Born into a noble Song lineage, Zhao’s early life was marked by privilege but also shaped by turbulent political times—the Mongol conquest profoundly altering the cultural landscape of China.
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Chinese Wikipedia 31/32
Zhu Xi was a Chinese philosopher, historian, politician, poet, and calligrapher of the Southern Song dynasty. Born in Fujian, he was a leading figure in the development of Neo-Confucianism, seeking to integrate moral self-cultivation, classical interpretation, ritual practice, and cosmological theory into a coherent framework.
Key works · Top 100 works
6/ 96
Chinese b. Hangzhou Ma-Xia school, Southern Song dynasty Wikipedia 19/32
In works like Scholar Viewing a Waterfall, the ink wash is layered with precision, using subtle tonal gradations to build depth and atmosphere without relying on heavy outlines. Ma Yuan was born into a family where painting was a professional necessity.
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Chinese b. Wen County Northern Song Landscape Painting Wikipedia 16/32
Unlike preceding styles which often prioritized stylized representations, Guo Xi championed a revolutionary approach—the “angle of totality,” or “floating perspective”—that sought to capture the illusion of depth and atmosphere with unprecedented realism. This monumental painting exemplifies his mastery of “floating perspective,” transporting the viewer into a breathtaking vista of snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys.
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Chinese b. Kaifeng Song Dynasty; Slender Gold calligraphy Wikipedia 19/32
Born Zhao Ji in 1082, he ascended to the throne during a period of unparalleled cultural flowering, yet his reign would ultimately become synonymous with the decline of the Northern Song dynasty. As a patron, he transformed the imperial court into a sanctuary for talent, establishing the Hanlin Imperial Painting House to gather the finest masters from across the empire.
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Chinese b. Sichuan Chan painting Wikipedia 14/32
In the quiet, mist-shrouded landscapes of the thirteenth century, a monk emerged from the Sichuan province whose brushstrokes would forever alter the course of East Asian aesthetics. Muqi Fachang, known to history by his art name Muqi or Muxi, was not merely a painter but a spiritual conduit, translating the profound silences of Chan Buddhism into the language of ink and paper.
Key works · Top 100 works
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French b. Italy Medieval architecture/design Wikipedia 17/32
The sketchbook contains detailed drawings of significant cathedrals, including the west facade towers of Laon Cathedral and the radiating chapels and main vessel bay of Rheims Cathedral – structures that epitomize the soaring heights, intricate ornamentation, and innovative structural solutions characteristic of Gothic design.
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Italian b. Lucca Byzantine Style Wikipedia 14/32
bonaventura's artwork is characterized by the byzantine style, also known as the eastern roman empire style, which was prevalent in italy during that period. this style, influenced by the proximity of the byzantine empire, depicted religious scenes in an impersonal manner, adhering to the controlled vision of the church's theology.
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Spanish Romanesque Sculpture
While his contemporaries often relied on stylized, flat figures, Mateo meticulously studied human anatomy and the complex behavior of drapery, achieving an astonishing accuracy in his depictions.
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Italian b. Pisa Gothic & Roman blend
It was here that Giovanni began to weave together disparate threads of history: the soaring verticality of French Gothic architecture mingling with the robust, classical dignity drawn from ancient Roman art. Giovanni Pisano emerged from the artistic crucible of Pisa, Italy, in 1248.
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Chinese b. Jiangsu Song Dynasty Art Wikipedia 17/32
zhao mengfu: riders leading a white horse (indianapolis museum of art, silk) - showcases mi fei's influence on subsequent generations of artists. wen zhengming: the studio of true appreciation (zhen shang zhai) (china modern and contemporary art document research center, paper) - demonstrates the enduring impact of mi fei's style on chinese art.
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Italian b. Siena Gothic & Renaissance
These works include: Scenes from Genesis: Intricate reliefs that capture the primordial beginnings of humanity with a sense of movement and grace.
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b. Tongcheng Song Dynasty painting Wikipedia 9/32
Instead, he turned to the works of artists like Zhan Ziqian, known for his precise depictions of horses, and Fan Kuan, celebrated for his monumental landscapes.
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Chinese b. Baoding 'Boneless' painting technique Wikipedia 7/32
ma lin, a prominent chinese court painter, flourished during the early to mid 13th century (c. 1180 - 1256). as the son of the renowned artist ma yuan, ma lin was immersed in the art world from a young age, learning the intricacies of painting from his illustrious father.
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Korean Confucianism
This dual commitment to tradition and creativity distinguishes Yi Kyu-Bo as a singular voice in Korean literary history—a figure who simultaneously honored the past while forging new paths toward artistic excellence.
