The Realist shortlist
Gustave Courbet (1819–1877) is the most famous Realist painter, best known for The Stone Breakers and The Painter's Studio. Then Jean-François Millet, Gerhard Richter, Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper. The list covers 100 painters born between 1767 and 1959 in 28 countries, from Jacques Laurent Agasse to Peter Doig.
Method. Scope: artists filed under Realist 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
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French b. Ornans Realism Wikipedia 31/32
Courbet turned away from the polished finish of academic conventions and the dramatic ideals of Romanticism. In 1849, he finished The Stone Breakers, a depiction of manual labor that was later destroyed during World War II.
Location His canvases are scattered across several major collections, inviting a close look at the textures of his paint.
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French b. Gréville-Hague Realism, Barbizon school Wikipedia 30/32
In 1837, he moved to Paris to enroll at the École des Beaux-Arts. Similarly, The Angelus (1850-1861) captures a peasant couple pausing for prayer at sunset.
Location Paris remains the primary destination for his work.
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German b. Dresden Wikipedia 28/32
From 1957 to 1961, he remains within the academy's structure, working as a master trainee. In 2015, his 1986 work Abstraktes Bild sold for over $44.5 million.
Location The physical presence of Richter’s practice spans major institutional collections across Europe.
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American b. Boston American Realism Wikipedia 24/32
He spent time studying at the National Academy of Design until 1863, taking lessons from Frédéric Rondel. He produced Sharpshooter on Picket Duty in 1862 and Home, Sweet Home in 1863, works that captured the reality of the conflict through his sketches and paintings.
Location Tracing the physical presence of his work requires visiting several major institutions across the United States.
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American b. Upper Nyack American realism
Edward Hopper was born in Upper Nyack, United States of America. He studied at the New York School of Art under William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. In House by the Railroad (1925), a simple composition reveals a sense of mystery and isolation.
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French b. La Rochelle Academic realism Wikipedia 29/32
Working primarily in oil, Bouguereau constructs scenes through academic realism, focusing heavily on the female human body. His ability to render light and form is equally evident in The Nymphaeum, which he exhibited in 1878, and in Song of the Angels, a work originally titled Vierge aux Anges.
Location The physical presence of his canvases remains scattered across major international institutions.
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Mexican b. Guanajuato Mexican Muralism, Social Realism Wikipedia 31/32
Diego Rivera emerged from a family of modest means in Guanajuato, Mexico, born on December 8, 1886. Specifically, the Detroit Industry: East Wall in the Detroit Institute of Arts functions as a massive fresco that captures the rhythmic, mechanical pulse of labor.
Location Here, the Detroit Industry Murals occupy a central place, capturing the mechanical pulse of labor and the grit of the industrial era.
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Ukrainian-born Russian b. Chuhuiv Realism Wikipedia 32/32
During his time in France and Italy, he encountered the burgeoning Impressionist movement, and the influence of French plein-air techniques became evident in his later work. Between 1880 and 1883, he painted Religious Procession in Kursk Province, a nuanced study of faith and social hierarchy.
Location The physical presence of Repin's oeuvre is scattered across several major institutions, reflecting the breadth of his influence.
Trained by Ivan Kramskoi #27 · Trained Valentin Serov #36, Boris Kustodiev #52
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French b. Marseille Realism, Satire Wikipedia 29/32
He masterfully employed loose brushwork and dramatic lighting to convey emotion and atmosphere, foreshadowing some of the techniques later embraced by the Impressionists.
Key works · Top 100 works
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Swedish b. Storkyrkoförsamlingen Arts and Crafts movement Wikipedia 28/32
His style often blended elements of Art Nouveau with National Romanticism, using flowing lines and organic forms to frame the people within them. These murals follow a specific sequence; while the lower level handles the earlier history, the upper staircase features his fresco Gustav Vasa Entering Stockholm.
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Russian b. Yelabuga Realism, Peredvizhniki Wikipedia 30/32
In 1861, he visited Munich, Germany, to observe the works of established artists. His painting Staubbach Falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley is held in a museum’s permanent exhibition, reflecting the influence of the Swiss landscapes he encountered during his years abroad.
Location To experience the quiet presence of Shishkin’s forests, one can visit several significant collections across Russia.
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British b. Berlin Realism, Figurative art Wikipedia 23/32
Works like Girl with a Kitten (1947) demonstrate this early development, while later pieces such as Benefits Supervisor Sleeping (1995) exemplify his mature style—an unflinching gaze upon the human condition.
