We invite you to learn about the rich history and unique artistic styles of the visual artists who inspired our fantastical imagination. These artists have had a profound impact on our creativity, and we encourage you to appreciate their influence on our artistic expression.
John Baldessari
John Baldessari was an American conceptual artist known for his work in photography, painting, and text-based art. Born in California in 1931, Baldessari studied art in San Diego before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Conceptual Art movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include photographs that incorporate text, paintings that challenge traditional ideas about representation, and sculptures that explore themes related to language and communication. Baldessari’s works are characterized by their wit, humor, and use of appropriation, and he is known for his ability to challenge established artistic conventions. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Minimalism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol. Baldessari was the recipient of numerous awards and honors during his lifetime and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | June 17, 1931, National City, CA |
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| Died: | January 2, 2020 Venice, Los Angeles, CA, Age 88 |
| Period: | Contemporary Art |
| Full name: | John Anthony Baldessari |
| Influenced by: | Marcel Duchamp |
Balthus
Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, known as Balthus, was a French painter known for his highly controversial and often provocative works that explored themes related to eroticism and adolescence. Born in Paris in 1908, Balthus was raised in a family of artists and began his career as a painter in the 1920s. His most famous works include figurative paintings that depict young girls in various stages of undress or contemplation. Balthus’ works are characterized by their sense of tension, ambiguity, and a heightened realism. Although his works were highly regarded by some, they were also heavily criticized for their apparent voyeurism and sexualization of young girls. Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Balthus continued to paint and produce works until his death in 2001 at the age of 92. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important and influential painters of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and challenge viewers.
| Born: | June 17, 1931, National City, CA |
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| Died: | January 2, 2020 Venice, Los Angeles, CA, Age 88 |
| Period: | Contemporary Art |
| Full name: | John Anthony Baldessari |
| Influenced by: | Marcel Duchamp |
Banksy
Banksy is a pseudonymous British street artist known for his provocative and politically charged works that challenge established norms and conventions. Banksy’s identity is unknown, but he first emerged in the early 2000s as a graffiti artist in Bristol, England. His most famous works include murals, stencils, and installations that often incorporate political or social commentary, such as his painting of a girl releasing a red balloon that has been interpreted as a comment on war and peace. Banksy’s works are characterized by their wit, humor, and irreverence, and he has become one of the most recognizable and popular artists of his generation. Despite his success, Banksy has remained fiercely independent and has refused to work with galleries or sell his works through traditional channels. He continues to create works that challenge and inspire viewers around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
| Born: | July 28, 1974(?), Age 48 years(?), Bristol, United Kingdom(?) |
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| Period: | Street art |
| Influenced by: | Diana, Princess of Wales, Marcel Duchamp |
Georg Baselitz
Georg Baselitz is a German contemporary artist celebrated for his unconventional style of painting that challenges traditional artistic conventions. Born in Saxony in 1938, Baselitz received his formal education in art in East Germany before relocating to West Germany in the 1960s. His signature works are recognized for their upside-down orientation, a technique he developed to challenge conventional ideas of representation and perception. Baselitz’s works are characterized by their bold colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and a sense of gestural movement. He has been influenced by various art movements, including Expressionism and Abstract Art, and his works have been likened to those of renowned artists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Baselitz has been the subject of numerous exhibitions worldwide, and his works are highly prized by both collectors and art critics. He remains a significant and influential figure in the contemporary art world today.
| Born: | January 23, 1938, Deutschhbaselitz, Upper Lusatia, East Germany, Age 85 |
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| Periods: | German Expressionism, Neo-Expressionist |
| Full name: | Hans-Georg Kern (born), adopted the name Georg Baselitz in 1961. |
| Influenced by: | Louis-Ferdinand von Rayski and Realism, Kandinsky, Pollack, Philip Guston |
| Influenced: | A generation of German artists in the wake of the Second World War |
Jean-Michael Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist celebrated for his raw and expressive paintings that seamlessly blend elements of street art, graffiti, and fine art. Born in Brooklyn in 1960, Basquiat started out as a street artist before achieving recognition in the 1980s as a key figure in the New York City art scene. His renowned works consist of large-scale paintings that incorporate a diverse range of materials, including paint, charcoal, and collage, and frequently incorporate fragmented text and imagery that explore themes of race, identity, and power. Basquiat’s creations are characterized by their vivid colors, bold brushstrokes, and profound messages, earning him a reputation as a master of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Tragically, Basquiat’s life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 27 in 1988, but his legacy lives on and continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists around the world.
| Born: | December 22, 1960, Brooklyn, New York, NY |
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| Died: | August 12, 1988, Great Jones Street, New York, NY, Age 27 |
| Periods: | Contemporary art, Neo-expressionism, Primitivism |
| Parents: | Matilda Andrades, Gerard Basquiat |
| Influenced by: | Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Cy Twombly, Jean Dubuffet, Robert Rauschenberg |
Hieronymous Bosch
Hieronymus Bosch was a Dutch painter from the late Middle Ages, renowned for his imaginative and often unsettling depictions of the human condition. Born in 1450, Bosch lived and worked in the Netherlands during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. His most well-known works, including “The Garden of Earthly Delights” and “The Haywain Triptych,” present elaborate and often disturbing visions of humanity’s descent from grace, showcasing surreal landscapes filled with bizarre creatures, hybrid beings, and graphic depictions of sin and punishment. Bosch’s art was exceptionally innovative for his era and has had an enduring influence on the history of Western art. Despite his fame, little is known about Bosch’s personal life, and his enigmatic works remain a source of fascination and intrigue for viewers to this day.
| Born: | c. 1450, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands |
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| Died: | August 9, 1516, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Age 66 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Early Netherlandish painting |
| Full name: | Jheronimus van Aken |
| Influenced: | Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Salvador Dali |
Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance renowned for his iconic paintings, particularly those featuring religious and mythological subjects. Born in Florence in 1445, Botticelli was trained under Fra Filippo Lippi before establishing his own studio. His most celebrated works include “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera,” which are renowned for their poetic beauty and their representation of the human form. Botticelli’s works are distinguished by their grace, delicacy, and use of line, and he is considered a master of the Florentine school of painting. He was also a proficient portraitist, creating numerous portraits of members of the Medici family and other notable figures of the era. Despite his success as an artist, Botticelli experienced financial difficulties later in life and fell into obscurity until his works were rediscovered by subsequent generations of artists and art enthusiasts. He passed away in 1510 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance.
| Born: | March 1, 1445, Florence, Italy |
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| Died: | May 17, 1510, Florence, Italy, Age 65 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, Florentine painting |
| Full name: | Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi |
| Influenced by: | Dante Alighieri, Lorenzo de’ Medici, Filippo Lippi, Ovid |
Louise Joséphine Bourgeois
Louise Joséphine Bourgeois was a French-American artist celebrated for her sculptures, installations, and paintings that examine themes related to memory, trauma, and the female body. Born in Paris in 1911, Bourgeois studied art in Paris before relocating to New York City in the 1940s. Her most renowned works consist of large-scale sculptures of spiders, cages, and body parts that are recognized for their use of organic materials and a sense of psychological tension. Bourgeois’ works challenge conventional notions of gender and power, and she is recognized for her ability to imbue her works with a sense of vulnerability and strength. She has been influenced by a diverse range of art movements, including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Eva Hesse. Bourgeois was the focus of numerous exhibitions around the world, and her works are held in high esteem by collectors and art critics. She passed away in 2010, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | December 25, 1911, Paris, France |
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| Died: | May 31, 2010, New York, NY, Age 98 |
| Periods: | Contemporary art, Modern art, Surrealism, Feminist art, Modernism |
| Influenced by: | Surrealism and the concept of psychotherapy |
| Influenced: | Feminist art movement, feminist-inspired work and Installation Art |
Brian Calvin
Brian Calvin is a contemporary American painter renowned for his figurative works that delve into themes related to identity, gender, and popular culture. Born in California in 1969, Calvin studied art in Southern California before establishing his own studio. His most celebrated works include paintings of stylized figures that are frequently depicted in profile and possess a flattened, graphic quality. Calvin’s works are recognized for their use of vivid colors, sharp lines, and geometric shapes, and he frequently incorporates references to popular culture and advertising into his works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art, and his works have been likened to those of artists such as Alex Katz and David Hockney. Calvin has been the focus of numerous exhibitions worldwide, and his works are highly coveted by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | December 25, 1911, Paris, France |
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| Died: | May 31, 2010, New York, NY, Age 98 |
| Periods: | Contemporary art, Modern art, Surrealism, Feminist art, Modernism |
| Influenced by: | Surrealism and the concept of psychotherapy |
| Influenced: | Feminist art movement, feminist-inspired work and Installation Art |
Caravaggio
Caravaggio was an Italian painter born in Milan in 1571, known for his innovative approach to art, characterized by his dramatic use of light and shadow, vivid realism, and intense emotionalism. He spent most of his career in Rome, where he rose to fame for his innovative style and powerful depictions of biblical and mythological scenes. His works, which often depicted violence, sensuality, and religious themes, challenged the conventions of his time and caused controversy within the Church and the art world. Despite his success, Caravaggio led a tumultuous life marked by violent outbursts, criminal behavior, and personal tragedies, including the murder of a rival and his own mysterious death at the age of 38. Today, Caravaggio is recognized as one of the most important and influential painters of the Baroque period, and his legacy can be seen in the works of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps.