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French Romanesque Sculpture
While biographical details remain scarce, scholars believe he was trained at Cluny Abbey, arguably the epicenter of European monastic art and intellectual life at the time.
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Muslim b. Jazirat Ibn Omar Islamic Golden Age Engineering
Born in Jazirat Ibn Omar, Turkey, around 1136 and passing away in 1206, Badīʿ az-Zaman Abu l-ʿizz ibn Ismāʿīl ibn ar-razāz al-jazarī – often simply known as al-Jazari – stands as a towering figure in the history of science, engineering, and art. Al-Jazari’s life unfolded within the vibrant, multicultural city of Jazira (modern-day Mosul), a crucial crossroads in the Artuqid dynasty's sphere of influence.
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Italian b. Pisa Renaissance style Wikipedia 10/32
Byzantine Influence: His early works show clear traces of Byzantine iconography, particularly in the composition and rendering of Christ’s figure. The Crucifix of San Raniero, housed in the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo in Pisa, exemplifies his groundbreaking approach.
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Song dynasty b. Hangzhou Wikipedia 16/32
The surviving works of Xia Gui include various genres, such as small album leaves and hand scrolls. Notable examples of his work include: His influence extended far beyond his own era, impacting the Japanese master Sesshū Tōyō, who was influenced by Xia's idiom and made studies of his landscape fans.
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Italian b. Apulia Romanesque art
The pinnacle of Pisano’s creative achievement is undoubtedly found within the Pisa Baptistery.
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Song dynasty b. Meng Prefecture Academy-style landscape Wikipedia 15/32
Through this precision, his approach became the foundation for what is recognized as the academy-style landscape of the Southern Song. The inscription identifies the work as being painted by Li Tang of Ho-yang during the spring of the chia-ch'en year of the Hsüan-ho Reign of the Great Song.
Location The physical remnants of Li Tang's brushwork reside primarily within major institutional collections.
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Chinese b. Wuxing District Fur and feathers painting; Song realism blended with archaic Tang style Wikipedia 12/32
In the turbulent transition between the Southern Song and the Yuan Dynasty, few figures embody the quiet resilience of the Chinese scholar-official as poignantly as Qian Xuan. Born around 1235 in the serene landscape of Zhuzhou, within the modern Wuxing District, Qian Xuan’s life was a profound study in the tension between worldly ambition and spiritual retreat.
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English Medieval Art
To step into the world of Matthew Paris is to traverse a threshold of eight centuries, entering a vibrant and meticulously documented era of thirteenth-century England. A Benedictine monk at the renowned St Albans Abbey, Paris was far more than a mere silent observer of history; he was its most vivid architect.
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Chinese b. Jingdezhen Imperial porcelain
This transformative power finds its most sublime expression in the Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, an institution of artistry established around 1004 CE during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong. While archaeological evidence confirms that pottery production existed in the region as early as the sixth century CE, it was during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) that the kilns truly ascended to global prominence.
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Wikipedia 16/32
Under the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, the Hohenburg Abbey flourished, providing Herrad with access to the most comprehensive education available to women of her time.
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Japanese b. Kyoto Waka poetry
In the twilight of the Heian era and the burgeoning dawn of the Kamakura period, a figure emerged from the heart of Kyoto whose creative spirit would forever define the Japanese aesthetic. Born in 1162, Fujiwara no Teika—often known by his name Fujiwara no Sadaie—was far more than a mere scholar; he was a weaver of emotions and a master of the ephemeral.
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Byzantine b. standardized city name Manuscript illumination
Parchment, made from animal skin, was prepared meticulously before receiving the artist’s hand.
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Czech Medieval Coin Art
In the turbulent tapestry of medieval Europe, few figures loom as large or as formidable as Bretislav I, a ruler whose very name evokes the strength and strategic brilliance of the Přemyslid dynasty. Often whispered of in historical chronicles as the "Bohemian Achilles," Bretislav was far more than a mere conqueror; he was the visionary architect who reshaped the political landscape of Bohemia and Moravia.
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French Gothic architecture
He clearly drew upon the established traditions of medieval architecture, particularly the Cistercian style prevalent in northern France.
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Japanese b. Kyoto Waka poetry
His most famous poem, included in the renowned Hyakunin Isshu anthology, vividly depicts mist rising over dew-kissed pines on an autumn evening—a motif that resonated deeply with later artists and poets.
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Chinese Empire b. Zhucheng shan shui Wikipedia 15/32
By employing these precise boundaries, he captured the complexity of the Song dynasty's social and commercial infrastructure. Zhang Zeduan’s reputation rests primarily on a single, massive handscroll: Along the River During the Qingming Festival.
Location Tracing the physical presence of Zhang Zeduan's output requires looking toward two major institutions in East Asia.