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American b. Chadds Ford Township Regionalism, Realism Wikipedia 23/32
Egg Tempera and Watercolor: Wyeth primarily used egg tempera for his larger works, a medium known for its luminosity and detail. Christina’s World (1948): Arguably his most famous work, " Christina's World " depicts a woman crawling through a field towards a farmhouse.
Trained by N.C. Wyeth #99
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Mexican b. Chihuahua City Social Realism, Muralism Wikipedia 24/32
"The New Democracy" (1940s), considered one of his most important works, exemplifies this approach.
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German b. Oleśnica ['Capitalist Realism', 'Neo-Expressionism'] Wikipedia 22/32
He then formally studied at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf (1961-1967) under a constellation of influential figures: Karl Otto Götz, Gerhard Hoehme, and most significantly, Joseph Beuys.
Key works · Top 100 works
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German b. Wrocław Realism Wikipedia 24/32
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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Portuguese b. Lisbon Surrealism, Expressionism, Feminist Art Wikipedia 18/32
As a prominent member of The London Group and an Associate Artist at the National Gallery, she occupied a central position in the British modernist movement.
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American b. Philadelphia Realism Wikipedia 24/32
In 1866, he left Philadelphia for Paris to further his studies. In 1871, he produced Max Schmitt in a Single Scull, a work that captures the rhythmic isolation of a rower.
Location The physical presence of Eakins's vision remains scattered across several major institutions, primarily concentrated in the American Northeast.
Trained by Léon Bonnat #49
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French b. Grenoble Realism and Symbolism Wikipedia 25/32
He drew inspiration from the austere compositions of 17th-century Dutch flower paintings and the flattened perspectives found in Japanese prints. He produced striking portraits of composers, including Richard Wagner and Hector Berlioz, attempting to capture their presence on canvas.
Location His presence is felt in the quiet halls of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, where his canvases reside among the great shifts of nineteenth-century art.
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French b. Bordeaux Realism, Animalière Wikipedia 24/32
She eschewed sentimentality, opting instead for a scientific approach to her subjects.
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Mexican b. Ciudad Guzmán Mexican Muralism Wikipedia 25/32
Similarly, Cortés & La Malinche is a dramatic depiction of history and culture, showcasing his bold design and artistic technique.
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Spanish b. Tomelloso Realism, Hyperrealism Wikipedia 14/32
Influences: His work demonstrates clear influences from the Tuscan Renaissance, as seen in sculptures like "The Apparition" (1963), and echoes of masters such as Tiepolo, Chardin, Dürer, and Degas are evident in his paintings.
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Indian b. Kilimanoor Academic & Indian fusion Wikipedia 22/32
From an early age, Ravi Varma displayed a remarkable aptitude for art, nurtured by his uncle Raja Raja Varma, who initiated him into the world of drawing and painting, primarily within the Tanjore School tradition.
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Scottish b. Edinburgh Figurative painting
Westermann, the romantic sublimity of Caspar David Friedrich, the shimmering light of Claude Monet, and the decorative richness of Gustav Klimt all find resonance in his canvases.
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b. Lopyal Wikipedia 29/32
His travels to Western Europe exposed him to various artistic styles, including Symbolism, which further shaped his aesthetic vision. Notable works include: A Knight at the Crossroads, Bogatyrs (Three Warriors), Alyonushka, Ivan Tsarevich Riding the Grey Wolf, and his designs for St.
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Finnish b. Pori National Romanticism Wikipedia 26/32
He explored symbolism in works like Symposium (1894), a haunting depiction of Finnish artists engaged in intellectual discourse, subtly hinting at anxieties about national identity and cultural preservation.
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Russian b. Ostrogozhsk Realism Wikipedia 28/32
Religious and Symbolic Mastery: His masterpiece, Christ in the Desert (1872), serves as a poignant exploration of solitude and faith.
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Russian b. Cherepovets Peredvizhniki Wikipedia 28/32
He possessed a rare ability to balance the monumental with the intimate, rendering the architectural grandeur of sites like the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum or the Sher-Dor Madrassah with a vibrant, luminous palette.
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South African, Dutch b. Cape Town Romanticism, Figurative painting Wikipedia 16/32
She often begins her paintings with source material gathered from diverse origins: Polaroid photographs, magazine clippings, even pornographic imagery.