| Born: | September 29, 1571, Milan, Italy |
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| Died: | July 18, 1610, Porto Ercole, Italy, Age 38 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Renaissance, Baroque painting |
| Full name: | Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio |
| Influenced: | Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens |
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker who was closely associated with the Impressionist movement. Born in Pennsylvania in 1844, Cassatt studied art in Europe before settling in Paris, where she became close friends with Edgar Degas and other Impressionist painters. Her most famous works depicted women and children in domestic settings, often in intimate and tender moments. Cassatt was a master of color and light, and her works are notable for their soft brushwork and delicate tonalities. She was also a skilled printmaker and is known for her innovative use of the technique of aquatint. Cassatt’s contributions to the Impressionist movement helped to legitimize women artists in a male-dominated field, and her works continue to be celebrated for their beauty and emotional power. She died in 1926 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important American artists of the 19th century.
| Born: | May 22, 1844, Allegheny |
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| Died: | June 14, 1926, Château de Beaufresne, Le Mesnil-Théribus, France, Age 81 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art, American Impressionism |
| Influenced by: | The European masters, and the Impressionist art movement (especially Edgar Degas) |
Paul Cezanne
Paul Cezanne was a French painter and Post-Impressionist artist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of modern art. Born in Aix-en-Provence in 1839, Cezanne studied in Paris and was influenced by the Impressionist painters, but he developed his own unique style that emphasized structure, form, and color. Cezanne’s most famous works include landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that were often characterized by their bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. He was also known for his use of geometric shapes and his emphasis on the underlying structure of his subjects. Cezanne’s work had a profound impact on later artists, including the Cubists and the Fauves, and he is often regarded as a bridge between the Impressionist movement and the emergence of modern art. He died in 1906 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and innovative artists of his time.
| Born: | January 19, 1839, Aix-en-Provence, France |
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| Died: | October 22, 1906, Aix-en-Provence, France, Age 67 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Cubism, Post-Impressionism, Modern art |
| Influenced: | Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso |
| Influenced by: | Édouard Manet, Eugène Delacroix, Nicolas Poussin, Charles-François Daubigny |
Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall was a Russian-French artist known for his dreamlike and colorful paintings that blended elements of folk art, surrealism, and cubism. Born in 1887 in Vitebsk, Russia (now Belarus), Chagall studied art in St. Petersburg and later in Paris, where he was influenced by the works of the Fauvists and the Cubists. His most famous works often depicted scenes from his Jewish upbringing, as well as his experiences during World War I and the Russian Revolution. Chagall’s paintings were characterized by their bold use of color and their poetic and symbolic imagery. He was also a skilled printmaker and stained-glass artist, and his works can be seen in public buildings and museums around the world. Chagall died in 1985 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and beloved artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and delight art lovers today.
| Born: | July 7, 1887, Liozna, Belarus |
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| Died: | March 28, 1985, Saint Paul de Vence, France, Age 97 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Cubism, Expressionism, Modern art, Fauvism, Modernism, Symbolism |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
George Condo
George Condo is a contemporary American artist known for his figurative paintings and drawings that incorporate elements of Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. Born in New Hampshire in 1957, Condo studied art in Boston before moving to New York City in the early 1980s. His most famous works include paintings of distorted faces and bodies that are characterized by their bold colors, sharp lines, and sense of psychological tension. Condo’s works often combine humor and horror, and he is known for his ability to blend seemingly incompatible styles and influences into cohesive works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and the works of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon. Condo has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | July 7, 1887, Liozna, Belarus |
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| Died: | March 28, 1985, Saint Paul de Vence, France, Age 97 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Cubism, Expressionism, Modern art, Fauvism, Modernism, Symbolism |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian artist, scientist, and inventor who is widely considered one of the greatest geniuses in human history. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, da Vinci trained as an artist in Florence, where he developed his skills as a painter and sculptor. He is known for his masterpieces such as the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” which are celebrated for their technical excellence and emotional depth. In addition to his artistic achievements, da Vinci was also a pioneering scientist, engineer, and inventor, and his inventions and ideas ranged from flying machines to the human anatomy. Da Vinci was an individual of extraordinary curiosity and interdisciplinary skill, possessing a deep understanding of science, mathematics, and philosophy. His work influenced later generations of artists and thinkers, and his legacy continues to inspire and fascinate people to this day. He died in France in 1519 at the age of 67.
| Born: | April 15, 1452, Anchiano, Italy |
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| Died: | May 2, 1519, Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise, France, Age 67 |
| Periods: | High Renaissance, Early Renaissance, Renaissance, Italian Renaissance |
| Influenced by: | Lorenzo de’ Medici, John Argyropoulos and Andrea del Verrocchio |
Salvador Dali
Salvador Dali was a Spanish artist and leading figure of the Surrealist movement of the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Figueres, Spain in 1904, Dali studied art in Madrid and later moved to Paris, where he met other Surrealist artists such as André Breton and René Magritte. His most famous works included paintings, sculptures, and prints that were characterized by their dreamlike imagery, bizarre juxtapositions, and use of symbolism. Dali’s most iconic works include “The Persistence of Memory,” which features melting clocks, and “The Elephants,” which depicts elephants with elongated, spindly legs. He was also a skilled filmmaker and collaborated with Luis Buñuel on the surrealist films “Un Chien Andalou” and “L’Age d’Or.” Dali died in Figueres in 1989 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to be celebrated for their surreal and imaginative qualities.
| Born: | May 11, 1904, Figueres, Spain |
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| Died: | January 23, 1989, Figueres, Spain, Age 84 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Cubism, Dada work, Modern art |
| Full name: | Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech |
| Influenced by: | Pablo Picasso, Sigmund Freud |
| Influenced: | David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Stefano |
Jacques-Louis David
Jacques-Louis David was a French painter who is considered one of the most important artists of the Neoclassical movement. Born in Paris in 1748, David studied at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, where he became interested in the classical art of ancient Greece and Rome. His most famous works include “The Oath of the Horatii,” “The Death of Marat,” and “Napoleon Crossing the Alps,” which depict historical and mythological subjects in a heroic and idealized style. David’s works were characterized by their clear, precise lines, strong contrasts of light and shadow, and a restrained use of color. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his works often featured members of the French aristocracy and political figures of his time. Despite his success, David was also involved in the turbulent politics of the French Revolution and was imprisoned for a time. He died in Brussels in 1825, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
| Born: | August 30, 1748, Paris, France |
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| Died: | December 29, 1825, Brussels, Belgium, Age 76 |
| Period: | Neoclassicism |
| Influenced by: | Nicolas Poussin, François Boucher, Valentin de Boulogne |
Francisco de Goya
Francisco de Goya was a Spanish painter and printmaker born in 1746 who is widely considered one of the most important artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Goya began his artistic career as a court painter and was known for his portraits of Spanish nobility. However, he also gained fame for his prints and paintings depicting the darker aspects of human nature, including violence, madness, and social injustice. Goya’s most famous works include the “Black Paintings,” a series of murals he created on the walls of his house that depict scenes of horror and despair. These works are considered a precursor to the Romantic movement and have had a profound influence on later generations of artists. Despite facing censorship and political persecution in his later years, Goya continued to produce powerful and innovative works until his death.
| Born: | March 30, 1746, Fuendetodos, Spain |
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| Died: | April 16, 1828, Bordeaux, France, Age 82 |
| Periods: | Romanticism, Rococo |
| Full name: | Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes |
| Influenced by: | Diego Velázquez, Rembrandt, nature |
| Influenced: | Pablo Picasso, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas |
Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas was a French painter born in Paris in 1834 known for his depictions of modern life, particularly the world of ballet and dance. Degas initially trained in the academic style but later became interested in the Impressionist movement, which he helped to found. He was known for his innovative use of composition and his ability to capture movement and light in his paintings, which often featured dancers in various poses and stages of rehearsal or performance. Degas also experimented with other mediums such as pastels, sculpture, and printmaking. Despite his association with the Impressionist movement, he considered himself a realist and often painted scenes from everyday life, including cafes, racecourses, and laundresses at work. Degas continued to paint and create until his death, leaving behind a body of work that remains highly influential in the history of art.
