3 Most Famous Paintings in the World

Top 3 MOST FAMOUS PAINTINGS IN THE WORLD

Top 1 The Mona Lisa Top 2 Starry Night Top 3 Girl with a Pearl Earring

1. The Mona Lisa

This is the top-ranked painting, and the work "Mona Lisa" has penetrated the subconscious of every art lover and is known almost everywhere in the world. Created by the talented Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, to this day, the world's most famous painting still stirs up controversy and has many fascinating stories revolving around this masterpiece. Leonardo da Vinci painted it in 1503-1504 until he passed away in 1519. Especially the mysterious smile of Mona Lisa, a smile that holds many secrets, is still the subject of much research trying to explain this enigmatic expression. This masterpiece is currently displayed rigorously at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it still welcomes over 6 million visitors for viewing and admiration.

The Mona Lisa is 500 years old now, and almost the entire world naturally considers it the most beautiful painting. Why is the Mona Lisa painting so famous?" is a perplexing question. Previous theories suggested that it became famous because it was the work of a renowned artist, her enigmatic smile, or the mysterious events surrounding the painting. However, this answer did not satisfy the crowds. According to Britannica, the answer: "there is no specific reason" has been the most widely accepted. According to CNN, the worldwide fame of the Mona Lisa is due to a daring theft that occurred over 100 years ago. When stealing the painting, even Vincenzo never thought that this act would make Mona Lisa shine.

2. Starry Night

"Starry Night" is a masterpiece by the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. The painting depicts the night sky outside the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France. The masterpiece is rich in religious symbolism, and an interesting fact that few know is that Van Gogh was not very satisfied with this painting of his. He expressed this sentiment in many of his letters, and he certainly didn't think it would be one of humanity's enduring masterpieces. The painting is a composition of swirling celestial bodies, mesmerizing swirls, stylized stars, a glowing moon, a tranquil village, and a towering cypress tree. This painting marks a turning point in his career and became one of the masterpieces of modern art. "Starry Night" has been copied many times after it became famous. The "Starry Night" is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Among many famous paintings by him, "Starry Night" (1889) is the most recent work in the artist's very brief and unique career, holding a special place in the history of art. To understand the profound impact of this masterpiece, let's explore its context, content, and influence. Van Gogh devoted considerable effort to paint this panoramic scene on several occasions. However, research suggests that the painting was done during the day from memory. In addition to the detailed descriptions in numerous letters he wrote to his brother, the painting is a rare observation of the night sky while the artist was in isolation. "Through the iron-barred window, I can see an enclosed square of wheat... above which, in the morning, I watch the sun rise in all its glory."

3. Girl with a Pearl Earring

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" is often referred to as the "Mona Lisa of the North," or more specifically, the "Mona Lisa of the Netherlands." This is a masterpiece by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, depicting a girl with a captivating gaze and a pearl earring. At first glance, you will be drawn to the allure and beauty of the girl, an incredibly lifelike and sharp portrayal. This masterpiece also served as the inspiration for the novelist Tracy Chevalier, who wrote "Girl with a Pearl Earring," later adapted into a film of the same name. The painting is currently displayed at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, Netherlands. Over the centuries, this painting has had various names and acquired its current name in the late 20th century due to the large pearl earring worn by the main character.

Researchers can also trace the origins of the pigments used in the oil painting. In the painting, there is white lead from the Peak District in northern England, ultramarine blue from lapis lazuli stone in present-day Afghanistan, and red pigment made from insects living on cactus plants in Mexico and South America. In fact, thanks to the strong development of global trade, Vermeer had the ability to purchase these exotic materials right in his hometown of Delft. "These findings not only reveal details about Vermeer's materials but also tell us about the world's trade and Holland in the 17th century," Vandivere said. "It's astonishing to see the high-quality ultramarine blue used in the girl's headscarf. In the 17th century, this blue pigment was worth more than gold."