Key works · Top 100 works
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Chinese b. Kaifeng Song Dynasty painting
He wasn't a prolific artist leaving behind an extensive body of work, but those pieces that have survived are testaments to his exceptional skill and sensitivity.
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Japanese b. Kyoto
Saigyō Hōshi, born in Kyoto in 1118, was far more than a mere monk; he was a wandering poet whose verses captured the very heartbeat of the Japanese wilderness. The essence of Saigyō’s work lies in his mastery of waka, a classical form of Japanese poetry characterized by its delicate emotional resonance and rhythmic elegance.
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Italian b. Florence Gothic Art
Born around 1240, Gaddi emerged from a lineage deeply rooted in the artisanal soul of Tuscany. He was the father of Taddeo Gaddi, one of Giotto’s most talented pupils, and a vital link in a chain of artists that would define the Florentine school.
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Yuan dynasty b. Changzhou Literati painters (wenrenhua) Wikipedia 12/32
This technical mastery was not merely intuitive; he sought to codify his understanding of the medium in his treatise, Secrets of Landscape Painting (寫山水訣, Xiě Shānshuǐ Jué). This period of experimentation continued through the 1330s and early 1340s with compositions such as Dwelling in the Fu-chun Mountains (about 1338), Clearing After Sudden Snow (about 1340), and Stone Cliff at the Pond of Heaven (about 1341).
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Japanese b. Kyoto Bizen tradition
Rai Kuniyuki (1219-1298) stands as a monumental figure within the annals of Japanese swordsmithing, embodying the zenith of the Bizen tradition—a style characterized by its exceptional purity of steel and meticulous craftsmanship. Born in Kyoto during the Kamakura period, Kuniyuki’s life coincided with a pivotal moment in Japanese history: the decline of centralized imperial rule and the rise of warrior clans vying for dominance.
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Italian Medieval Italian art
This work, depicting Christ alongside the Virgin, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and Saint John the Evangelist, represents a significant departure from his earlier geometric roots, embracing a style that is reminiscent of the great Cimabue.
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Chinese b. Huzhou Bamboo painting, Calligraphy Wikipedia 15/32
Among them shone Guan Zhongji (管道昇), also known as Lady Zhongji – a name that resonates through Chinese art history as a beacon of female accomplishment. Her life unfolded during a period of transition, following the Song Dynasty’s fall and under Mongol rule, a context that subtly informed her artistic choices and perhaps fueled her dedication to expressing inner resilience through nature.
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French b. Fontainebleau
Born in 1268 at the royal residence of Fontainebleau, his life unfolded during a period of immense transformation for France, a shift from medieval feudalism towards a more centralized state. His reign, stretching from 1285 to 1314, wasn't marked by patronage in the traditional sense—he didn’t commission grand paintings or sculptures for personal glory.
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Italian b. Florence Italo-Byzantine Art Wikipedia 12/32
Born in Florence around 1225, Coppo operated during an era of profound cultural shifts, where the solemnity of Byzantine iconography began to encounter the burgeoning naturalism of Italian sensibilities. His life was not merely one of quiet contemplation in a studio; historical records, such as those found in the Book of Montaperti, suggest he was even caught in the violent currents of Florentine military campaigns against Siena in 1260.
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Japanese b. Kyoto Heian period art
Fujiwara no Tadaie, born in Kyoto in 1033 and passing away on December 19th, 1091, was a quintessential figure of the Japanese Heian period—a time celebrated for its refined aesthetic sensibilities and intricate courtly life. Serving under Emperors Go-Reizei, Shirakawa, and Horikawa, he steadily climbed to the Senior Second Rank—a prestigious position signifying high honor—and ultimately attained the office of Dainagon, or Major Counselor.
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Chinese b. Hangzhou Song Dynasty Science & Philosophy
While history often remembers the name Shen Kuo as the towering intellectual giant of the Song Dynasty—a man whose mind spanned the celestial mechanics of the stars and the magnetic pull of the earth—the contemporary artistic identity of River Kuo breathes new life into this ancestral legacy.
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Chinese b. Colle Val D'Elsa Yuan Dynasty painting
His early apprenticeship under masters like Nicola Pisano provided him with an invaluable foundation, particularly evident in his work on the marble pulpit for the Duomo in Siena between 1265 and 1268. In Rome, he served King Charles I of Anjou, contributing to the magnificent statue housed in the Campidoglio.
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British b. Silves Botanical illustration
(view on AllPaintingsStore). for a deeper understanding of ibn ammar's life and work, refer to his biography on wikipedia.org.