| Born: | July 19, 1834, Paris, France |
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| Died: | September 27, 1917, Paris, France, Age 83 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art, Realism, Neoclassicism, Abstract impressionism |
| Influenced by: | Monet, Manet |
| Influenced: | Cassatt |
Peter Doig
Peter Doig is a contemporary Scottish painter known for his dreamlike and atmospheric landscapes that are often infused with a sense of nostalgia and mystery. Born in Edinburgh in 1959, Doig studied art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. His most famous works include paintings of snow-covered forests, lakes, and mountains that are characterized by their loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a sense of otherworldliness. Doig’s works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of memory, place, and identity. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Romanticism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Caspar David Friedrich and Edvard Munch. Doig has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | 1959, Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Contemporary, Magical Realism, Figurative art |
| Influenced by: | Gustav Klimt, Edvard Munch, Claude Monet |
Marlene Dumas
Marlene Dumas is a contemporary South African artist known for her figurative paintings that explore themes related to gender, race, and identity. Born in Cape Town in 1953, Dumas studied art in South Africa and later in the Netherlands before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. Her most famous works include portraits of people in a range of emotional states that are characterized by their gestural brushstrokes, limited color palette, and a sense of ambiguity and vulnerability. Dumas’ works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of contemporary society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism and Conceptual Art, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Francis Bacon and Edvard Munch. Dumas has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | August 3, 1953, Cape Town, South Africa, Age 69 |
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| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Influenced by: | Edvard Munch, Francis Bacon and Alice Neel |
Lucian Michael Freud
Lucian Michael Freud was a British painter and draughtsman known for his realist style of painting, which depicted the human form in a highly detailed and often unflattering manner. Born in Berlin in 1922, Freud was the grandson of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. He studied art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1950s. His most famous works include portraits and nudes that are characterized by their intense, psychological quality and a sense of raw, unvarnished realism. Freud’s works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complexities of the human condition. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Francis Bacon and Édouard Manet. Freud was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He passed away in 2011, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | December 8, 1922, Berlin, Germany |
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| Died: | July 20, 2011, London, United Kingdom, Age 88 |
| Periods: | Expressionism, Surrealism, Contemporary art, Modern art, Realism |
| Influenced by: | Surrealist artists, Francis Bacon |
| Influenced: | Liu Xiaodong |
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin was a French Post-Impressionist painter who is best known for his vivid use of color and his exploration of themes related to exoticism, spirituality, and the primitive. Born in Paris in 1848, Gauguin began his career as a stockbroker before turning to art. He spent much of his life traveling and working in Tahiti and other parts of the South Pacific, where he was inspired by the local culture and developed his distinctive style. Gauguin’s most famous works include “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” and “The Yellow Christ,” which depicted religious and mythological subjects in a bold and vibrant style. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works often reflected his interest in the decorative arts. Despite his success as an artist, Gauguin struggled with financial and personal difficulties throughout his life, and he died in 1903 at the age of 54. He left behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the Post-Impressionist era.
| Born: | June 7, 1848, Paris, France |
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| Died: | May 8, 1903, Atuona, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia, Age 54 |
| Periods: | Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Modern art, Primitivism, Synthetism |
| Full name: | Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin |
| Influenced by: | Paul Cézanne |
| Influenced: | Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Fauvism, Cubism, and Orphism among others. |
Adrian Ghenie
Adrian Ghenie is a contemporary Romanian painter known for his haunting and powerful works that explore themes related to history, memory, and identity. Born in Baia Mare, Romania in 1977, Ghenie studied art in Cluj-Napoca before moving to Berlin and then to London, where he currently lives and works. His most famous works include large-scale paintings that incorporate a range of materials and techniques, including oil paint, enamel, and collage. Ghenie’s paintings often feature historical figures, such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, and explore the complex and often contradictory legacies of these figures. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism, Surrealism, and the work of Francis Bacon. Ghenie has been the subject of several solo exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | August 13, 1977, Baia Mare, Romania |
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| Periods: | Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism |
| Full name: | Adrian Ghenie |
| Influenced by: | J.M.W. Turner, van Gogh, Gauguin |
Philip Guston
Philip Guston was an American painter and printmaker known for his distinctive style that combined elements of Abstract Expressionism and figuration. Born in Montreal in 1913, Guston studied art in Los Angeles before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1950s. His most famous works include paintings of cartoonish figures, shoes, and other everyday objects that are characterized by their bold, gestural brushstrokes, and a sense of humor and irony. Guston’s works challenge traditional ideas about abstraction and representation and explore the complexities of the human condition. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline. Guston was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 1980, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | June 27, 1913, Montreal, Canada |
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| Died: | June 7, 1980, Woodstock, NY, Age 66 |
| Periods: | Abstract Expressionism, Modern art, Figurative art, Neo-expressionism, Social realism |
| Influenced by: | Cezanne and Mondrian |
| Influenced: | Brian Calvin |
Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst is a contemporary British artist known for his provocative and often controversial works that challenge established norms and conventions. Born in Bristol in 1965, Hirst first gained attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement. His most famous works include installations, sculptures, and paintings that explore themes related to life, death, and the human condition. Hirst is perhaps best known for his use of animals and animal parts in his works, such as his installation of a shark suspended in formaldehyde. Hirst’s works are characterized by their boldness, shock value, and sense of spectacle, and he is often considered a master of the contemporary art world. Despite his success, Hirst has been criticized for being too commercial and for his apparent lack of concern for traditional artistic values. He continues to create works that challenge and inspire viewers around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
| Born: | June 7, 1965, Bristol, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Contemporary art, Young British Artists |
| Full name: | Damien Steven Hirst, Born Damien Steven Brennan |
| Influenced by: | Jeff Koons, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Bacon, Sex Pistols |
David Hockney
David Hockney is a British artist known for his colorful and vibrant works that explore themes related to identity, sexuality, and popular culture. Born in Yorkshire in 1937, Hockney studied at the Royal College of Art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure of the Pop Art movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include paintings of swimming pools, portraits, and landscapes that are characterized by their bold colors, strong lines, and graphic compositions. Hockney is also a skilled printmaker and has produced many works in this medium. In addition to his work as an artist, Hockney is also an accomplished photographer and stage designer. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. Hockney continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | July 9, 1937, Bradford, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art, Cubism |
| Influenced by: | Salvador Dali |
| Influenced: | Brian Calvin |
Jasper Johns
Jasper Johns is an American artist known for his influential contributions to the development of Pop Art and Minimalism. Born in Georgia in 1930, Johns studied art in South Carolina before moving to New York City in the 1950s. His most famous works include paintings, sculptures, and prints that incorporate familiar images and symbols, such as flags, targets, and numbers. Johns’ works are characterized by their simplicity, repetition, and use of everyday objects, and they often challenge traditional ideas about representation and abstraction. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and Dada, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Robert Rauschenberg. Johns has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | May 15, 1930, Augusta, GA |
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| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art, Abstract expressionism, Neo-Dada |
| Influenced by: | Salvador Dali |
| Influenced: | Ai Weiwei |
| Age: | 92 |
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter born in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico in 1907, known for her vibrant self-portraits and depiction of Mexican culture and tradition. Kahlo suffered a severe injury in a bus accident when she was 18, which left her with chronic pain and physical limitations for the rest of her life. During her recovery, she began to paint and her works were noticed by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera, whom she later married. Kahlo’s paintings often depicted her physical and emotional pain, as well as her Mexican heritage and political views. She was a feminist and an advocate for indigenous and working-class people. Kahlo’s unique style blended elements of Surrealism, folk art, and traditional Mexican art. Despite struggling with ill health throughout her life, Kahlo continued to paint and create until her death. Today, she is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century, particularly for her contributions to feminist art.