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American b. Columbus Ashcan School, Realism Wikipedia 17/32
Born in Columbus, Ohio, on August 12 or 19, 1882, his journey from athletic promise to artistic renown is a testament to the power of passion and unwavering dedication. Bellows's work is held in major museum collections across the United States, including The Museum of Modern Art (New York), the National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.), the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
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German-American b. Nuremberg Feminist Art, Sculpture Wikipedia 17/32
The personal tragedies of losing both her father in 1980 and her sister Beatrice to AIDS in 1988 served as catalysts for an even deeper investigation into mortality, the fragility of existence, and the social implications of illness and loss. "Standing" (1998), a monumental sculpture of a woman perched atop a eucalyptus tree, speaks to humanity's complex relationship with nature, while “Homespun Tales” (2005), an acclaimed installation at the Venice Biennale, showcased her skill in creating immersive environments that engage multiple senses.
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Russian/Ukrainian/Greek b. Mariupol uyezd Realism, Impressionism Wikipedia 27/32
It was with paintings such as "Deserted Village" (1874) and “The Chumak Road” (1875) that he began to address social themes, aligning himself with the realist-minded Society for Traveling Art Exhibitions.
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Brazilian b. Brodowski Neo-Realism Wikipedia 19/32
guerra e paz (war and peace) panels, donated to the united nations headquarters in 1956, exemplify portinari's monumental works. his prolific output includes over 5,000 canvases, ranging from small sketches to large-scale pieces.
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Russian b. Tobolsk Critical Realism Wikipedia 28/32
Works like “The Last Journey,” depicting a peasant funeral procession, and "Troika: Apprentice Workmen Carrying Water" are poignant examples of his ability to evoke profound emotional responses through realistic portrayals of everyday life.
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Russian b. Kybartai Mood landscape Wikipedia 25/32
His technical process was rooted in meticulous Realism, yet he infused his oil on canvas works with a distinct, expressive energy. The Vladimirka, or The Vladimir Highway, offers a more somber view of the land, depicting the route used by those sent to the penal colonies in Siberia.
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Russian b. Saint Petersburg Impressionism, Art Nouveau Wikipedia 27/32
His portrait of Maxim Gorky (1904) exemplifies this shift, presenting a powerful and unconventional depiction of the writer as a man of the people. He absorbed influences from the Old Masters during visits to European museums, studying Rembrandt, Velázquez, and Veronese, learning their techniques for rendering light, shadow, and texture.
Trained by Ilya Repin #8
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French b. Nantes Impressionism, Realism, Japonisme Wikipedia 26/32
Around 1854, he moved to Paris to begin his formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts. This spiritual encounter redirected his focus away from the fashionable socialites of London and toward the sacred narratives of the New Testament.
Location Though his later years were consumed by a profound devotion to religious subjects, it is his depictions of Victorian life that remain his most significant contribution to the art of the nineteenth century.
Trained by Hippolyte Flandrin #84
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American b. Gladwyne Expressionism, Realism Wikipedia 16/32
Notable works include "Well Baby Clinic," a bleak portrayal of mothers and babies in a maternity clinic.
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Danish b. Stavanger Realism, Impressionism Wikipedia 24/32
Born in 1851 in Stavanger, Norway, Krøyer’s early life was marked by an unusual upbringing; raised not by his biological mother but by her sister and brother-in-law, the Danish zoologist Henrik Nikolai Krøyer, he found himself transplanted to Copenhagen and immersed in a world of scientific inquiry alongside artistic cultivation. Krøyer became central to this community, forging close friendships with artists like Michael and Anna Ancher, and writer Holger Drachmann.
Trained by Léon Bonnat #49
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Belgian b. Etterbeek Social Realism Wikipedia 16/32
Paintings such as “Melting Steel at the Factory at Seraing” (1882) and “Returning from the Pit” (1884) are not merely depictions of labor; they are powerful statements about human endurance, resilience, and the often-brutal realities of industrial life.
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Danish b. Copenhagen Realism & Romanticism Wikipedia 20/32
In Rome, he found personal happiness as well, marrying Alma Trepka in 1868; their marriage was a source of joy until her untimely death in 1886, an event that cast a long shadow over his later years.
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Russian b. Krasnoyarsk Realism Wikipedia 26/32
Born in 1848 in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Surikov's early life was marked by hardship and familial struggles—a formative experience that instilled within him an unwavering dedication to portraying the realities of rural Russian society with unflutched honesty. Recognizing Surikov’s talent, his father secured him admission to the St Petersburg Academy of Arts, where he honed his skills under the guidance of masters like Konstantin Dmitrievich Makovsky and Ivan Alekseyevich Kramskoy.