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American b. Kyoto Hip Hop/Electronic
The artist known as 1090 Blokk Boyz, a name that simultaneously evokes the raw energy of Detroit’s underground hip-hop scene and hints at a deeper, almost ritualistic approach to creation, remains a somewhat shrouded figure. While biographical details are scarce – primarily gleaned from online music platforms like Last.fm and Popnable – his work speaks volumes about a dedication to sonic exploration and a unique visual aesthetic.
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Norwegian b. Oslo Medieval Kingship
At the heart of this tumultuous era stood two figures inextricably linked: Magnus Sigurdsson, known as Magnus the Blind, and Sigurd Haraldsson, often called Sigurd Munn. Born in Oslo around 1115, both were sons of Harald Gille, a king whose own ascent to the throne was steeped in controversy, and his mistress Thora Guttormsdotter.
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Japanese b. Kyoto Waka poetry
Born in Kyoto in 1119, Kamo no Shigeyasu (賀茂重保) was a figure of profound subtlety and quiet influence within the vibrant cultural landscape of 12th-century Japan. More than simply a poet, he served as head priest of the Kamo Shrine, a position that deeply intertwined his spiritual life with his artistic endeavors.
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b. Dhandhuka Wikipedia 10/32
Hemachandra was a prolific scholar and monk of the Śvetāmbara school of Jainism. Born in Dhandhuka, India, he was a man of immense intellect, earning the title kalikālasarvajña, meaning "the knower of all knowledge in his times." His vast contributions spanned numerous disciplines, including mathematics, history, philosophy, poetry, and grammar.
Key works · Top 100 works
Leaf from a Jain Manuscript: Yoga-shastra: Jain monk with Disciple and Two Laymen, Two Nuns and a Laywoman below (verso)
Rishabha enthroned, folio 1 (verso) from a Yoga-shastra of Hemachandra
Leaf from a Jain Manuscript: Yoga-shastra: Text (recto); Leaf from a Jain Manuscript: Yoga-shastra: Jain monk with Disciple and Two Laymen, Two Nuns and a Laywoman below (verso)54/ 96
Polish b. Krakow Medieval Art
In the turbulent landscape of twelfth-century Poland, where the echoes of the Piast dynasty's greatness still resonated, Bolesław IV the Curly emerged not merely as a ruler, but as a transformative force. Following the untimely passing of his elder brothers, Leszek and Casimir, Bolesław ascended to the dukedom of Masovia, stepping into a political arena fraught with tension and the looming shadow of his half-brother, Władysław II the Exile.
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Japanese b. Zama Heian calligraphy & poetry
He is best known for his exquisite calligraphy on scrolls featuring poems from the Wakan Roeishu, a renowned anthology of Japanese and Chinese verses compiled in the early eleventh century.
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German b. Hildesheim Medieval Art
Cultural Connectivity: Through his education in Toulouse, he acted as a conduit for French artistic influences within the German ecclesiastical tradition.
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Khitan b. Beijing Literati painting, Confucian tradition
Crucially, Chucai’s work was inseparable from his calligraphy. Despite the passage of centuries, several of Yelü Chucai's paintings offer glimpses into his artistic vision and the tumultuous world he inhabited.
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Portuguese b. Lisbon Religious Art
This image symbolizes his deep love for Christ and his role as a protector of children.
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Chinese b. Lanxi Zen Buddhism, Calligraphy
Born Ran Xī in 1213 in the verdant province of Sichuan during the Southern Song dynasty, his life was not one of worldly ambition but an unfolding quest for spiritual understanding. His arrival in Hakata, Kyushu, quickly drew attention, and he soon found himself invited by Hōjō Tokiyori, the powerful regent of Japan, to establish a Zen presence within the nation’s borders.
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Italian Proto-Renaissance
Early evidence suggests he was already active by 1230, producing a “ Madonna and Child ” panel now housed in the Fiesole Cathedral.
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Italian Romanesque
Unlike many artists of the period who were tied to a specific location or patron, the Master appears to have been remarkably mobile, leading a workshop that traversed considerable distances.
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Japanese b. Kyoto Yamato-e & Emakimono
En’i’s early training, steeped in the sacred iconography of Buddhism and the subtle nuances of the natural world, prepared him to become a singular voice in an age of transformation, turning the act of painting into a meditative bridge between the earthly and the divine.
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Chinese b. Linhai Zen Buddhism, Gozan Bungaku
Issan Ichinei, born Hu in 1247 in Linhai, Zhejiang province, China, stands as a pivotal figure in the transmission of Zen Buddhism from its native land to Japan. This initial exploration led him through various schools, including Tiantai, before he found his true calling in Chan Buddhism—the school we know as Zen in the West.
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Chinese b. Yuyang Yuan Dynasty Poetry & Calligraphy
Xianyu Shu, also known as Boji (1256-1301), stands as a compelling figure bridging the worlds of poetry, calligraphy, connoisseurship, and official life during the Yuan Dynasty. Born in Yuyang, Hebei province – a region steeped in northern traditions – his journey reflects a fascinating cultural exchange between the Mongol court and the established Han Chinese elite.