| Born: | July 6, 1907, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico |
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| Died: | July 13, 1954, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico, Age 47 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Modern art, Cubism, Magical Realism, Symbolism |
| Full name: | Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón |
| Influenced by: | Picasso, Max Jacob, Marcel Duchamp, and her indigenous Mexican culture |
Anselm Kiefer
Anselm Kiefer is a German contemporary artist known for his large-scale paintings and sculptures that explore themes related to memory, history, and identity. Born in Donaueschingen, Germany in 1945, Kiefer studied art in Germany before moving to France in the late 1960s. His most famous works include paintings that incorporate a range of materials, such as lead, straw, and ash, and sculptures that explore themes related to German history and mythology. Kiefer’s works are characterized by their complexity, depth, and emotional intensity, and he is often considered a master of the neo-expressionist movement. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, Conceptual Art, and Land Art. Kiefer has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | March 8, 1945, Donaueschingen, Germany |
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| Age: | 77 |
| Period: | Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism |
| Influenced by: | Georg Baselitz, and postwar tendencies in Abstract Expressionism and Conceptual art |
Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter and one of the most prominent figures of the Viennese Art Nouveau movement. Born in Vienna in 1862, Klimt studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts, where he developed his unique style that combined elements of symbolism, Art Nouveau, and the Viennese Secession. He was particularly known for his sensual and decorative depictions of the female form, often incorporating gold leaf and decorative motifs into his paintings. Klimt’s most famous works include “The Kiss” and “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” which sold for a record-breaking sum in 2006. Klimt was also a skilled muralist and his works can be seen in public buildings throughout Vienna. He died in 1918, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the Art Nouveau movement and a symbol of the cultural richness of fin-de-siècle Vienna.
| Born: | July 14, 1862, Baumgarten, Vienna, Austria |
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| Died: | February 6, 1918, Vienna, Austria, Age 55 |
| Periods: | Art Nouveau, Vienna Secession, Symbolism, Modern art |
| Influenced by: | The Vienna avant-garde society and Japanese art and its methods |
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is a contemporary Japanese artist known for her multidisciplinary works that explore themes related to infinity, patterns, and the concept of self-obliteration. Born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929, Kusama studied art in Tokyo before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1960s. Her most famous works include installations, sculptures, and paintings incorporating a range of materials, such as mirrors, neon lights, and polka dots, and often invite viewer participation and engagement. Kusama’s works challenge traditional ideas about art and its presentation and explore the ways in which the viewer’s experience and perception of art can be altered and manipulated. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Minimalism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Claes Oldenburg and Andy Warhol. Kusama has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly sought after by collectors. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | March 22, 1929 | ||
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| Period: | Pop art, surrealism, abstract expressionism, minimalism, feminist art, environmental art. Age 94 | ||
| Influenced by: | American Abstract impressionism | ||
| Influenced: | Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg |
Roy Lichtenstein
Roy Lichtenstein was an American artist and leading figure of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Born in New York City in 1923, Lichtenstein studied art in Ohio and later returned to New York to teach at Rutgers University. His most famous works appropriated images from popular culture, such as comic books, advertisements, and newspapers, and transformed them into large-scale paintings that were characterized by their bold colors and Ben-Day dot patterns. Lichtenstein’s most iconic works include “Whaam!” and “Drowning Girl,” which depict scenes from comic books in a style that is both playful and ironic. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works often incorporated a range of materials and techniques. Lichtenstein died in 1997 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and subversion of traditional art forms.
| Born: | October 27, 1923, Manhattan, New York, NY |
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| Died: | September 29, 1997, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, Age 73 |
| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art, Abstract expressionism |
| Full name: | Roy Fox Lichtenstein |
| Influenced by: | Rembrandt, Vermeer and Picasso |
Rene Magritte
René Magritte was a Belgian surrealist artist known for his witty and thought-provoking paintings that challenged conventional notions of reality and perception. Born in Lessines, Belgium in 1898, Magritte studied art in Brussels before joining the Surrealist movement in Paris in the 1920s. His most famous works include “The Treachery of Images,” which features a painting of a pipe with the words “Ceci n’est pas une pipe” (“This is not a pipe”) written underneath, and “The Son of Man,” which depicts a man in a suit with an apple obscuring his face. Magritte’s paintings often juxtaposed familiar objects in unexpected ways, creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity. He was also a skilled printmaker and created many works in this medium. Magritte died in Brussels in 1967 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential surrealist artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and challenge viewers today.
| Born: | November 21, 1898, Lessines, Belgium |
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| Died: | August 15, 1967, Rue des Mimosas, Schaerbeek, Belgium, Age 68 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Dada work, Modern art |
| Full name: | René François Ghislain Magritte |
| Influenced by: | Sigmund Freud |
| Influenced: | Stefano |
Edouard Manet
Édouard Manet was a French painter born in Paris in 1832 and one of the pioneers of modern art. He was heavily influenced by Spanish painters such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya, as well as by the Realist movement. Manet’s early works caused controversy due to their realistic depictions of modern life, often featuring nude or partially dressed women in non-traditional poses. He rejected the academic style of painting and instead embraced a more spontaneous and impressionistic approach, using bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. Manet’s most famous works include “Olympia” and “Déjeuner sur l’herbe,” which challenged traditional notions of beauty and propriety in art. Despite criticism from the art establishment, Manet continued to push boundaries throughout his career, paving the way for later movements such as Impressionism and Fauvism. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 19th century.
| Born: | November 21, 1898, Lessines, Belgium |
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| Died: | August 15, 1967, Rue des Mimosas, Schaerbeek, Belgium, Age 68 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Dada work, Modern art |
| Full name: | René François Ghislain Magritte |
| Influenced by: | Sigmund Freud |
| Influenced: | Stefano |
Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker known for his vibrant use of color and his pioneering role in the Fauvist movement. Born in 1869 in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France, Matisse began his artistic career studying law before turning to art. He was influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, but his style evolved to become more abstract and expressive. Matisse’s works often depicted scenes of everyday life and nature, but his use of color and form conveyed an emotional depth and vitality. He was also known for his cut-out paper works, which he created late in life when he was unable to paint due to poor health. Matisse continued to innovate and experiment throughout his career, and his work had a profound influence on later generations of artists. He died in 1954 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
| Born: | December 31, 1869, Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France |
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| Died: | November 3, 1954, Nice, France, Age 84 |
| Periods: | Fauvism, Impressionism, Post- and Neo-Impressionism, Modernism, Modern art |
| Full name: | Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse |
| Influenced by: | Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, and Paul Cézanne |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Michelangelo
Michelangelo was an Italian artist, sculptor, and architect who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time. Born in 1475 in Caprese, Italy, Michelangelo showed an early talent for art and was apprenticed to a prominent painter before turning to sculpture. His most famous works include the sculpture “David” and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which depict scenes from the Bible and the classical world in a style that is both grand and highly emotional. Michelangelo’s work was characterized by his mastery of anatomy and his ability to create highly expressive figures that conveyed a sense of spiritual and emotional intensity. He was also a skilled architect, and his works in this field include the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Michelangelo died in 1564 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest artists and thinkers of the Renaissance. His works continue to inspire and awe viewers to this day.
| Born: | March 6, 1475, Caprese Michelangelo, Italy |
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| Died: | February 18, 1564, Rome, Italy, Age 88 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, High Renaissance |
| Full name: | Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni |
| Influenced: | Raphael, Peter Paul Rubens |
Piet Mondrian
Piet Mondrian was a Dutch painter known for his pioneering contributions to the development of abstract art, particularly in the field of geometric abstraction. Born in the Netherlands in 1872, Mondrian studied art in Amsterdam before establishing himself as a leading figure in the European avant-garde in the early 20th century. His most famous works include paintings composed of grids of horizontal and vertical lines, filled with primary colors and neutrals, that are characterized by their simple, geometric forms and a sense of balance and harmony. Mondrian’s works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the universal principles of rhythm, proportion, and harmony. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Cubism and the De Stijl movement, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Theo van Doesburg. Mondrian was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works continue to be highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 1944, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | March 7, 1872, Amersfoort, Netherlands |
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| Died: | February 1, 1944, New York, NY, Age 71 |
| Periods: | Cubism, Modern art, Expressionism, Impressionism, Modernism, Abstract art |
| Full name: | Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan, Jr. |
| Influenced by: | Pablo Picasso, Theo van Doesburg, Georges Braque, Diego Rivera |
Claude Monet
Claude Monet was a French painter born in Paris in 1840 and one of the founders of the Impressionist movement. He showed an early talent for art and began studying under established artists at a young age. He became known for his en plein air (outdoor) paintings, capturing the changing light and atmosphere of his surroundings in vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes. Monet’s most famous works include his series of water lilies, which he painted in his garden at Giverny, as well as his depictions of the Rouen Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament in London. Throughout his career, Monet continued to experiment with color and technique, breaking away from traditional forms of representation and paving the way for modern art. He died in 1926 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 19th and 20th centuries.