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Finnish b. Kiala manor Realism Wikipedia 25/32
In 1874, at nineteen, Edelfelt moved to Paris. His ability to observe the world led to his selection as the Commissioner of Finnish participation in the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900.
Location To see his brushwork in person, one might travel to Helsinki.
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French b. Lyon Academic art Wikipedia 23/32
John Ruskin, the influential English art critic, famously examined Meissonier’s paintings under a magnifying glass, marveling at the artist's “manual dexterity and eye for fascinating minutiae.”
Trained Édouard Detaille #85
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French b. Damvillers Naturalism Wikipedia 22/32
The outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 interrupted his studies, leading him to serve as a volunteer soldier. His portraiture gained considerable acclaim, notably Portrait of my Grandfather (1874), which garnered early recognition, and a striking portrait of the celebrated actress Sarah Bernhardt in 1879 – a commission that brought him further prominence.
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Russian b. Voronezh Realism, Symbolism Wikipedia 20/32
Initially destined for a career in science, studying physics and mathematics at Kiev University and Saint Petersburg University, Ge dramatically shifted course in 1850 to pursue painting at the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. Academy Years: Ge studied under master painter Pyotr Basin at the Imperial Academy of Arts, receiving a gold medal in 1857 for "The Witch of Endor Invoking the Spirit of the Prophet Samuel.".
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French b. Dieuze Realism Wikipedia 20/32
Émile Friant, born in the small commune of Dieuze in 1863, emerged as a pivotal figure bridging the gap between 19th-century realism and the burgeoning artistic movements of the early 20th century.
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American b. Utrecht Luminism, Realism Wikipedia 22/32
George Caleb Bingham, born in 1811 amidst the rolling landscapes of Virginia, wasn’t destined for a life steeped in artistic convention. This is strikingly evident in works like Order at the Border (1850), where the golden hues of the setting sun illuminate a tense negotiation between settlers and Native Americans, imbuing the scene with both beauty and underlying tension.
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b. Bayonne Wikipedia 23/32
His early life took an interesting turn when his family moved to Madrid in 1846, where his father established a bookshop.
Trained Peder Severin Krøyer #39
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French b. Sèvres Barbizon School, Naturalism Wikipedia 20/32
Inspired by Paulus Potter’s "Young Bull" and masterpieces by Cuyp and Rembrandt, he transitioned to animal painting, discovering his true calling. Most of his renowned works date from 1850 to 1864, with earlier pieces considered less significant as they predate his Dutch-inspired style.
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Swiss b. Ins Realism Wikipedia 20/32
He continued his formal training alongside Auguste Bachelin under the tutelage of Louis Wallinger from 1845 to 1848, laying a solid foundation in draftsmanship and observation. Even his charcoal study " Old Farmer at the Table (22 April 1907) ” demonstrates his mastery of line and form, conveying a wealth of character with minimal means.
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Russian b. Astrakhan Realism, Art Nouveau Wikipedia 24/32
He later found himself in Italy, Austria, and Germany, absorbing the diverse atmospheres of Europe. His 1916 painting of Maslenitsa portrays the joy of the Pancake Week festival, filled with the spirit of a communal celebration.
Location In the city of Saint Petersburg, the Brodsky House Museum preserves his presence, offering a glimpse into the intimate atmosphere he once inhabited.
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French b. Courrières Realism Wikipedia 18/32
Breton’s artistic journey was shaped by a rigorous commitment to the principles of Realism and Naturalism.
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Danish b. Bornholm Realism Wikipedia 22/32
The enduring significance of Michael Peter Ancher lies in his ability to elevate the mundane struggles of a small fishing village into the realm of high art.
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Russian b. Saint Petersburg Peredvizhniki, Lyrical Realism Wikipedia 22/32
His father, Dmitri Polenov, was a celebrated archaeologist and bibliographer whose groundbreaking expeditions to Greece exposed the young Vasily to influential artists like Karl Briullov.
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British Portrait painting
Born in 1804 in the quiet town of Honiton, Devon, Salter’s early life was rooted in the traditional English landscape, yet his artistic spirit was destined for much larger stages.
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Austrian b. Iselsberg-Stronach Munich School, Genre painting Wikipedia 17/32
Franz von Defregger emerged from the rugged beauty of Tyrol, Austria, born on April 30, 1835, in the small hamlet of Strohn.