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b. Lombardy Romanesque
This evolution is evident in masterpieces such as the Deposition from the Cross, where dramatic relief carving and poignant religious scenes showcase a burgeoning Gothic influence.
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Japanese b. Kyoto Calligraphy
Saionji Kinhira, born into the esteemed lineage of the Japanese kuge – the aristocratic court class – in Kyoto in 1264, was a figure whose life epitomized the delicate balance between spiritual devotion and refined aesthetic sensibility.
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Chinese b. Leying Zen Calligraphy, Wanshi-ha Poetry
Wanshi-ha Poetry Movement: Qingmao Gulin was an integral part of the Wanshi-ha poetry movement, known for its unique writing style influenced by the Sōtō monk-poet Hongzhi Zhengjue. Cultural Property: The recognition of “ Chinese Farewell Verse ” as an Important Cultural Property underscores its historical and artistic value within China and beyond.
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German
The themes of spiritual combat and the triumph of virtue are further explored in The Book of the Rewards of Life.
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Chinese b. Beijing Chan Buddhist Painting
In the quietude of the thirteenth century, amidst the shifting political landscapes of the Southern Song dynasty, a singular voice emerged from the monastic retreats of China to redefine the boundaries of visual expression. Fachang, known more intimately to history by his pseudonym Muqi, was not merely a painter but a practitioner of the Chan Buddhist path, whose brushstrokes served as an extension of meditative contemplation.
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Italian Roman School
Filippo Rusuti (c. 1255 – c. 1325) stands as a cornerstone figure in the late thirteenth-century Roman school, an artistic movement that irrevocably transformed European painting and cemented Rome’s position as a center for artistic innovation.
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French b. Toba Realism Wikipedia 10/32
toba sōjō is renowned for his works in both buddhist art and satirical cartoon. a confirmed example of his work includes fudōmyō'ō-ritsuzō at daigo-ji, an important cultural property of japan, showcasing his mastery over diverse artistic mediums. prince shōtoku at age sixteen (gold, 82.6cm x 52.2cm), a testament to his skill in capturing the essence of historical figures. his works are held in the permanent collections of the metropolitan museum of art and the university of michigan museum of art, reflecting his enduring impact on the art world.
Key works · Top 100 works
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Italian b. Siena International Gothic
In the golden light of the early fourteenth century, amidst the rising humanism of Tuscany, the name Memmo di Filippuccio emerged as a vital voice in the Sienese school. Born around 1263 into a family deeply rooted in the prestigious goldsmithing traditions of Siena, Memmo’s artistic sensibilities were forged through the meticulous precision of metalwork and the delicate artistry of his father, Filippuccio.
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Chinese b. Meishan Song Dynasty calligraphy and poetry
Su Dongpo, also known by his courtesy name Zizhan and his art name Householder Dongpo, was far more than a mere painter; he was a towering figure of the Song dynasty, a polymath whose influence stretched across literature, calligraphy, and gastronomy. Born in Meishan, China, into a prominent literary family, he was the son of Su Xun and brother to Su Zhe.
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Chinese b. Changsha Northern Song Dynasty Wikipedia 7/32
Born in the scenic region of Changsha, Hunan, around the year 1000, this master painter emerged from a cultural milieu deeply influenced by the contemplative depths of Buddhist philosophy and the organic aesthetics of Daoism.
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Flemish [Gothic art](https://www.britannica.com/art/Gothic-art)[Romanesque art](https://www.britannica.com/art/Romanesque-art)[Mosan school](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mosan-school)
Around 1205, Nicolas turned his attention to Cologne Cathedral, undertaking the creation of the Shrine of the Three Kings—a reliquary intended to house the bones of the biblical Magi.
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Chinese b. Hangzhou Zen Buddhist ink art and calligraphy
Wuxue Zuyuan, known in Japan as Mugaku Sogen, was far more than a mere practitioner of the brush; he was a profound 13th-century Zen Buddhist monk whose life and legacy bridged the worlds of China and Japan. Born in Ningbo, Zhejiang, during the Song dynasty, his existence was defined by the spiritual rigors of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism.
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Italian b. Novara Late Gothic to Renaissance Art
Known to history as the Lombard Master, or Peter Lombard, this Italian painter and theologian possessed a rare duality of spirit. Born in Novara, Italy, around 1096, his life was a tapestry woven from the intellectual rigor of the cathedral schools and the luminous devotion of sacred iconography.
