Rococo painters at a glance
Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684–1721) is the most famous Rococo painter, best known for The Country Dance and Pilgrimage to Cythera. Then Canaletto, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard. The list covers 100 painters born between 1645 and 1818 in 12 countries, from François de Troy to Edouard Honoré Ave.
Method. Scope: artists filed under Rococo 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/ 100
French b. Valenciennes Rococo Wikipedia 31/32
Watteau possessed a hand that seemed to dance across the surface, leaving behind a characteristic sketchlike technique that breathed life into his compositions. Even in his more grounded scenes, such as The Country Dance, which dates from about 1718 to 1721, there remains a subtle, underlying sense of longing that colors the pastoral landscape.
2/ 100
Italian b. Venice Vedute, topographical style Wikipedia 30/32
His first known signed and dated work, an Architectural Capriccio from 1723, appeared in a private collection in Milan.
Location His presence remains felt in the collections of major institutions across Europe and beyond.
Trained Bernardo Bellotto #10
3/ 100
Italian b. Venice Rococo and Baroque Wikipedia 30/32
He looked to the dramatic qualities of Tintoretto and the works of Sebastiano Ricci, Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, and Federico Bencovich. The Last Supper, painted in 1745, is held in The Louvre, Paris.
Location To find his hand, one often looks to the very spaces he was commissioned to transform.
4/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo Wikipedia 30/32
He arrived in Rome in 1728 to study at the French Academy, a period that would fundamentally shape his artistic sensibilities. Around 1740, he completed The Birth of Venus, a canvas that captured the goddess emerging from the sea foam.
Location In Paris, the Louvre holds several of his canvases, preserving the spirit of the courtly life he so carefully rendered.
Trained by François Lemoyne #24 · Trained Jean-Honoré Fragonard #5
5/ 100
French b. Grasse Rococo Wikipedia 28/32
The brush moves with a speed that borders on the frantic. The Progress of Love: The Lover Crowned was painted in 1771, followed by The Progress of Love: The Meeting in 1773.
Location The physical traces of Fragonard’s brushwork remain scattered across major global institutions.
Trained by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin #6, François Boucher #4
6/ 100
French b. Paris Naturalism Wikipedia 27/32
The height of his professional standing arrived in 1757 when the King granted him lodgings within the Louvre.
Location His presence is felt strongly in Paris, where the Musée du Louvre holds a significant portion of his output.
Trained Jean-Honoré Fragonard #5
7/ 100
British b. Sudbury Rococo, Romanticism Wikipedia 29/32
He would place his subjects within the wide, open air of the English countryside, allowing the atmosphere of the sky and the texture of the trees to inform the character of the person depicted. The Blue Boy, an oil painting on canvas, is thought to be a portrait of Jonathan Buttall, yet it has achieved a presence that transcends its original purpose.
Location To walk through the rooms of Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury is to step into the very environment that nurtured his early vision.
8/ 100
British b. Plympton Grand Style Wikipedia 31/32
This period of study allowed him to immerse himself in the works of the Old Masters, absorbing the techniques and compositions that would define his later career.
9/ 100
French b. Tournus Rococo, Genre painting Wikipedia 22/32
La Jeune Fille qui pleure son oiseau mort (c. 1765): Demonstrates Greuze’s mastery of emotional expression and poignant storytelling.
Trained by Charles-Joseph Natoire #30
10/ 100
Italian b. Venice Veduta, urban landscape, printmaker Wikipedia 27/32
Rio dei Mendicanti with the Scuola di San Marco (detail) (1738). In 1738, he painted the Rio dei Mendicanti with the Scuola di San Marco (detail), a work that shows his early ability to handle the intricate details of Venetian architecture.
Location In Dresden, the Gemäldegalerie holds a significant portion of his output, including views of the city that captured its architectural life before the ravages of war.
Trained by Canaletto #2
11/ 100
Italian b. Venice Veduta, Venetian School Wikipedia 27/32
Initially, Guardi's work bore the clear influence of Canaletto, the undisputed master of Venetian vedute.
12/ 100
Italian b. Venice Venetian painting, Rococo Wikipedia 18/32
He even served as Director of the Academy of Drawing and Carving from 1763, further solidifying his position within the Venetian art world.
13/ 100
Italian b. Venice Rococo Wikipedia 18/32
In the luminous heart of eighteenth-century Venice, a period defined by the decadent splendor of the Rococo, Giandomenico Tiepolo emerged as a master of both grand spectacle and intimate human drama. As the son of the legendary Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Giandomenico did not merely inherit a name; he inherited a visual language of light, movement, and theatricality.
14/ 100
Italian b. Venice Rococo Wikipedia 16/32
Giovanni Battista Piazzetta, born in Venice on February 13th, either in 1682 or 1683 – records from the period are somewhat ambiguous – emerged into a city steeped in artistic tradition yet undergoing subtle shifts in taste. However, limiting him solely to religious subjects would be a disservice.