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Russian b. Moscow Romanticism, Realism Wikipedia 18/32
Influence of Borovikovsky: A crucial period in his development involved apprenticeship under Vladimir Borovikovsky, a leading Russian portraitist of the time. Notable Paintings: Venetsianov’s oeuvre includes numerous significant works such as "Portrait of a Peasant Girl," "The Reaper on a Threshing Floor," "A Peasant Girl with Cornflowers," “Spring, on Ploughed Land,” “Summer, Reaping”, “Zakharka,” “ Girl in a Checkered Shawl,” “ Girl with a Calf,” “Fortune-telling,” “Farmer's Child with Milk,” and “ Wet-Nurse with a Child.”.
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Finnish b. Vyborg ['Naturalism', 'Realism'] Wikipedia 17/32
His professional life was as distinguished as his creative output; he served as a drawing instructor and later a professor at the University of Helsinki, and held the prestigious position of chairman of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts.
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Russian/Ukrainian b. Poltava Realism, Peredvizhniki Wikipedia 19/32
He spent considerable time in the regions of Poltava and Chernihiv (now Ukraine), immersing himself in the landscapes and people of his homeland.
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Russian b. Moscow Realism, Academic art Wikipedia 22/32
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.
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American b. Zanesville Beaux-Arts Wikipedia 17/32
Born in Troy, New York, his formative years were steeped in a deep appreciation for classical tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. Through his formal training at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Gilbert developed a philosophy that would become his hallmark: the seamless synthesis of Beaux-Arts principles with the cutting-edge engineering techniques of a burgeoning nation.
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German b. Schrobenhausen Portraiture Wikipedia 20/32
As Lenbach matured, so too did his artistic style.
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Russian b. Moscow Lyric Landscape Painting Wikipedia 21/32
In the vast, sweeping expanse of nineteenth-century Russian art, few names evoke the quiet, melancholic beauty of the natural world as poignantly as Alexei Kondratyevich Savrasov. Born in Moscow in 1830, Savrasov did not merely paint landscapes; he captured the very breath of the Russian earth.
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American b. St. Louis Documentary photography
This approach found its most powerful expression during his tenure with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) beginning in 1935.
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Hungarian b. Mukachevo Realism Wikipedia 18/32
His time spent with László Paál in Barbizon fostered a deeper appreciation for plein air painting and capturing the nuances of light and atmosphere.
Trained Fritz von Uhde #94
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b. Pest Wikipedia 18/32
De László’s early work demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a developing mastery of realism.
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Greek b. Tinos Munich School, Impressionism Wikipedia 20/32
However, it was a scholarship awarded by the Evangelistria Foundation of Tinos in 1865 that truly propelled his artistic journey, enabling him to pursue advanced studies at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Munich – a city that would become both his adopted home and the crucible for his mature style. However, it was perhaps After the Destruction of Psara (circa 1896-1898) that revealed the full depth of his artistic and emotional range.
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Hungarian-Slovak b. Beckov Impressionism, Realism Wikipedia 14/32
While echoes of Impressionism resonate in his handling of light and atmosphere, and a certain realism grounds his depictions of the tangible world, he remained largely independent, forging his own path. The River Poprad at Strážky: A quintessential example of his landscape painting, capturing the serene beauty and tranquility of his homeland.
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Dutch b. Groningen Hague School, Realism Wikipedia 16/32
A pivotal period followed with studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1845-1847), immersing himself in the artistic currents of the time and learning from masters like James Pradier, Horace Vernet, and Paul Delaroche. Paintings like Zandvoort Fisherman (Amsterdam Gallery) and The Silent House – which garnered a gold medal at the Brussels Salon in 1858 – exemplify his ability to imbue everyday scenes with profound emotional resonance.
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Danish b. Grenaa Realism Wikipedia 14/32
Born on December 10, 1859, in the pastoral surroundings of Balle Mølle near Grenå, Denmark, Mønsted’s formative years were shaped by a sense of familial prosperity and a deep-rooted connection to the Danish countryside. His artistic journey began in earnest at the Aarhus Art School in 1875, where he honed his foundational skills under the guidance of Andries Fritz.
Trained by Peder Severin Krøyer #39, William-Adolphe Bouguereau #6
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French b. Bernwiller Academic realism Wikipedia 16/32
Other notable works such as "Byblis turned into a Spring" (1867) demonstrate his ability to weave evocative narratives through painting, while “The Magdalene” (1878) offers a poignant depiction of religious devotion.
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Finnish b. Noormarkku Realism and Impressionism Wikipedia 15/32
Eschewing the grand, often detached narratives of mythology or historical epic, she turned her gaze toward the intimate corners of Finnish society.