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Chinese b. Hangzhou Southern Song Dynasty Wikipedia 7/32
Born around 1174 in what is now Hangzhou, China, Liu Songnian (also known as Liu Sung-nien) stands as a pivotal figure in the artistic landscape of the early Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). He entered the Southern Song Imperial Academy of Painting as a student in 1189, a prestigious institution that served as the training ground for all official court artists.
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b. Roda de Isábena Wikipedia 7/32
The name of the person who painted the walls of Sant Climent remains lost to time, leaving only the title of the Master of Taüll to mark their presence. The focus remained on the central figure, a Christ in Majesty, seated upon a throne and surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists.
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Song dynasty b. Yanting County Scholar's painting (shi ren hua) Wikipedia 10/32
In the Northern Song dynasty, a period defined by intellectual rigor and aesthetic refinement, Wen Tong emerged as a figure of profound simplicity. Born in Sichuan, he lived a life that prioritized the internal landscape over external accolades.
Key works · Top 100 works
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Chinese Blue-green landscape Wikipedia 10/32
Wang Ximeng was a Chinese painter active during the Northern Song dynasty. A remarkable prodigy, he was a student at the imperial court's school of paintings. His talent was recognized by Emperor Huizong of Song, who saw his potential and personally taught him.
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Japanese b. Kyoto Nise-e, Yamato-e, Kamakura period Wikipedia 8/32
The nise-e style relied on thin, angular outlines to define form. Beyond the poetry sets, several other works are attributed to his hand or influenced by his direction: Portrait of Sugawara no Michizane in Formal Attire: A study in the dignity of courtly dress.
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Italian b. Rome Roman Naturalism
Pietro Cavallini stands as a pivotal figure in the transition from Byzantine artistic conventions to the burgeoning naturalism that would characterize Early Renaissance Italy. This initial commission marked an audacious departure from the stylized, flattened depictions prevalent throughout Europe at the time, establishing Cavallini as one of the earliest champions of what would become known as Roman Naturalism. Paul Outside the Walls between 1277 and 1285.
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French High Gothic Wikipedia 10/32
He was active in the towns of Noyon, Amiens, and Reims around 1225, absorbing the High Gothic style that defined the era.
Location Tracing the physical remains of his hand requires traveling across several locations.
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Chinese b. Xinzheng Tribal Art Wikipedia 9/32
However, these symbols transcend mere decoration; they serve as vehicles for conveying spiritual truths—a hallmark of Daoist art alongside Buddhist principles.
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b. Siena Wikipedia 8/32
The evolution of Dietisalvi's style is visible through his surviving works, moving toward a greater similarity with the work of Giunta Pisano and Cimabue, as well as the freer strokes of Guido da Siena. Some of his attributed works include: His later career is associated with a cross in the Museo delle pie disposizioni, which shows influence from Cimabue's Maestà.
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Italian b. Arezzo Byzantine influence Wikipedia 8/32
The very fact that Giorgio Vasari dedicated space to him in The Lives of the Artists, though often colored by inaccuracies regarding chronology, underscores Margarito’s importance within the local art historical consciousness. Madonna and Child Enthroned: Perhaps his most iconic work, showcasing the characteristic gold leaf background and stylized figures.
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Chinese Landscapes Wikipedia 9/32
Gao Kegong remains a significant figure for anyone studying the shifting aesthetics of the Yuan dynasty. His technical foundation was built upon the heavy influence of Mi Fu and Mi Youren. The stylistic influence of Dong Yuan and Ju Ran.
Key works · Top 100 works
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Chinese b. Fengyang County Northern Song Dynasty painting Wikipedia 8/32
Cui Bai (崔白), a name synonymous with the delicate vitality of the Northern Song Dynasty, stands as a pivotal figure whose brushwork breathed new life into the classical traditions of China. Naturalistic Atmosphere: A skill for setting scenes that feel grounded in the physical reality of the Chinese landscape.
Key works · Top 100 works
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Song dynasty b. Kaifeng Wikipedia 7/32
Su Hanchen lived during the Song dynasty, a period of significant change in China. Born in Kaifeng, he spent much of his life in Zhejiang. His talent was recognized early by the imperial court, where he served as a Painter-in-Attendance for Emperor Huizong.
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Chinese b. Xi'an Northern Song Dynasty Wikipedia 7/32
His early works, such as “ Snow-covered Mountains ” (雪山), demonstrate this clear influence; the composition is characterized by broad washes of ink, suggesting vast distances and an ethereal quality. This monumental mural, now housed in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, exemplifies his artistic maturity and technical skill.
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Chinese Blue-and-green landscape painting Wikipedia 6/32
Zhao Boju’s brushwork was defined by a meticulous precision that bridged the gap between different eras of Chinese tradition. His ability to render the physical world is seen in the depiction of mountains and pavilions, as seen in Immortal Mountains and Pavilions.