Trained Johann Heinrich Tischbein #47
15/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo Wikipedia 16/32
Notable Works: Le Déjeuner de Jambon (Chantilly, Musée Condé, 1735): A quintessential example of his genre scenes, depicting a convivial ham breakfast with lively figures.
16/ 100
French b. Avignon Landscape, Seascape Wikipedia 26/32
Claude-Joseph Vernet, born in Bordeaux in 1714, wasn’t initially destined for the grand landscapes and dramatic seascapes that would define his legacy. Vernet’s formal training began under his father, Antoine Vernet, a decorative painter, and Nicolas- Bernard Lépicié, providing him with a solid academic foundation before he ventured towards the artistic heart of Europe: Rome.
17/ 100
Italian b. Venice Rococo Wikipedia 23/32
She quickly attracted a prestigious clientele, including Maximilian II of Bavaria, Frederick IV of Denmark, and perhaps most notably, Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, who amassed an impressive collection of her pastel works.
Trained Gustaf Lundberg #50
18/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo Wikipedia 22/32
Further guidance came from his uncle, Jean Jouvenet, a respected history painter who broadened his understanding of composition and narrative.
Trained Louis Tocqué #67
19/ 100
French b. Saint-Quentin Rococo Wikipedia 23/32
Around 1724, he moved to Paris, where he began his artistic career. Portraits of Louis XV - Several portraits of the French King, solidifying his position within the court.
20/ 100
Swedish b. Malmö Sankt Petri församling Rococo Wikipedia 21/32
Born in Malmö, Sweden, in 1718, Alexander Roslin emerged as one of the most celebrated Rococo portraitists of his era. An invitation to work for Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach in Bayreuth led him to Italy, where he immersed himself in the study of Renaissance and Baroque masters. A European Grand Tour followed between 1774-1778, taking him back to Stockholm, Vienna, and St.
21/ 100
b. Frankfurt Wikipedia 15/32
He was also popular with Austrian imperial family and created a baron of the Holy Roman Empire in 1776 by Empress Maria Theresa. Dr William Hunter Teaching Anatomy at the Royal Academy (1779): A fascinating portrayal of medical education and scientific inquiry.
22/ 100
French b. Toulon Rococo Wikipedia 17/32
Van Loo’s work played a crucial role in shaping the visual image of European royalty during the 18th century.
Trained by Jean-Baptiste van Loo #53
23/ 100
Swiss b. Geneva Wikipedia 20/32
Liotard’s approach to art was rooted in a rigorous commitment to naturalism. The year 1744 proved significant for his output, marked by the creation of The Chocolate Girl and a notable Self-Portrait.
Location The distribution of Liotard’s output across Europe and beyond allows for a varied study of his technical precision.
24/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo Wikipedia 14/32
Portraiture: His portrait of Head of King Louis XV, reveals a subtle understanding of character and a mastery of charcoal and pastel techniques.
Trained Charles-Joseph Natoire #30, François Boucher #4
25/ 100
French b. Toulouse Rococo, Baroque Wikipedia 12/32
While adept at traditional portraiture, Jean-François de Troy is perhaps best remembered for his innovative tableaux de mode – “pictures of fashion.” These weren't simply portraits; they were vibrant snapshots of contemporary life, capturing the leisure activities, social customs, and opulent surroundings of the French upper class.
26/ 100
French b. Valenciennes Rococo Pastel Palette Wikipedia 13/32
Jean-Baptiste Pater's contribution to French Rococo art is undeniable. Frederick the Great: Pater gained considerable renown through his portrait commissions for Frederick II, King of Prussia—specifically “Le Sultan au Harem” and “Le Sultan au Jardin.” These portraits exemplify Pater's skill in portraying regal dignity and capturing the psychological complexities of his subjects, cementing his reputation as a royal artist.
Trained by Jean-Antoine Watteau #1
27/ 100
French b. Nice Rococo painting Wikipedia 16/32
Significant Works: Venus and Amor (Kunsthalle Bremen) - Demonstrates mastery of the Rococo style. Mademoiselle Clairon as Medea (small version) - A captivating Rococo portrait of 1760.
Trained by Jean-Baptiste van Loo #53 · Trained Johann Heinrich Tischbein #47
28/ 100
Italian b. Pitigliano Rococo, Baroque Wikipedia 15/32
Apprenticeship: Zuccarelli began his artistic journey as an apprentice to Giovanni Maria Morandi and Pietro Nelli in Rome, focusing initially on portraiture. Engravings & Frescoes: From 1728-1731, he dedicated himself largely to engraving the deteriorating frescoes of Giovanni da San Giovanni and Andrea del Sarto, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and classical influences.