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British b. Stretford Industrial Painting Wikipedia 13/32
Laurence Stephen Lowry, born in the heart of Stretford, Cheshire, in 1887, remains one of Britain’s most beloved and distinctive voices in twentieth-century art. While his name is now synonymous with the gritty, evocative landscapes of Northern England, his journey to international acclaim was a slow, poignant ascent.
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Polish b. Boczki Realism, Positivism Wikipedia 15/32
Notable works from this period include Partridge on the Snow and The Storks Before Thunderstorm, both exemplifying his ability to convey mood and emotion through masterful brushwork and composition.
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WahooArt b. Paris 19th Century Art
However, unlike many of his contemporaries who remained firmly rooted in this aesthetic, Lutkin demonstrated a growing fascination with the industrial world around him, particularly the ironworks and factories that were beginning to proliferate across the British landscape.
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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 b. Orlovat Realism painting Wikipedia 17/32
Beyond the technical mastery of his portraits and landscapes, Predić’s significance lies in his role as a visual chronicler of a nation.
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b. Paris Wikipedia 15/32
Huysmans and Edgar Degas, who recognized his unique vision. At the Caster's (1886): This piece exemplifies his focus on everyday life and is part of the collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon.
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Danish/Swiss b. Soglio Realism, Portraiture Wikipedia 15/32
This dedication coincided with a deeply influential friendship and artistic partnership with Swedish painter Jeanna Bauck.
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Greek b. Chidira Munich School, Academic Realism Wikipedia 8/32
The hallmarks of his artistic language include: Academic Precision: A rigorous adherence to anatomical accuracy and classical composition inherited from the Munich School.
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Russian b. Moscow Realism Wikipedia 15/32
Upon graduating in 1869, Makovsky did not seek the hollow comforts of the imperial academies; instead, he joined the Association of Travelling Art Exhibitions.
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American b. Norwich 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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French b. Lyon Neoclassical Wikipedia 16/32
The trajectory of Fland_rin’s talent took a decisive turn in 1829 when he arrived in Paris to enter the legendary studio of Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres.
Trained James Tissot #37
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French b. Paris ['Post-Impressionism', 'Symbolism', 'Synthetism'] Wikipedia 15/32
The influence of Symbolism is evident in works like L’Assomoir (1877), a painting depicting a group of men gathered on a dockside.
Trained by Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier #44
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Russian b. Moscow Analytical Realism Wikipedia 15/32
Perhaps one of his most groundbreaking achievements is Two Heads (1925), a masterpiece of Analytical Realism characterized by geometric abstraction and complex symbolism.
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Dutch b. Groningen Marine Painting Wikipedia 14/32
As the chairman of the prestigious Pulchri Studio in The Hague, he helped steer the direction of contemporary Dutch painting.
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French b. Paris Naturalism Wikipedia 14/32
Family Background: Dagnan was raised by his grandfather after his father emigrated to Brazil. Major Works: Several paintings stand out as representative of his style and themes: " Woman in Breton Costume Seated in a Meadow " (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York) - exemplifies his focus on Breton subjects.
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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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German/American b. Bremen Düsseldorf School, Hudson River School (influenced)
Hermann Ottomar Herzog (1832-1932) stands as a quietly significant figure in the history of American art, often overshadowed by his more flamboyant Hudson River School contemporaries but possessing a unique and compelling vision.
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Danish Golden Age
Born in the historic city of Aarhus in 1863, Carl Vilhelm Holsoe was a child of architectural lineage, the son of the respected architect N.P.C. His journey through the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and the Kunstnernes Frie Studieskoler—studying under luminaries such as Peder Severin Krøyer —provided him with more than just technical prowess; it instilled a profound sensitivity to how light interacts with the boundaries of a room.
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British b. London Victorian Landscape/Biblical
Born into a family deeply rooted in shipbuilding and artistry—his father, Miles Walters, was himself a respected marine artist—Walters’ artistic journey began within this rich tradition, ultimately establishing him as one of the most enduring figures of the Liverpool School of Marine Art. The artist's work was exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1842 to 1861, solidifying his reputation within the established art world.
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Spanish b. Eibar Realism Wikipedia 15/32
He deliberately sought inspiration from Spanish masters – Velázquez and Murillo foremost among them – adopting their earthy color palettes and genre themes while simultaneously forging an expressive style uniquely his own.
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German b. Wolkenburg Impressionism Wikipedia 15/32
His style lay between Realism and Impressionism, marking him as one of the first artists to champion plein-air painting in Germany—a bold departure from the studio tradition dominant at the time.