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Japanese b. Kyoto nise-e (likeness picture) portraits Wikipedia 7/32
He is the half-brother of Fujiwara no Sadaie, a man whose name carries the weight of Japan's greatest poetic traditions. His most significant achievement survives in the likeness of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The portrait captures the founder of the Kamakura government, a man who reshaped the political structure of Japan.
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b. China Tang dynasty style Wikipedia 6/32
Another significant work is Five Drunken Princes Returning on Horseback, a two-metre scroll depicting five princes on horseback with four attendants.
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Wikipedia 7/32
Inside the temples of Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji, Kōkei moves through a landscape of wood and chisel. As the head of the emerging Kei school, his hands guide the transition from the ethereal stillness of the He Heian period toward something far more grounded.
Key works · Top 100 works
Best-known works
Chronology
Statistics
| Italy | 21 |
|---|---|
| People's Republic of China | 18 |
| Japan | 15 |
| China | 13 |
| France | 3 |
| Song dynasty | 3 |
| Spain | 2 |
| Portugal | 2 |
| 10th century | 1 |
|---|---|
| 11th century | 24 |
| 12th century | 31 |
| 13th century | 39 |
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | 11 |
|---|---|
| National Palace Museum | 9 |
| The Palace Museum | 8 |
| Cleveland Museum of Art | 6 |
| Duomo | 3 |
| Yale University Art Gallery | 3 |
| Tokugawa Art Museum | 3 |
| Galleria degli Uffizi | 2 |
Index
Giotto1267–1337Duccio di BuoninsegnaItalian · 1255–1319Cimabue1240–1302Zhao MengfuChinese · 1254–1322Zhu XiChinese · 1130–1200Ma YuanChinese · 1160–1225Guo XiChinese · 1020–1090Emperor Huizong of SongChinese · 1082–1135MuqiChinese · 1210–1269Guido of SienaFrench · 1230–1290Bonaventura BerlinghieriItalian · 1210–1287Master MateoSpanish · 1161–1217Giovanni PisanoItalian · 1248–1318Mi FuChinese · 1051–1107Lorenzo MaitaniItalian · 1255–1330Li Gonglin1049–1106Ma LinChinese · 1180–1256Yi Kyu-BoKorean · 1168–1241GislebertusFrench · 1120–1135Badīʿ Az-Zaman Abu L-ʿIzz Ibn IsmāʿĪl Ibn Ar-Razāz Al-JazarīMuslim · 1136–1206Giunta PisanoItalian · 1190–1260Xia GuiSong dynasty · 1195–1224Nicola PisanoItalian · 1230–1284Li TangSong dynasty · 1050–1130Qian XuanChinese · 1235–1305Matthew ParisEnglish · 1200–1259Jingdezhen Ceramic KilnChinese · born 1004Herrad of Landsberg1130–1196Fujiwara No Teika, Fujiwara No SadaieJapanese · 1162–1241Joannes KoulixByzantine · born 1101Břetislav ICzech · 1002–1055Villard De HonnecourtFrench · 1200–1266Fujiwara No SadanagaJapanese · 1139–1202Zhang ZeduanChinese Empire · 1085–1145Sū HànchénChinese · 1094–1172Saigyō HōshiJapanese · 1118–1190Gaddo GaddiItalian · 1240–1312Huang GongwangYuan dynasty · 1269–1354Rai KuniyukiJapanese · 1219–1298Meliore Of JacopoItalian · 1255–1285Guan DaoshengChinese · 1262–1319Philippe le BelFrench · 1268–1314Coppo di MarcovaldoItalian · 1225–1276Fujiwara No Tadaie（Teika)Japanese · 1033–1091Kuo, RiverChinese · 1031–1095Arnolfo Di CambioChinese · 1245–1310Muhammad Ibn AmmarBritish · 1031–1086
Zheng Yuan1056–1093Sakyō No Daibu AkisukeAmerican · 1090–1155Magnus Sigurdsson Or Sigurd HaraldssonNorwegian · 1115–1155Kamo No ShigeyasuJapanese · 1119–1191
Fujiwara no TameyoriJapanese · 1128–1201Hemachandra1088–1172Bolesław Iv The CurlyPolish · 1138–1173Fujiwara No KoreyukiJapanese · 1139–1175AdelhogGerman · 1170–1190Urtu SaqaltuKhitan · 1190–1244Fernando Martins De BulhõesPortuguese · 1195–1231Lanxi DaolongChinese · 1213–1278Master Of BigalloItalian · born 1218Master Of CabestanyItalian · 1130–1180Hōgen En’IJapanese · 1240–1300Issan IchineiChinese · 1247–1317Xianyu ShuChinese · 1256–1301Benedetto Antelami1150–1230Saionji KinhiraJapanese · 1264–1315Qingmao GulinChinese · 1262–1329Hildegard von BingenGerman · 1098–1179FachangChinese · 1210–1269Filippo RusutiItalian · 1255–1325Toba SōjōFrench · 1053–1140Memmo di FilippuccioItalian · 1263–1326Su DongpoChinese · 1037–1101Yi YuanjiChinese · 1000–1064Nicolas Of VerdunFlemish · 1130–1205Wuxue ZuyuanChinese · 1226–1286