| Born: | November 14, 1840, Rue Laffitte, Paris, France |
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| Died: | December 5, 1926, Giverny, France, Age 86 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art |
| Full name: | Oscar-Claude Monet |
| Influenced by: | Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir |
| Influenced: | Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol |
Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter and printmaker born in 1863 known for his emotionally charged and psychologically introspective works. Munch’s early life was marked by tragedy and illness, which would later become major themes in his art. He studied at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania (now Oslo) before traveling to Paris, where he was exposed to the work of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Munch’s most famous work, “The Scream,” has become an iconic symbol of modern anxiety and existential dread. He continued to explore these themes throughout his career, creating haunting and evocative images that often blended realism with symbolism and expressionism. Munch died at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the early 20th century.
| Born: | December 12, 1863, Ådalsbruk, Norway |
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| Died: | January 23, 1944, Oslo, Norway, 80 |
| Periods: | Expressionism, Modern art, Symbolism, Impressionism, Realism, Post-Impressionism |
| Full name: | Edvard Daniel Jon Hans Einar Erling Munch |
| Influenced by: | Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh |
| Influenced: | Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol |
Wangechi Mutu
Wangechi Mutu is a contemporary Kenyan-American artist known for her multidisciplinary works that explore themes related to identity, gender, and politics. Born in Nairobi in 1972, Mutu studied art in Kenya and later in the United States before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 2000s. Her most famous works include mixed media collages and sculptures that incorporate a range of materials, such as found objects, paper, and paint, and often explore the intersections between African and Western culture. Mutu’s works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complexities of contemporary society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Afrofuturism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Hannah Höch and Kara Walker. Mutu has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art.
| Born: | June 22, 1972, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Inspired by: | Tina Turner, Nina Simone, Josephine Baker |
Alice Neel
Alice Neel was an American painter known for her portraits of people, particularly those from her own circle of friends and acquaintances. Born in Pennsylvania in 1900, Neel moved to New York City in the 1930s and became associated with the city’s artistic and intellectual circles. Her most famous works include portraits of artists, writers, and activists, such as Andy Warhol, Frank O’Hara, and Angela Davis. Neel’s paintings are characterized by their bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and psychological insight into her subjects. She was also known for her willingness to tackle controversial subjects, such as racism, sexism, and poverty. Despite facing many challenges and setbacks over the course of her career, Neel continued to paint and produce works until her death in 1984 at the age of 84. Today, she is regarded as one of the most important and influential portrait painters of the 20th century, and her works continue to inspire and captivate viewers.
| Born: | January 28, 1900, Gladwyne, PA |
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| Died: | October 13, 1984, New York, Age 84 |
| Period: | Social Realism |
| Influenced by: | Robert Henri |
Jim Nutt
Jim Nutt is a contemporary American artist known for his figurative paintings and drawings that incorporate elements of Surrealism and Pop Art. Born in Illinois in 1938, Nutt studied art in Chicago before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Chicago Imagist movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include paintings of stylized faces and bodies that are characterized by their bright colors, graphic compositions, and a sense of psychological tension. Nutt’s works often explore themes related to identity, gender, and sexuality, and he is known for his ability to infuse his works with humor and wit. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Pop Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as René Magritte and Roy Lichtenstein. Nutt has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | November 28, 1938, Pittsfield, MA |
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| Age: | 84 |
| Period: | Surrealism |
| Full name: | James T. Nutt |
| Influenced by: | African and American Indian art, Surrealism, and Expressionism |
Albert Oehlen
Albert Oehlen is a German contemporary artist known for his experimental and innovative works that challenge traditional notions of painting. Born in Krefeld, Germany in 1954, Oehlen studied art in Hamburg and later became associated with the Cologne art scene of the 1980s. His most famous works include large-scale abstract paintings that incorporate a range of techniques and materials, including oil paint, spray paint, and digital manipulation. Oehlen’s paintings often feature bold colors and expressive brushstrokes that convey a sense of energy and movement. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and punk rock. Oehlen has been the subject of several solo exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | September 17, 1954, Krefeld, Germany |
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| Age: | 68 |
| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Influenced by: | Georg Baselitz and Gerhard Richter. De Kooning and the Abstract Expressionist generation |
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and printmaker who is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Born in Malaga in 1881, Picasso showed an early talent for art and went on to study in Barcelona and Paris. He was a key figure in the development of the Cubist movement, which sought to deconstruct and reassemble forms in a new way. Picasso’s most famous works include “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and “Guernica,” which are celebrated for their innovation and their powerful social and political commentary. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works in these mediums are highly sought after by collectors. Picasso was a prolific artist who continued to innovate and experiment throughout his long career, which spanned nearly eight decades. He died in 1973 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the modern era.
| Born: | October 25, 1881, Málaga, Spain |
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| Died: | April 8, 1973, Mougins, France, Age 91 |
| Periods: | Cubism, Surrealism, Modern art, Picasso’s Blue Period |
| Full name: | Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso |
| Influenced by: | Paul Cézanne and Henri Rousseau, and archaic and tribal art |
Richard Prince
Richard Prince is a contemporary American artist known for his conceptual works that explore themes related to American popular culture, consumerism, and identity. Born in the United States in 1949, Prince studied art in New York City before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1980s. His most famous works include photographs of advertisements, magazine covers, and other images from popular media that are often rephotographed, manipulated, and presented in new contexts. Prince’s works challenge traditional ideas about authorship and originality and explore the complexities of contemporary society. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Appropriation Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Andy Warhol and Sherrie Levine. Prince has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | August 6, 1949, Panama Canal Zone, U.S. |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Influenced by: | Jackson Pollack |
Raphael
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael’s most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican’s Stanza della Segnatura, such as “The School of Athens” and “The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament,” which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
| Born: | 1483, Urbino, Italy |
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| Died: | April 6, 1520, Rome, Italy, Age 37 |
| Period: | Renaissance, High Renaissance and Italian Renaissance |
| Full name: | Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino |
| Influenced by: | Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Francisco de Goya |
Rembrandt
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael’s most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican’s Stanza della Segnatura, such as “The School of Athens” and “The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament,” which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
| Born: | July 15, 1606, Leiden, Netherlands |
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| Died: | October 4, 1669, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Age 63 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Baroque painting, Dutch Golden Age |
| Full name: | Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn |
| Influenced by: | Italian masters and Netherlandish artists who had studied in Italy, and Peter Paul Rubens |
| Influenced: | Vincent van Gogh, Manet |
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael’s most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican’s Stanza della Segnatura, such as “The School of Athens” and “The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament,” which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
| Born: | February 25, 1841, Limoges, France |
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| Died: | December 3, 1919, Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, Age 78 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art |
| Notable Works: | “Luncheon of the Boating Party,” “Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette,” portraits of Jeanne Samary and Guy de Maupassant |
| Style: | Bright and colorful paintings with loose brushwork and emphasis on light and atmosphere |
| Legacy: | Considered one of the greatest Impressionist painters of all time |
Gerhard Richter
Gerhard Richter is a German contemporary artist known for his diverse body of work that includes abstract and photorealistic paintings, prints, and photographs. Born in Dresden in 1932, Richter studied art in East Germany before moving to West Germany in the 1960s. His most famous works include abstract paintings that are characterized by their blurred edges and muted colors, and photorealistic paintings that depict everyday objects and scenes. Richter’s works often explore themes related to memory, history, and representation, and he is known for his ability to push the boundaries of artistic conventions. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Conceptual Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Richter has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | February 9, 1932, Dresden, Germany |
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| Periods: | Abstract art, photo realism, conceptual art, capitalist realism |
| Influenced by: | Jackson Pollack and Lucio Fontana |
| Influenced: | Christopher Wool |
Henri Rousseau
Henri Rousseau, also known as Le Douanier (“the customs officer”), was a French painter known for his vibrant and imaginative jungle scenes. Born in 1844 in Laval, France, Rousseau worked as a toll collector for most of his life, painting in his free time. He was a self-taught artist who was heavily influenced by the Post-Impressionists and the works of the Primitivist movement. Rousseau’s paintings often depicted exotic animals and plants, despite the fact that he never traveled outside of France. His works were characterized by their vivid colors, flattened perspectives, and dreamlike quality. Rousseau was initially ridiculed by the Parisian art establishment, but he eventually gained recognition and became a respected member of the avant-garde. He died in 1910 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most original and influential artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
| Born: | May 21, 1844, Laval, France |
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| Died: | September 2, 1910, Necker–Enfants Malades Hospital, Age 66 |
| Periods: | Naïve art, Post-Impressionism, Primitivism |
| Full name: | Henri Julien Félix Rousseau |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Peter Paul Rubens
Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish Baroque painter known for his dynamic and exuberant style, which featured dramatic poses, rich colors, and muscular figures. Born in Siegen, Germany in 1577, Rubens grew up in Antwerp, Belgium and studied in Italy. His most famous works include large-scale religious and mythological paintings, such as “The Descent from the Cross” and “The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus,” which were characterized by their theatricality and energy. Rubens was also a skilled portraitist and produced many portraits of members of the European aristocracy. His works were highly influential and inspired later artists such as Rembrandt and Diego Velázquez. In addition to his work as a painter, Rubens was also an art collector and diplomat, and he served as a court painter for the Spanish Habsburgs. He died in Antwerp in 1640 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Baroque era.