Trained by Mihály Munkácsy #66
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Welsh b. Haverfordwest Modernist Wikipedia 17/32
The pivotal moment in John’s artistic trajectory arrived with her move to Paris in 1903.
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Swiss b. Geneva Romanticism Wikipedia 16/32
Born in Geneva amidst the burgeoning Enlightenment, Agasse’s artistic journey began with formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts de Genève, establishing him firmly within the classical tradition. His work garnered considerable acclaim during his lifetime and continues to inspire admiration for its technical brilliance and artistic integrity.
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British b. Liverpool Social Realism Wikipedia 11/32
He became particularly renowned for his portraits commemorating the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, demonstrating his ability to capture both regal dignity and individual character.
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Scottish b. Stirling Victorian Art
As the nineteenth century progressed, Harvey’s influence continued to resonate through the halls of the Royal Scottish Academy and beyond.
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American b. Needham Realism, Illustration Wikipedia 15/32
Newell Convers Wyeth, born October 22, 1882, in Needham, Massachusetts, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Golden Age of American illustration. This early support proved crucial, leading him to formal training at Mechanics Arts School and later, Massachusetts Normal Art School, where he was advised to embrace the path of illustration.
Trained Andrew Wyeth #13
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American b. Mattapoisett Academic classical painting Wikipedia 17/32
Millet’s formal artistic training began in 1876 when he returned to Boston to contribute murals at Trinity Church alongside John La Farge, a pivotal figure in the American art scene.
Best-known works
Chronology
Statistics
| France | 19 |
|---|---|
| Russia | 16 |
| United States | 8 |
| United Kingdom | 7 |
| Germany | 6 |
| Denmark | 4 |
| Mexico | 3 |
| Ukraine | 3 |
| 18th century | 2 |
|---|---|
| 19th century | 86 |
| 20th century | 12 |
Index
Gustave CourbetFrench · 1819–1877Jean-François MilletFrench · 1814–1875Gerhard RichterGerman · born 1932Winslow HomerAmerican · 1836–1910Edward HopperAmerican · 1882–1967William-Adolphe BouguereauFrench · 1825–1905Diego RiveraMexican · 1886–1957Ilya RepinUkrainian-born Russian · 1844–1930Honoré DaumierFrench · 1808–1879Carl LarssonSwedish · 1853–1919Ivan ShishkinRussian · 1831–1898Lucian FreudBritish · 1922–2011Andrew WyethAmerican · 1917–2009David Alfaro SiqueirosMexican · 1896–1974Sigmar PolkeGerman · 1941–2010Adolph von MenzelGerman · 1815–1905Paula RegoPortuguese · 1935–2022Thomas EakinsAmerican · 1844–1916Henri Fantin-LatourFrench · 1836–1904Rosa BonheurFrench · 1822–1899José Clemente OrozcoMexican · 1883–1949Antonio López GarcíaSpanish · born 1936Raja Ravi VarmaIndian · 1848–1906Peter DoigScottish · born 1959Viktor Vasnetsov1848–1926Akseli Gallen-KallelaFinnish · 1865–1931Ivan KramskoiRussian · 1837–1887Vasily VereshchaginRussian · 1842–1904Marlene DumasSouth African, Dutch · born 1953George BellowsAmerican · 1882–1925Kiki SmithGerman-American · born 1954Arkhip KuindzhiRussian/Ukrainian/Greek · 1841–1910Candido PortinariBrazilian · 1903–1962Vasily PerovRussian · 1833–1882Isaac LevitanRussian · 1860–1900Valentin SerovRussian · 1865–1911James TissotFrench · 1836–1902Alice NeelAmerican · 1900–1984Peder Severin KrøyerDanish · 1851–1909Constantin MeunierBelgian · 1831–1905Carl BlochDanish · 1834–1890Vasily SurikovRussian · 1848–1916Albert EdelfeltFinnish · 1854–1905Jean-Louis Ernest MeissonierFrench · 1815–1891Jules Bastien-LepageFrench · 1848–1884Nikolai GeRussian · 1831–1894Émile FriantFrench · 1863–1932George Caleb BinghamAmerican · 1811–1879Léon Bonnat1833–1922Constant TroyonFrench · 1810–1865Albert AnkerSwiss · 1831–1910Boris KustodievRussian · 1878–1927Jules BretonFrench · 1827–1906Michael AncherDanish · 1849–1927Vasily PolenovRussian · 1844–1927William SalterBritish · 1804–1875Franz DefreggerAustrian · 1835–1921Alexey VenetsianovRussian · 1780–1847Eero JärnefeltFinnish · 1863–1937Nikolai YaroshenkoRussian/Ukrainian · 1846–1898Konstantin MakovskyRussian · 1839–1915Cass GilbertAmerican · 1859–1934Franz von LenbachGerman · 1836–1904Alexei SavrasovRussian · 1830–1897Walker EvansAmerican · 1903–1975Mihály MunkácsyHungarian · 1844–1900Philip de László1869–1937Nikolaos GyzisGreek · 1842–1901László MednyánszkyHungarian-Slovak · 1852–1919Jozef IsraëlsDutch · 1824–1911Peder Mørk MønstedDanish · 1859–1941Jean-Jacques HennerFrench · 1829–1905Elin Danielson-GambogiFinnish · 1861–1919L. S. LowryBritish · 1887–1976Józef ChełmońskiPolish · 1849–1914Nicolas François Octave TassaertWahooArt · 1800–1874John FraserBritish · 1838–1898Uroš PredićSerbian · 1857–1953Jean-François Raffaelli1850–1924Bertha WegmannDanish/Swiss · 1847–1926Georgios JakobidesGreek · 1853–1932Vladimir MakovskyRussian · 1846–1920Lionel WaldenAmerican · 1861–1933Hippolyte FlandrinFrench · 1809–1864Édouard DetailleFrench · 1848–1912Pavel FilonovRussian · 1883–1941Hendrik Willem MesdagDutch · 1831–1915Pascal Dagnan-BouveretFrench · 1852–1929Alfred Émile Léopold Stevens1823–1906Herman HerzogGerman/American · 1832–1932Carl Vilhelm HolsoeDanish · 1863–1935Samuel WaltersBritish · 1811–1882Ignacio ZuloagaSpanish · 1870–1945Fritz von UhdeGerman · 1848–1911Gwen JohnWelsh · 1876–1939Jacques Laurent AgasseSwiss · 1767–1849Luke FildesBritish · 1844–1927George HarveyScottish · 1806–1876N.C. WyethAmerican · 1882–1945Francis Davis MilletAmerican · 1848–1912FAQ
Gustave Courbet (#1) comes first, ahead of Jean-François Millet (#2) and Gerhard Richter (#3).
Gustave Courbet (#1), Jean-François Millet (#2), Gerhard Richter (#3), Winslow Homer (#4) and Edward Hopper (#5).
France: 19 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then Russia (16) and United States (8).
“He favored an impasto style, applying paint thickly to emphasize the materiality of the medium itself.” — from our biography of Gustave Courbet (#1).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are Tretyakov Gallery (12), Metropolitan Museum of Art (8) and Musée d'Orsay (7).
Moscow: 5 of the painters in this list were born there.
Ilya Repin (#8) taught Valentin Serov (#36) and Boris Kustodiev (#52); Jean-Louis Ernest Meissonier (#44) taught Édouard Detaille (#85); Léon Bonnat (#49) taught Peder Severin Krøyer (#39).
The earliest-born painter in this list is Jacques Laurent Agasse (#96), born in 1767.
The highest-ranked painters born in Russia are Ivan Shishkin (#11), Viktor Vasnetsov (#25), Ivan Kramskoi (#27), Vasily Vereshchagin (#28) and Vasily Perov (#34).
The highest-ranked painters born in France are Gustave Courbet (#1), Jean-François Millet (#2), William-Adolphe Bouguereau (#6), Honoré Daumier (#9) and Henri Fantin-Latour (#19).
The highest-ranked living painters in this list are Gerhard Richter (#3), Antonio López García (#22), Peter Doig (#24), Marlene Dumas (#29) and Kiki Smith (#31).
Our catalogue holds 20,627 works by these painters. Each one can be ordered as a hand-painted oil reproduction or a print.
Guides
Other lists
Famous Baroque artistsNight Watch · Rembrandt
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 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 Watteau
Famous Pop Art artistsCampbell's soup cans · Andy Warhol
Famous Surrealist artistsFrida Kahlo - `The Two Fridas` · Frida KahloBy period
Famous Early Medieval artistsSnowy River · Wang Wei
Famous High Medieval artistsMadonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) · Giotto
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 DelacroixFamous 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 Fragonard
Famous Art Nouveau paintingsThe kiss · Gustav KlimtRelated lists
![[Barn with Porch Addition, Old Lyme, Connecticut] by Walker Evans](/media/artworks/images-thumb/26/c9/26c9d55ccaf816d39d37c3b2e849aaef.jpg)