Buonamico Buffalmacco1262–1340Lombard MasterItalian · 1096–1160Liu SongnianChinese · 1174–1224Master of Taüll1100–1199Wen TongSong dynasty · 1018–1079Wang XiChinese · 1096–1119Fujiwara NobuzaneJapanese · 1176–1266Pietro CavalliniItalian · 1240–1330Naumburg MasterFrench · 1200–1300Li JieChinese · 1035–1110Dietisalvi di Speme1201–1291Margaritone d'ArezzoItalian · 1240–1290Gao KegongChinese · 1248–1310Cui BaiChinese · 1000–1074Su HanchenSong dynasty · 1101–1161Xu DaoningChinese · 970–1052Zhao BojuChinese · 1120–1182Fujiwara no TakanobuJapanese · 1142–1205Ren Renfa1254–1327KōkeiFAQ
Giotto (#1) comes first, ahead of Duccio di Buoninsegna (#2) and Cimabue (#3).
Giotto (#1), Duccio di Buoninsegna (#2), Cimabue (#3), Zhao Mengfu (#4) and Zhu Xi (#5).
Most artists in this list were born in the 13th century (39 of 96), between 970 and 1269 overall.
The highest-ranked artists born in People's Republic of China are Zhao Mengfu (#4), Ma Yuan (#6), Guo Xi (#7), Emperor Huizong of Song (#8) and Muqi (#9).
Giotto (#1) taught Pietro Cavallini (#84); Cimabue (#3) taught Giotto (#1).
The highest-ranked living artists in this list are Jingdezhen Ceramic Kiln (#27), Joannes Koulix (#30) and Master Of Bigallo (#60).
Italy: 21 of the 96 artists in this list were born there, then People's Republic of China (18) and Japan (15).
Kyoto: 12 of the artists in this list were born there.
The earliest-born artist in this list is Xu Daoning (#92), born in 970.
“This work required a different kind of precision than the frescoes of his youth, dealing with the permanence of stone and glass to shape a sacred space.” — from our biography of Giotto (#1).
3 women are in this ranking: Herrad of Landsberg (#28), Guan Daosheng (#41) and Hildegard von Bingen (#68).
Our catalogue holds 1,429 works by these artists. Each one can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print.
Guides
Other lists
Famous Baroque artistsNight Watch · Rembrandt
Famous Contemporary Realist artistsThe Gleaners · Jean-François Millet
Famous Impressionist artistsStarry Night (New York, MoMA) · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Romanticist artistsSaturn Devouring His Son · Francisco Goya
Famous Neoclassicist artistsThe Death of Marat · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Realist artistsThe origin of the world · Gustave Courbet
Famous Renaissance artistsMona Lisa (La Gioconda) · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Dutch Golden Age artistsThe Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
Famous Expressionist artistsComposition VII · Wassily Kandinsky
Famous Rococo artistsThe Embarkation for Cythera · Jean-Antoine WatteauBy period
Famous Early Medieval artistsSnowy River · Wang Wei
Famous Late Medieval artistsThe Annunciation and Two Saints · Simone Martini
Famous Renaissance artistsThe Creation of Adam · Michelangelo
Famous Early Modern artistsThe Calling of Saint Matthew · Caravaggio
Famous 19th Century artistsWater Lilies (or Nympheas) · Claude Monet
Famous Modern artistsGuernica · Pablo Picasso
Famous Contemporary artistsWind Sculpture III (one in a series of nine) · Yinka ShonibareFamous paintings
Famous Impressionism paintingsWater Lilies · Claude Monet
Famous Baroque paintingsLas Meninas · Diego Velázquez
Famous Romanticism paintingsLiberty Leading the People · Eugène Delacroix
Famous Realism paintingsNighthawks · Edward HopperFamous Post-Impressionism paintingsStarry Night · Vincent van Gogh
Famous Expressionism paintingsThe Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Surrealism paintingsThe Persistence of Memory · Salvador Dalí
Famous Neoclassicism paintingsNapoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis DavidFamous Renaissance paintingsMona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Symbolism paintingsThe Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintingsBurial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintingsThe Swing · Jean-Honoré FragonardRelated lists