29/ 100
Italian b. Naples Late Baroque & Rococo Wikipedia 21/32
While influenced by the Baroque traditions of artists like Giuseppe Nogari, Amigoni developed a distinctly Rococo sensibility, characterized by its elegance, grace, and emphasis on decorative detail. He mentored several promising young artists, including Charles Joseph Flipart, Michelangelo Morlaiter, and Pietro Antonio Novelli, ensuring the continuation of his artistic lineage.
30/ 100
French b. Nîmes Rococo Wikipedia 15/32
Charles-Joseph Natoire (1700–1777) stands as a pivotal figure in the artistic landscape of late Baroque and early Rococo France, embodying the refined sensibilities of his era. This foundation was further polished through instruction from François Lemoyne, arguably the foremost painter of Louis XV's court.
Trained by François Lemoyne #24 · Trained Jean Baptiste Perronneau #65
31/ 100
German/Austrian b. Langenargen Rococo, Baroque Wikipedia 16/32
However, Maulbertsch's artistic horizons expanded significantly through exposure to Venetian masters like Giovanni Battista Pittoni and Piazzetta. He adorned churches across Central Europe with stunning frescoes, including those in Bicske and Kalocsa, and within Vienna’s revered Michaelerkirche and Piaristenkirche Maria Treu.
32/ 100
French b. Paris Baroque Rococo Wikipedia 11/32
Tapestry and Decorative Design: Elevating large-scale textile works to the status of high narrative art through his Gobelins commissions.
33/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo to Neoclassicism Wikipedia 20/32
Adélaïde Labille-Guiard (1749–1803) stands as a remarkable figure in the history of French art, not merely for her exquisite portraits but also for her courageous challenge to the restrictive conventions that governed women’s roles within the artistic world. Other notable works include portraits of prominent figures such as Madame Adélaïde and Victoire, the elder sisters of Louis XVI, and numerous studies of drapery, reflecting her technical expertise and keen eye for detail.
Trained by Maurice Quentin de La Tour #19
34/ 100
Ukrainian-Russian b. Kyiv Classical Portraiture Wikipedia 16/32
His father, Grigory Kirillovich Levitsky-Nos, was not merely a priest but also an accomplished engraver and painter, serving as young Dmitry’s initial guide into the world of visual expression.
Trained Vladimir Borovikovsky #42
35/ 100
French b. Tournus Baroque & Neoclassical
Born in Tournus, France, in 1714, Jean-Baptiste Pigalle emerged as a pivotal figure in the transition between the exuberant drama of the Baroque and the emerging clarity of Neoclassicism. He honed his skills in Lyon before moving to Paris, immersing himself in the study of live models at the Royal Academy – though his early efforts weren’t universally acclaimed, hinting at the independent spirit that would define his trajectory.
36/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo, Still Life Wikipedia 14/32
Anne Vallayer- Coster, born in Paris on December 21, 1744, emerged as a remarkable figure within the French art world of the late 18th century.
37/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo, Neoclassical
It is impossible to discuss Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée without acknowledging the parallel career of his younger brother, Jean-Jacques Lagrenée.
38/ 100
b. Venice Late Baroque, Rococo Wikipedia 19/32
In the vibrant, water-bound splendor of eighteenth-century Venice, few artists captured the theatrical essence of the late Baroque and Rococo periods as fluently as Giambattista Pittoni. His early training was deeply personal, conducted under the guidance of his uncle, Francesco Pittoni, a painter of the Venetian Baroque.
Trained by Antonio Balestra #69
39/ 100
Dutch b. Amersfoort Veduta painting Wikipedia 14/32
His early works show influence from Dutch masters like Jan van der Heyden, but he quickly developed a unique style tailored to the Roman landscape.
40/ 100
Russian b. Moscow Psychological Portrait
In the grand, sweeping tapestry of eighteenth-century Russian art, where many painters sought to capture the sheer opulence of the Romanov era through gilded frames and theatrical grandeur, Fyodor Stepanovich Rokotov emerged as a singular, introspective voice.
41/ 100
b. Paris Rococo Wikipedia 12/32
In the luminous and opulent atmosphere of mid-eighteenth-century France, few artists captured the essence of aristocratic grace as intimately as François Hubert Drouais. A leading portrait painter during the latter years of Louis XV's reign, Drouais possessed a singular ability to translate the refinement and charm of the French court onto canvas.
42/ 100
b. Myrhorod Wikipedia 14/32
Artistic Movement: His work bridges the Rococo and Romanticism movements, exhibiting elements of both styles. Key Portraits: Some of his most celebrated works include portraits of Catherine II, Count Razumovsky, Dmitry Levitzky, Morteza Qoli Khan Qajar, and the iconic portrait of M.I.
Trained by Dmitry Levitzky #34
43/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo Wikipedia 13/32
While Frederick William I, the soldier king, prioritized military matters over artistic pursuits, he nonetheless recognized Pesne's talent and appointed him director of the Berlin Academy of Arts – a position that allowed Pesne to shape the next generation of Prussian artists.