| Born: | June 28, 1577, Siegen, Germany |
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| Died: | May 30, 1640, Antwerp, Belgium, Age 62 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Antwerp school |
| Influenced by: | Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci |
| Influenced: | Diego Velázquez |
Jenny Saville
Jenny Saville is a contemporary British artist known for her powerful and often visceral paintings that explore themes related to the human body, identity, and beauty. Born in Cambridge in 1970, Saville studied at the Glasgow School of Art before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world. Her most famous works include large-scale paintings of nude bodies that are characterized by their thick, impastoed paint and dramatic, gestural brushstrokes. Saville’s works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complex relationship between the body and society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and the works of artists such as Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon. Saville has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | May 7, 1970, Cambridge, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Contemporary art, Young British Artists |
| Full name: | Jennifer Anne Saville |
| Influenced by: | Diego Velázquez, Rembrandt and William de Kooning |
Georges-Pierre Seurat
Georges-Pierre Seurat was a French painter born in Paris in 1859 and the founder of the Neo-Impressionist movement, also known as Pointillism. Seurat was influenced by the Impressionist painters but sought to create a more structured and scientific approach to painting. His most famous work, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” is a large-scale painting that depicts a scene of leisure and social class in Paris. Seurat’s technique involved the use of small dots of color, which he believed would create a more vibrant and luminous effect than traditional brushwork. His work was highly influential on later artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Signac. Seurat died at the young age of 31, leaving behind a small but influential body of work that continues to inspire artists to this day.
| Born: | December 2, 1859, Paris, France |
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| Died: | March 29, 1891, Paris, France, Age 31 |
| Periods: | Pointillism, Post-Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, Modern art, Divisionism |
| Influenced by: | Studying the works of early Italian and 17th-century French artists in the Louvre |
| Influenced: | Vincent Van Gogh |
David Shrigley
David Shrigley is a contemporary Scottish artist known for his playful and often irreverent works that combine drawing, sculpture, and text. Born in Macclesfield, England in 1968, Shrigley studied at the Glasgow School of Art before establishing himself as a leading figure in the British contemporary art scene in the 1990s. His most famous works include cartoons, sculptures, and installations that explore themes related to humor, language, and absurdity. Shrigley’s works are characterized by their simplicity, humor, and sense of whimsy, and he often uses humor to address serious or difficult subjects. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Dada, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp. Shrigley has been the subject of several exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | September 17, 1968, Macclesfield, United Kingdom |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Influenced by: | René Magritte |
| Influenced: |
Rudolf Stingel
Rudolf Stingel is a contemporary Italian artist known for his conceptual works that explore themes related to materiality, perception, and memory. Born in Merano, Italy in 1956, Stingel studied art in Vienna before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. His most famous works include installations and paintings that incorporate a range of materials, such as carpet, paint, and gold leaf, and often invite viewer participation and engagement. Stingel’s works challenge traditional ideas about art and its presentation and explore the ways in which the viewer’s experience and perception of art can be altered and manipulated. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Minimalism and Conceptual Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Dan Flavin and Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Stingel has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | June 17, 1931, National City, CA |
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| Died: | January 2, 2020 Venice, Los Angeles, CA, Age 88 |
| Period: | Contemporary Art |
| Full name: | John Anthony Baldessari |
| Influenced by: | Marcel Duchamp |
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-Impressionist painter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in 1853 in the Netherlands, van Gogh struggled to find his calling until he discovered painting. His most famous works include “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers,” which are characterized by their bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes. Van Gogh was also known for his use of light and his ability to convey a sense of emotion and mood in his paintings. He suffered from mental illness throughout his life and was hospitalized on several occasions, but he continued to paint and produce works until his death in 1890 at the age of 37. Despite his short career, van Gogh left behind a legacy as one of the most influential and innovative artists of the Post-Impressionist era, and his works continue to inspire and captivate viewers today.
| Born: | March 30, 1853, Zundert, Netherlands |
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| Died: | July 29, 1890, Auvers-sur-Oise, France, Age 37 |
| Periods: | Post-Impressionism, Pointillism, Neo-Impressionism |
| Full name: | Vincent Willem van Gogh |
| Influenced by: | Gaugin |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Jan van Eyck
Jan van Eyck was a Flemish painter of the 15th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the Northern Renaissance. Born in Maaseik, Belgium, van Eyck trained as a painter in the workshop of his older brother, Hubert. He is known for his attention to detail and his skillful use of light and shadow, which gave his works a sense of realism and depth. Van Eyck’s most famous works include “The Ghent Altarpiece” and “The Arnolfini Portrait,” which depicted religious subjects and scenes of everyday life in exquisite detail. He was also known for his pioneering use of oil paint, which allowed him to create subtle variations in color and texture. Van Eyck’s influence on the history of art is immeasurable, and his work had a profound impact on later artists such as Albrecht Dürer and the Dutch Masters.
| Born: | 1390, Maaseik, Belgium |
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| Died: | July 9, 1441, Bruges, Belgium, Age 51 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Northern Renaissance |
| Influenced: | Grant Wood |
Diego Velazquez
Diego Velázquez was a Spanish painter of the 17th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important artists in the history of Western art. Velázquez began his artistic career as a painter of religious works before gaining recognition for his portraits of members of the Spanish royal court. His most famous work, “Las Meninas,” is considered a masterpiece of Western art and showcases his skill in depicting space, light, and the complexities of human relationships. Velázquez’s paintings are characterized by their realism and his ability to capture the individuality of his subjects. He was also known for his use of loose brushstrokes and subtle tonal variations, which had a profound influence on later generations of artists. Velázquez died at the height of his career, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Spanish Golden Age.
| Born: | June 6, 1599, Seville, Spain |
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| Died: | August 6, 1660, Madrid, Spain, Age 61 |
| Period: | Baroque |
| Full name: | Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez |
| Influenced: | Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Édouard Manet |
Johannes Vermeer
Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter of the 17th century and is considered one of the greatest artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Born in Delft in 1632, Vermeer spent his entire career in his hometown, where he produced only a small number of works. His paintings are known for their masterful use of light and color, which created a sense of intimacy and serenity. Vermeer’s most famous works include “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” “The Milkmaid,” and “The Art of Painting,” which depicted scenes of daily life and portraits of women. He was also known for his attention to detail and his use of perspective, which created a sense of depth and spatial realism in his works. Despite his relative obscurity during his lifetime, Vermeer’s paintings have had a lasting impact on the history of art and continue to be admired for their beauty and technical skill. He died in 1675 at the age of 43, leaving behind a small but influential body of work.
| Born: | 1632, Delft, Netherlands |
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| Died: | December 1675, Delft, Netherlands, Age 43 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Dutch Golden Age, Baroque painting |
| Influenced: | Salvador Dali |
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was an American artist and leading figure of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Born in Pittsburgh in 1928, Warhol began his career as a commercial illustrator before establishing himself as a fine artist. His most famous works include paintings of Campbell’s Soup cans and images of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and other celebrities. Warhol’s works were characterized by their bold colors, repetition, and use of mass-produced images from popular culture. He was also a skilled printmaker and produced many works in this medium. Warhol’s studio, The Factory, became a hub for artists, musicians, and celebrities, and he was known for his avant-garde approach to art and life. Warhol died in 1987 at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and challenge viewers today.
| Born: | August 6, 1928, Pittsburgh, PA |
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| Died: | February 22, 1987, New York, NY, Age 58 |
| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art |
| Full name: | Andrew Warhola |
| Influenced: | Jean-Michel Basquiat, Takashi Murakami |
Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei is a contemporary Chinese artist and activist known for his provocative and politically charged works. Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals and studied art in New York City. His most famous works include installations, sculptures, and photographs that critique Chinese government policies and address human rights issues. Ai has been involved in several high-profile controversies, including his arrest and detention by Chinese authorities in 2011. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to his work as an artist, Ai is also a social media influencer and has used his platform to raise awareness of social and political issues. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and has won many awards for his work, including the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award. Ai continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art and activism.
| Born: | August 28, 1957, Beijing, China |
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| Period: | Excessivism |
| Influenced by: | His father, Marcel Duchamp and Jasper Johns |
Whistler
James Abbott McNeill Whistler was an American-born artist who spent most of his career in Europe and is known for his contributions to the Aesthetic movement and his skillful use of color and light in his paintings. Born in Massachusetts in 1834, Whistler trained in Paris before settling in London in 1859. His most famous works include “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1” (also known as “Whistler’s Mother”) and “Nocturne in Black and Gold,” which depict quiet, contemplative scenes in a style that is both elegant and understated. Whistler was also a skilled printmaker and produced many etchings and lithographs over the course of his career. He was a controversial figure in the art world and was involved in several lawsuits and public disputes, including a famous case with art critic John Ruskin. Whistler died in London in 1903 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of his time.
| Born: | July 11, 1834, Lowell, MA |
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| Died: | July 17, 1903, London, United Kingdom, Age 69 |
| Periods: | Modern art, Aestheticism, Tonalism |
| Full name: | James Abbott McNeill Whistler |
| Influenced by: | Édouard Manet |
Kehinde Wiley
Kehinde Wiley is a contemporary American artist known for his large-scale, figurative paintings that depict people of color in classical poses and settings. Born in California in 1977, Wiley studied art in San Francisco and later in New York City. His most famous works include portraits that reimagine classical European paintings by replacing their subjects with black or brown people, often dressed in contemporary clothing. Wiley’s works are characterized by their bright, bold colors, intricate patterns, and detailed backgrounds, and they challenge traditional ideas about power, beauty, and representation. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Hip-Hop culture, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as John Singer Sargent and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Wiley has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | February 28, 1977, Los Angeles, CA |
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| Period: | Renaissance, Dutch Golden Age, Baroque, and Neoclassical painting |
| Influenced by: | Portraiture and frescos, particularly the work of Venetian painters such as Titian and Giambattista Tiepolo, and French Rococo painting, Islamic architecture, African textile design, contemporary fashion, and urban hip hop |
Grant Wood
Grant Wood was an American painter known for his depictions of rural life in the Midwest and his role in the Regionalist movement. Born in Iowa in 1891, Wood studied art in the United States and Europe before returning to his home state to focus on painting the landscape and people of the American heartland. His most famous work, “American Gothic,” depicts a stern-looking couple standing in front of a farmhouse and has become an iconic image of American culture. Wood’s style blended realism with an idealized view of rural life, emphasizing the dignity and hard work of Midwestern farmers. He was also a skilled printmaker and muralist. Despite his success, Wood remained committed to his Midwestern roots and continued to paint scenes of rural life until his death. Today, he is considered one of the most important American artists of the 20th century.
| Born: | February 13, 1891, Anamosa, IA |
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| Died: | February 12, 1942, Iowa City, IA, Age 50 |
| Periods: | Regionalism, Modern art, Social realism |
| Full name: | Grant DeVolson Wood |
| Influenced by: | Jan van Eyck, and various German and Flemish masters of the 15th and 16th centuries |
Liu Xiaodong
Liu Xiaodong is a contemporary Chinese artist known for his figurative paintings that explore themes related to identity, globalization, and social change. Born in Liaoning, China in 1963, Liu studied art in Beijing before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Chinese contemporary art scene in the 1990s. His most famous works include large-scale paintings of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, often in real-life settings, that are characterized by their intense, emotional quality and dynamic brushstrokes. Liu’s works often challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of contemporary society. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism and Realism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Liu has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | November 17, 1963, Jinzhou, China |
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| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Influenced by: | Lucian Freud |
Lisa Yuskavage
Lisa Yuskavage is a contemporary American artist known for her provocative and sensual paintings that explore themes related to gender, sexuality, and the female body. Born in Pennsylvania in 1962, Yuskavage studied art in New York City before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. Her most famous works include figurative paintings of women that are characterized by their vibrant colors, dreamlike settings, and a sense of ambiguity and eroticism. Yuskavage’s works challenge traditional ideas about femininity and beauty, and she is known for her ability to infuse her paintings with a sense of both innocence and subversion. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Pop Art, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Edvard Munch. Yuskavage has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly sought after by collectors. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | May 16, 1962, Philadelphia, PA |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Influenced by: | Giovanni Bellini, Johannes Vermeer and Edgar Degas |
John Baldessari
John Baldessari was an American conceptual artist known for his work in photography, painting, and text-based art. Born in California in 1931, Baldessari studied art in San Diego before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Conceptual Art movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include photographs that incorporate text, paintings that challenge traditional ideas about representation, and sculptures that explore themes related to language and communication. Baldessari’s works are characterized by their wit, humor, and use of appropriation, and he is known for his ability to challenge established artistic conventions. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Minimalism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol. Baldessari was the recipient of numerous awards and honors during his lifetime and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 2020, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | June 17, 1931, National City, CA |
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| Died: | January 2, 2020 Venice, Los Angeles, CA, Age 88 |
| Period: | Contemporary Art |
| Full name: | John Anthony Baldessari |
| Influenced by: | Marcel Duchamp |
Balthus
Balthasar Klossowski de Rola, known as Balthus, was a French painter known for his highly controversial and often provocative works that explored themes related to eroticism and adolescence. Born in Paris in 1908, Balthus was raised in a family of artists and began his career as a painter in the 1920s. His most famous works include figurative paintings that depict young girls in various stages of undress or contemplation. Balthus’ works are characterized by their sense of tension, ambiguity, and a heightened realism. Although his works were highly regarded by some, they were also heavily criticized for their apparent voyeurism and sexualization of young girls. Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Balthus continued to paint and produce works until his death in 2001 at the age of 92. Today, he is regarded as one of the most important and influential painters of the 20th century, and his works continue to inspire and challenge viewers.
| Born: | June 17, 1931, National City, CA |
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| Died: | January 2, 2020 Venice, Los Angeles, CA, Age 88 |
| Period: | Contemporary Art |
| Full name: | John Anthony Baldessari |
| Influenced by: | Marcel Duchamp |
Banksy
Banksy
Banksy is a pseudonymous British street artist known for his provocative and politically charged works that challenge established norms and conventions. Banksy's identity is unknown, but he first emerged in the early 2000s as a graffiti artist in Bristol, England. His most famous works include murals, stencils, and installations that often incorporate political or social commentary, such as his painting of a girl releasing a red balloon that has been interpreted as a comment on war and peace. Banksy's works are characterized by their wit, humor, and irreverence, and he has become one of the most recognizable and popular artists of his generation. Despite his success, Banksy has remained fiercely independent and has refused to work with galleries or sell his works through traditional channels. He continues to create works that challenge and inspire viewers around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
Banksy is a pseudonymous British street artist known for his provocative and politically charged works that challenge established norms and conventions. Banksy's identity is unknown, but he first emerged in the early 2000s as a graffiti artist in Bristol, England. His most famous works include murals, stencils, and installations that often incorporate political or social commentary, such as his painting of a girl releasing a red balloon that has been interpreted as a comment on war and peace. Banksy's works are characterized by their wit, humor, and irreverence, and he has become one of the most recognizable and popular artists of his generation. Despite his success, Banksy has remained fiercely independent and has refused to work with galleries or sell his works through traditional channels. He continues to create works that challenge and inspire viewers around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
| Born: | July 28, 1974(?), Age 48 years(?), Bristol, United Kingdom(?) |
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| Period: | Street art |
| Influenced by: | Diana, Princess of Wales, Marcel Duchamp |
Georg Baselitz
Georg Baselitz
Georg Baselitz is a German contemporary artist celebrated for his unconventional style of painting that challenges traditional artistic conventions. Born in Saxony in 1938, Baselitz received his formal education in art in East Germany before relocating to West Germany in the 1960s. His signature works are recognized for their upside-down orientation, a technique he developed to challenge conventional ideas of representation and perception. Baselitz's works are characterized by their bold colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and a sense of gestural movement. He has been influenced by various art movements, including Expressionism and Abstract Art, and his works have been likened to those of renowned artists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Baselitz has been the subject of numerous exhibitions worldwide, and his works are highly prized by both collectors and art critics. He remains a significant and influential figure in the contemporary art world today.