44/ 100
b. Edinburgh Wikipedia 12/32
Ramsay’s artistic development took a significant turn with his travels to Rome and Naples, where he spent three years (1736-1738) working under the tutelage of Francesco Solimena and Imperiali (Francesco Fernandi). Mary Degg, Lady Robert Manners (Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh): An elegant portrait demonstrating Ramsay's skill in capturing aristocratic beauty.
45/ 100
She traveled extensively throughout Europe – Italy, Austria, Russia, and England – continuing to paint portraits of the aristocracy and establishing new networks of patronage.
46/ 100
Italian b. Molfetta Rococo Wikipedia 11/32
A true master of the Rococo era, Giaquinto possessed a rare ability to bridge the heavy, dramatic shadows of the Neapolitan Baroque with the airy, pastel elegance that would define the mid-century aesthetic. Born in Molfetta, Italy, in 1703, his journey from a provincial apprentice to one of the most sought-after painters in Europe is a testament to a talent that could harmonize the monumental with the delicate.
47/ 100
German b. Haina Rococo Wikipedia 10/32
Cultural Synthesis: The integration of German discipline, French grace, and Italian dramatic chiaroscuro into a singular, cohesive style.
Trained by Charles-André van Loo #27, Giovanni Battista Piazzetta #14
48/ 100
German b. Weimar Imitation of Dutch & Italian masters Wikipedia 11/32
Born in Weimar in 1712, Dietrich did not seek to shatter the existing artistic paradigms with a revolutionary new vision; instead, he sought to master the echoes of the past. Raised in an environment steeped in the traditions of German art patronage, his early life was shaped by the meticulous craftsmanship of his father, Johann Georg, a miniature painter to the court of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.
49/ 100
French b. Rivoli Rococo, Portraiture Wikipedia 13/32
He skillfully blended these influences to create a distinctive Rococo style characterized by its elegance, grace, and theatricality. The Camera Obscura (1764): This captivating painting, now housed in the Louvre, exemplifies Vanloo’s mastery of light and shadow.
Trained by Jean-Baptiste van Loo #53
50/ 100
Swedish b. Stockholm City Rococo Pastelist Wikipedia 14/32
His portfolio serves as a visual chronicle of the 18th-century elite, featuring breathtaking depictions of Louis XV and his queen, Maria Leszczyńska.
Trained by Rosalba Carriera #17
51/ 100
English b. Paris Romanticism, Animal Painting Wikipedia 15/32
Trained by Charles-André van Loo #27
52/ 100
Dutch b. Amsterdam Rococo Painting Wikipedia 10/32
In the golden age of Dutch Rococo, few names evoke the architectural splendor of the eighteenth century quite like Jacob de Wit. Born in Amsterdam in 1695, De Wit emerged not merely as a painter, but as a visionary decorator who transformed the very bones of historic buildings.
53/ 100
French b. Aix-en-Provence Baroque, Rococo Wikipedia 15/32
A pivotal moment arrived with the patronage of Prince Emmanuel Philibert of Carignano, who recognized van Loo’s burgeoning talent and sponsored his journey to Rome. Following Rome, van Loo’s artistic path led him to Turin, where he painted portraits of Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy, and members of his court, further solidifying his reputation among European nobility.
Trained Charles-André van Loo #27
54/ 100
English Rococo Painting
Settling initially in New York City, Wollaston began a nomadic period of intense creativity, traveling along the Atlantic seaboard to bring the latest London fashions to American patrons.
55/ 100
Swedish b. Runtuna Rococo Wikipedia 12/32
Born in 1711 on the farm Göksäter near Nyköping, Sweden, Pilo emerged from humble beginnings as the son of Olof Pilo, a skilled decorative painter. His early training, likely influenced by his father's work at Drottningholm and Stockholm Palace, provided him with a foundational mastery of craftsmanship that would later allow him to navigate the sophisticated circles of European royalty.
56/ 100
German b. Berlin Rococo Wikipedia 13/32
Anna Dorothea Therbusch (1721-1782) stands as a remarkable figure in the annals of Rococo art history —a woman artist who defied societal expectations and achieved considerable renown during the Enlightenment.
57/ 100
Austrian b. Eppan an der Weinstraße Rococo Wikipedia 8/32
Johann Georg Platzer, born in the idyllic Tyrolean village of Eppan in 1704, emerged as a pivotal figure within Austrian Rococo painting. Coming from a family deeply rooted in artistic tradition—his uncle, Jakob Christoff Platzer, served as a court painter—the young Johann Georg was immersed in a world where brushstrokes and pigments were not merely tools but conduits to beauty and status.
58/ 100
Dutch b. Dublin Rococo
Crucially, Watteau avoided direct representation, instead relying on suggestion and implication to convey mood and emotion.
59/ 100
Italian b. Venice Vedute Venice Wikipedia 9/32
Scholars often point to the influence of masters such as Gaspare Diziani and the legendary Canaletto, whose works provided a blueprint for capturing the grandeur of urban environments.
60/ 100
Italian b. Este Rococo
After leaving Vienna, Corradini spent his final years in Rome and Naples, continuing to refine his art until his death in 1752.
61/ 100
German b. Meissen Hard-paste porcelain
The royal-polish and electoral-saxon porcelain manufactory, established in 1710 by Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and Johann Friedrich Böttger, stands as a monumental achievement in European ceramics history—a testament to scientific innovation and artistic brilliance that continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.
62/ 100
b. Tilburg Wikipedia 12/32
Fleurs Dessinees d'apres Nature (Flowers Drawn from Life): Published between 1799 and 1801, this series of twenty-four engraved plates served as a valuable resource for students of floral painting.
63/ 100
British b. London Rococo Wikipedia 10/32
Joseph Highmore, born in London in 1692, emerged as a pivotal figure within the evolving landscape of 18th-century English art. Initially influenced by the grand Baroque tradition exemplified by Kneller, Highmore’s style would gradually embrace the more delicate aesthetics of the Rococo period, a shift reflective of broader cultural currents sweeping across Europe.
64/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo
The Wallace Collection houses Caffiéri’s masterpiece—the Royal Commode delivered by Antoine-Robert Gaudreau in 1739 for Louis XV’s bedchamber at Versailles—a stunning example of Rococo design and craftsmanship.
65/ 100
French b. Paris Rococo Wikipedia 12/32
De La Tour was widely considered the master of French pastel portraiture, and his influence on Perronneau was profound.
Trained by Charles-Joseph Natoire #30
66/ 100
English b. Exeter Rococo, Portraiture Wikipedia 10/32
As he transitioned from a scenic painter to an independent artist in St Martin's Lane, Hayman brought with him a storyteller’s soul, capable of transforming a static canvas into a window onto a theatrical moment.
67/ 100
French b. Paris Portrait painting Wikipedia 11/32
Tocqué's initial training was deeply rooted in Nattier’s style – a blend of realism, elegance, and a subtle theatricality—but he quickly developed his own distinctive voice, influenced by the more dynamic compositions of Hyacinthe Rigaud and the refined sensibilities of Nicolas de Largillière.
Trained by Jean-Marc Nattier #18
68/ 100
Italian b. Cremona Rococo, Neoclassicism Wikipedia 8/32
Early influences were readily apparent: the dynamic frescoes of the Carracci brothers resonated deeply, while a potential sojourn to Venice exposed him to the vibrant colorism and theatricality of Venetian masters like Veronese.
69/ 100
b. Verona Wikipedia 11/32
He then traveled to Bologna and subsequently Rome, working in the workshop of the renowned Carlo Maratta. Religious Commissions: He received numerous commissions for religious paintings, including works for churches such as I Gesuiti and San Zaccaria in Venice, and Sant'Ignazio in Bologna.
Trained Giambattista Pittoni #38
70/ 100
Italian b. Naples Rococo Wikipedia 11/32
Notable Commissions & Collaborations: Traversi secured prestigious commissions throughout Italy, notably in Parma where he collaborated with Giovanni Lorenzo Berti on a monumental portrait depicting Saint Margaret of Cortona.
71/ 100
Swedish-German b. Stockholm City Rococo, Portraiture Wikipedia 9/32
His early works, heavily influenced by his uncle Meytens and the French masters, exhibited a meticulous attention to detail and a restrained elegance. Other notable works include portraits of members of the Elector’s family, such as The Countess Holstein (Lenbachhaus, Munich) and The Princess Portia (Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart).
72/ 100
French b. Lyon Rococo & Neoclassical Wikipedia 8/32
His stylistic evolution was deeply shaped by the explorations of artists such as Nicolas Pocock and Gaspar Pérégrine Rigaud.
73/ 100
Dutch b. Amsterdam Rococo genre scenes Wikipedia 8/32
Born in the heart of the Dutch Republic on October 8, 1696, in Amsterdam, Troost’s journey from aspiring actor to celebrated painter reveals a fascinating confluence of artistic passions and personal transformation.
74/ 100
French b. Paris Neoclassical Painting Wikipedia 8/32
In pieces such as " Fantaisie architecturale," the viewer is invited to wander through spaces where neoclassical elegance meets the untamed beauty of nature.
75/ 100
British b. Tiverton Regency portrait miniatures Wikipedia 10/32
Richard Cosway, born in the quiet Devon town of Tiverton in 1742, ascended to become one of the most celebrated portrait miniaturists of his age. Even before establishing his own business by 1760, Cosway had secured recognition from the Society of Arts, foreshadowing the acclaim he would soon garner within London’s vibrant artistic circles.
76/ 100
French b. Berlin Rococo Wikipedia 7/32
Mercier’s artistic style is quintessentially Rococo – characterized by its lightness, elegance, and playful use of color.
77/ 100
Swedish b. Arboga Rococo Wikipedia 7/32
Ultimately, the work of Per the Elder Krafft remains a vital touchstone for understanding the cultural heartbeat of eighteenth-century Sweden.
78/ 100
Ukrainian, Czech b. Buchach Baroque, Rococo
Pinsel’s ascent as a sculptor was inextricably linked to the patronage of Mikołaj Bazyli Potocki, a wealthy Polish aristocrat with discerning taste.
79/ 100
b. Venice Wikipedia 10/32
Longhi specialized in portraiture, particularly depictions of Venetian nobles and prominent figures. Portrait of Carlo Lodoli (1760): This Baroque-style portrait showcases Venetian realism and attention to detail, depicting a monk engaged in study.
80/ 100
Italian b. Castellammare di Stabia Rococo Wikipedia 11/32
Born in 1707 in Castellammare di Stabia, Bonito emerged from a period of profound artistic transition, where the dramatic weight of the Baroque was beginning to soften into the playful elegance of the Rococo.
81/ 100
French b. Pontoise Idyllic Scenes Wikipedia 4/32
This aesthetic aligns perfectly with the Rococo movement's emphasis on lightness, grace, and intimacy.
82/ 100
French b. Sceaux Baroque, Rococo Wikipedia 7/32
Silvestre’s tenure as director of the Royal Academy of Arts in Dresden marked a new phase in his career.
83/ 100
Spanish b. Madrid Rococo Wikipedia 8/32
His life, spanning from his birth in Madrid in 1746 to his passing in 1799, was a journey through the heart of Spanish cultural evolution.
84/ 100
German, Danish b. Chemnitz Wikipedia 5/32
Johann Salomon Wahl was born in 1689 in Chemnitz, within the Electorate of Saxony.
85/ 100
Italian b. Venice Rococo Wikipedia 8/32
Born in 1699, Nogari emerged during a transformative era when the heavy, dramatic shadows of the Baroque were beginning to yield to the light, airy grace of the Rococo. This lineage, combined with the delicate pastel sensibilities of Rosalba Carriera and the sophisticated elegance of Jacopo Amigoni, allowed him to weave together a style that was simultaneously much more grounded than the typical Rococo flourish and yet exquisitely refined.
86/ 100
French b. Montpellier Baroque/Neoclassical Wikipedia 8/32
He secured commissions from prominent figures of Parisian society, including François Verdier and Carlos III de España, demonstrating his ability to adapt to diverse artistic tastes.
87/ 100
Irish b. Dublin Barbizon landscapes & Rococo portraiture Wikipedia 4/32
“ Portrait of a Gentleman ” (circa 1770): Hone’s depiction of a gentleman exemplifies Neoclassical ideals through its restrained composition and idealized portrayal. He skillfully blended illusionistic techniques with tonal gradations, creating images that resonate with emotional depth. ‘ The Honourable Mrs Curzon’ (1778): This miniature showcases Hone's exceptional skill in capturing the subtleties of facial expression and posture—a hallmark of Rococo portraiture.
88/ 100
French b. Montpellier Symbolist Art Wikipedia 7/32
Jean Raoux, born in Montpellier, France in 1677, emerged as a captivating figure within the French artistic landscape of the early 18th century. L'indiscrète (1728): A captivating depiction of a young woman caught in a private moment, revealing a sense of curiosity and vulnerability.
89/ 100
French b. Paris Neoclassical/Romantic
The historical significance of Édouard Honoré Ave lies in his ability to preserve and evolve the decorative traditions of France during a century of rapid change.
90/ 100
Italian b. Venice Rococo Wikipedia 6/32
Within the luminous and often overwhelming splendor of eighteenth-century Venice, the name Francesco Zugno emerges as a vital, if somewhat enigmatic, thread in the tapestry of the Rococo era. His early years were shaped by the prestigious traditions of his ancestors, including the fifteenth-century painter Giambattista Zugno, and he received formal training at the Academy of Painting and Sculpture of Venice.
91/ 100
French b. Martigues Portraiture Wikipedia 7/32
Among his most celebrated commissions were portraits of Jean-Paul Marat—a revolutionary icon—and Charles Eugène Gabriel de la Croix, Marquis de Castries—a military leader who played a crucial role in restoring the monarchy.
Trained by Maurice Quentin de La Tour #19
92/ 100
French b. Valenciennes Fêtes galantes Wikipedia 6/32
Recognizing his son's prodigious talent early on, Jean secured him an apprenticeship with Antoine Goujon, a sculptor renowned for his monumental works at Versailles—a connection that would prove invaluable to Watteau’s artistic development.
93/ 100
Dutch b. Amsterdam Rococo Wikipedia 5/32
The influence of earlier Dutch masters is subtly present in Buys's work, particularly in his meticulous attention to detail and the use of light and shadow reminiscent of the Golden Age painters.
94/ 100
Swiss b. Chur Rococo Wikipedia 5/32
Michael’s Episcopal Church (1756), a testament to his craftsmanship and artistic vision; the weather vane for Charleston’s City Hall; and contributions towards the construction of St.
95/ 100
Danish b. Copenhagen Rococo Wikipedia 7/32
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, he began his artistic journey under the guidance of the portrait painter Johann Salomon Wahl. Although he achieved significant recognition, his path was not without its hurdles; notably, despite winning a gold medal at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1755, he was denied formal entry into the institution itself.
96/ 100
German b. Berlin Rococo Wikipedia 6/32
He dies in 1778, leaving behind a body of work that remains housed in the collections of the Staatliches Museum Schwerin, the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
97/ 100
b. Ifs Wikipedia 6/32
Tournières’ artistic style reflects a fascinating transitional period within French art. His second reception in 1716, as a history painter, came with his work Invention of Drawing (1716), depicting a romantic scene illuminated by candlelight.
98/ 100
Spanish b. Madrid Neoclassical Wikipedia 7/32
Born in Madrid on October 14, 1737, Castillo emerged from a world where the flamboyant flourishes of the Rococo were beginning to yield to the disciplined rigor of Neoclassicism. His early life was marked by an extraordinary precocity; at just ten years old, he was already serving as an assistant in the preparatory drawing classes at the prestigious Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando.
Trained by Corrado Giaquinto #46
99/ 100
Italian b. Rome Vérité ethnographique Wikipedia 2/32
The pivotal moment in Brunias's life arrived in 1770 when he accompanied Sir William Young, the newly appointed governor of Dominica, to the Lesser Antilles.
100/ 100
Italian b. Turin Rococo Wikipedia 6/32
To reflect upon the breadth of his contributions, one might consider the following pillars of his career: Stylistic Synthesis: The seamless blending of Roman classical training with the light, decorative elegance of French Rococo portraiture.
Best-known works
Chronology
Statistics
| France | 37 |
|---|---|
| Italy | 25 |
| Germany | 9 |
| United Kingdom | 6 |
| Sweden | 5 |
| Netherlands | 5 |
| Ukraine | 3 |
| Switzerland | 2 |
| 17th century | 36 |
|---|---|
| 18th century | 62 |
| 19th century | 1 |
| The Louvre | 13 |
|---|---|
| Hermitage Museum | 13 |
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | 9 |
| Nationalmuseum | 7 |
| National Gallery of Art | 6 |
| Museo del Prado | 6 |
| Statens Museum For Kunst | 6 |
| Rijksmuseum | 5 |
Index
Jean-Antoine WatteauFrench · 1684–1721CanalettoItalian · 1697–1768Giovanni Battista TiepoloItalian · 1696–1770François BoucherFrench · 1703–1770Jean-Honoré FragonardFrench · 1732–1806Jean-Baptiste-Siméon ChardinFrench · 1699–1779Thomas GainsboroughBritish · 1727–1788Joshua ReynoldsBritish · 1723–1792Jean-Baptiste GreuzeFrench · 1725–1805Bernardo BellottoItalian · 1722–1780Francesco GuardiItalian · 1712–1793Pietro LonghiItalian · 1701–1785Giovanni Domenico TiepoloItalian · 1727–1804Giovanni Battista PiazzettaItalian · 1683–1754Nicolas LancretFrench · 1689–1743Joseph VernetFrench · 1714–1789Rosalba CarrieraItalian · 1675–1757Jean-Marc NattierFrench · 1685–1766Maurice Quentin de La TourFrench · 1704–1788Alexander RoslinSwedish · 1718–1793Johann Zoffany1733–1810Louis Michel van LooFrench · 1707–1771Jean-Étienne LiotardSwiss · 1702–1789François LemoyneFrench · 1688–1737François de TroyFrench · 1645–1730Jean-Baptiste PaterFrench · 1695–1736Charles-André van LooFrench · 1705–1765Francesco ZuccarelliItalian · 1702–1788Jacopo AmigoniItalian · 1682–1752Charles-Joseph NatoireFrench · 1700–1777Franz Anton MaulbertschGerman/Austrian · 1724–1796Charles Antoine CoypelFrench · 1694–1752Adélaïde Labille-GuiardFrench · 1749–1803Dmitry LevitzkyUkrainian-Russian · 1735–1822Jean-Baptiste PigalleFrench · 1725–1805Anne Vallayer-CosterFrench · 1744–1818Louis Jean François LagrenéeFrench · 1756–1827Giambattista Pittoni1687–1767Gaspar van WittelDutch · 1653–1736Fyodor Stepanovich RokotovRussian · 1730–1808François Hubert Drouais1727–1775Vladimir Borovikovsky1757–1825Antoine PesneFrench · 1683–1757Allan Ramsay1713–1784Elisabeth-Louise Vigée-LebrunCorrado GiaquintoItalian · 1703–1766Johann Heinrich TischbeinGerman · 1722–1789Christian Wilhelm Ernst DietrichGerman · 1712–1774Charles Amédée Philippe Van LooFrench · 1719–1795Gustaf LundbergSwedish · 1695–1786Louis-Jean-François LagrenéeEnglish · 1725–1805Jacob de WitDutch · 1695–1754Jean-Baptiste van LooFrench · 1684–1745John WollastonEnglish · 1742–1775Carl Gustaf PiloSwedish · 1711–1793Anna Dorothea TherbuschGerman · 1721–1782Johann Georg PlatzerAustrian · 1704–1761Nathaniel HoneDutch · 1718–1784Michele MarieschiItalian · 1710–1743Antonio CorradiniItalian · 1668–1752Royal-Polish And Electoral-Saxon Porcelain ManufactoryGerman · born 1710Gerard van Spaendonck1746–1822Joseph HighmoreBritish · 1692–1780Jean Jacques CaffiériFrench · 1678–1755Jean Baptiste PerronneauFrench · 1715–1783Francis HaymanEnglish · 1708–1776Louis TocquéFrench · 1696–1772Donato CretiItalian · 1671–1749Antonio Balestra1666–1740Gaspare TraversiItalian · 1722–1770Georg DesmaréesSwedish-German · 1697–1776Jean-Baptiste PillementFrench · 1728–1808Cornelis TroostDutch · 1696–1750Jacques De LajoueFrench · 1686–1761Richard CoswayBritish · 1742–1821Philippe MercierFrench · 1689–1760Per Krafft the ElderSwedish · 1724–1793Johann Georg PinzelUkrainian, Czech · 1715–1761Alessandro Longhi1733–1813Giuseppe BonitoItalian · 1707–1789Christophe HuetFrench · 1700–1759Louis de SilvestreFrench · 1675–1760Luis Paret Y AlcázarSpanish · 1746–1799Johann Salomon WahlGerman, Danish · 1689–1765Giuseppe NogariItalian · 1699–1766Jean RancFrench · 1674–1735Nathaniel Hone the ElderIrish · 1718–1784Jean RaouxFrench · 1677–1734Edouard Honoré AveFrench · 1818–1890Francesco ZugnoItalian · 1708–1787Joseph BozeFrench · 1745–1826Louis Joseph WatteauFrench · 1731–1798Jacobus BuysDutch · 1724–1801Jeremiah TheusSwiss · 1716–1774Vigilius EriksenDanish · 1722–1782Georg David MatthieuGerman · 1737–1778Robert Tournières1667–1752Jose Del CastilloSpanish · 1737–1793Agostino BruniasItalian · 1730–1796Domenico DupràItalian · 1689–1770FAQ
Jean-Antoine Watteau (#1) comes first, ahead of Canaletto (#2) and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (#3).
Jean-Antoine Watteau (#1), Canaletto (#2), Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (#3), François Boucher (#4) and Jean-Honoré Fragonard (#5).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are The Louvre (13), Hermitage Museum (13) and Metropolitan Museum of Art (9).
“His brushwork was never merely about decoration; it was a means to convey a profound sense of wistful melancholy.” — from our biography of Jean-Antoine Watteau (#1).
The highest-ranked painters born in France are Jean-Antoine Watteau (#1), François Boucher (#4), Jean-Honoré Fragonard (#5), Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin (#6) and Jean-Baptiste Greuze (#9).
François Lemoyne (#24) taught Charles-Joseph Natoire (#30) and François Boucher (#4); Canaletto (#2) taught Bernardo Bellotto (#10); François Boucher (#4) taught Jean-Honoré Fragonard (#5).
Most painters in this list were born in the 18th century (62 of 100), between 1645 and 1818 overall.
Paris: 17 of the painters in this list were born there.
The highest-ranked painters born in Italy are Canaletto (#2), Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (#3), Bernardo Bellotto (#10), Francesco Guardi (#11) and Pietro Longhi (#12).
5 women are in this ranking: Rosalba Carriera (#17), Adélaïde Labille-Guiard (#33), Anne Vallayer-Coster (#36), Elisabeth-Louise Vigée-Lebrun (#45) and Anna Dorothea Therbusch (#56).
France: 37 of the 100 painters in this list were born there, then Italy (25) and Germany (9).
Our catalogue holds 11,037 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 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 Pop Art artistsCampbell's soup cans · Andy WarholBy 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 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 Art Nouveau paintingsThe kiss · Gustav KlimtRelated lists