Georg Baselitz is a German contemporary artist celebrated for his unconventional style of painting that challenges traditional artistic conventions. Born in Saxony in 1938, Baselitz received his formal education in art in East Germany before relocating to West Germany in the 1960s. His signature works are recognized for their upside-down orientation, a technique he developed to challenge conventional ideas of representation and perception. Baselitz's works are characterized by their bold colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and a sense of gestural movement. He has been influenced by various art movements, including Expressionism and Abstract Art, and his works have been likened to those of renowned artists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Baselitz has been the subject of numerous exhibitions worldwide, and his works are highly prized by both collectors and art critics. He remains a significant and influential figure in the contemporary art world today.
| Born: | January 23, 1938, Deutschhbaselitz, Upper Lusatia, East Germany, Age 85 |
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| Periods: | German Expressionism, Neo-Expressionist |
| Full name: | Hans-Georg Kern (born), adopted the name Georg Baselitz in 1961. |
| Influenced by: | Louis-Ferdinand von Rayski and Realism, Kandinsky, Pollack, Philip Guston |
| Influenced: | A generation of German artists in the wake of the Second World War |
Jean-Michael Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist celebrated for his raw and expressive paintings that seamlessly blend elements of street art, graffiti, and fine art. Born in Brooklyn in 1960, Basquiat started out as a street artist before achieving recognition in the 1980s as a key figure in the New York City art scene. His renowned works consist of large-scale paintings that incorporate a diverse range of materials, including paint, charcoal, and collage, and frequently incorporate fragmented text and imagery that explore themes of race, identity, and power. Basquiat's creations are characterized by their vivid colors, bold brushstrokes, and profound messages, earning him a reputation as a master of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Tragically, Basquiat's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 27 in 1988, but his legacy lives on and continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists around the world.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist celebrated for his raw and expressive paintings that seamlessly blend elements of street art, graffiti, and fine art. Born in Brooklyn in 1960, Basquiat started out as a street artist before achieving recognition in the 1980s as a key figure in the New York City art scene. His renowned works consist of large-scale paintings that incorporate a diverse range of materials, including paint, charcoal, and collage, and frequently incorporate fragmented text and imagery that explore themes of race, identity, and power. Basquiat's creations are characterized by their vivid colors, bold brushstrokes, and profound messages, earning him a reputation as a master of the Neo-Expressionist movement. Tragically, Basquiat's life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 27 in 1988, but his legacy lives on and continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists around the world.
| Born: | December 22, 1960, Brooklyn, New York, NY |
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| Died: | August 12, 1988, Great Jones Street, New York, NY, Age 27 |
| Periods: | Contemporary art, Neo-expressionism, Primitivism |
| Parents: | Matilda Andrades, Gerard Basquiat |
| Influenced by: | Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Cy Twombly, Jean Dubuffet, Robert Rauschenberg |
Hieronymous Bosch
Hieronymus Bosch
Hieronymus Bosch was a Dutch painter from the late Middle Ages, renowned for his imaginative and often unsettling depictions of the human condition. Born in 1450, Bosch lived and worked in the Netherlands during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. His most well-known works, including "The Garden of Earthly Delights" and "The Haywain Triptych," present elaborate and often disturbing visions of humanity's descent from grace, showcasing surreal landscapes filled with bizarre creatures, hybrid beings, and graphic depictions of sin and punishment. Bosch's art was exceptionally innovative for his era and has had an enduring influence on the history of Western art. Despite his fame, little is known about Bosch's personal life, and his enigmatic works remain a source of fascination and intrigue for viewers to this day.
Hieronymus Bosch was a Dutch painter from the late Middle Ages, renowned for his imaginative and often unsettling depictions of the human condition. Born in 1450, Bosch lived and worked in the Netherlands during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. His most well-known works, including "The Garden of Earthly Delights" and "The Haywain Triptych," present elaborate and often disturbing visions of humanity's descent from grace, showcasing surreal landscapes filled with bizarre creatures, hybrid beings, and graphic depictions of sin and punishment. Bosch's art was exceptionally innovative for his era and has had an enduring influence on the history of Western art. Despite his fame, little is known about Bosch's personal life, and his enigmatic works remain a source of fascination and intrigue for viewers to this day.
| Born: | c. 1450, 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands |
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| Died: | August 9, 1516, 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Age 66 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Early Netherlandish painting |
| Full name: | Jheronimus van Aken |
| Influenced: | Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Salvador Dali |
Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance renowned for his iconic paintings, particularly those featuring religious and mythological subjects. Born in Florence in 1445, Botticelli was trained under Fra Filippo Lippi before establishing his own studio. His most celebrated works include "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," which are renowned for their poetic beauty and their representation of the human form. Botticelli's works are distinguished by their grace, delicacy, and use of line, and he is considered a master of the Florentine school of painting. He was also a proficient portraitist, creating numerous portraits of members of the Medici family and other notable figures of the era. Despite his success as an artist, Botticelli experienced financial difficulties later in life and fell into obscurity until his works were rediscovered by subsequent generations of artists and art enthusiasts. He passed away in 1510 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance.
Sandro Botticelli was an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance renowned for his iconic paintings, particularly those featuring religious and mythological subjects. Born in Florence in 1445, Botticelli was trained under Fra Filippo Lippi before establishing his own studio. His most celebrated works include "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera," which are renowned for their poetic beauty and their representation of the human form. Botticelli's works are distinguished by their grace, delicacy, and use of line, and he is considered a master of the Florentine school of painting. He was also a proficient portraitist, creating numerous portraits of members of the Medici family and other notable figures of the era. Despite his success as an artist, Botticelli experienced financial difficulties later in life and fell into obscurity until his works were rediscovered by subsequent generations of artists and art enthusiasts. He passed away in 1510 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance.
| Born: | March 1, 1445, Florence, Italy |
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| Died: | May 17, 1510, Florence, Italy, Age 65 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, Florentine painting |
| Full name: | Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi |
| Influenced by: | Dante Alighieri, Lorenzo de' Medici, Filippo Lippi, Ovid |
Louise Joséphine Bourgeois
Louise Joséphine Bourgeois
Louise Joséphine Bourgeois was a French-American artist celebrated for her sculptures, installations, and paintings that examine themes related to memory, trauma, and the female body. Born in Paris in 1911, Bourgeois studied art in Paris before relocating to New York City in the 1940s. Her most renowned works consist of large-scale sculptures of spiders, cages, and body parts that are recognized for their use of organic materials and a sense of psychological tension. Bourgeois' works challenge conventional notions of gender and power, and she is recognized for her ability to imbue her works with a sense of vulnerability and strength. She has been influenced by a diverse range of art movements, including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Eva Hesse. Bourgeois was the focus of numerous exhibitions around the world, and her works are held in high esteem by collectors and art critics. She passed away in 2010, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
Louise Joséphine Bourgeois was a French-American artist celebrated for her sculptures, installations, and paintings that examine themes related to memory, trauma, and the female body. Born in Paris in 1911, Bourgeois studied art in Paris before relocating to New York City in the 1940s. Her most renowned works consist of large-scale sculptures of spiders, cages, and body parts that are recognized for their use of organic materials and a sense of psychological tension. Bourgeois' works challenge conventional notions of gender and power, and she is recognized for her ability to imbue her works with a sense of vulnerability and strength. She has been influenced by a diverse range of art movements, including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Eva Hesse. Bourgeois was the focus of numerous exhibitions around the world, and her works are held in high esteem by collectors and art critics. She passed away in 2010, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | December 25, 1911, Paris, France |
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| Died: | May 31, 2010, New York, NY, Age 98 |
| Periods: | Contemporary art, Modern art, Surrealism, Feminist art, Modernism |
| Influenced by: | Surrealism and the concept of psychotherapy |
| Influenced: | Feminist art movement, feminist-inspired work and Installation Art |
Brian Calvin
Brian Calvin
Brian Calvin is a contemporary American painter renowned for his figurative works that delve into themes related to identity, gender, and popular culture. Born in California in 1969, Calvin studied art in Southern California before establishing his own studio. His most celebrated works include paintings of stylized figures that are frequently depicted in profile and possess a flattened, graphic quality. Calvin's works are recognized for their use of vivid colors, sharp lines, and geometric shapes, and he frequently incorporates references to popular culture and advertising into his works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art, and his works have been likened to those of artists such as Alex Katz and David Hockney. Calvin has been the focus of numerous exhibitions worldwide, and his works are highly coveted by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Brian Calvin is a contemporary American painter renowned for his figurative works that delve into themes related to identity, gender, and popular culture. Born in California in 1969, Calvin studied art in Southern California before establishing his own studio. His most celebrated works include paintings of stylized figures that are frequently depicted in profile and possess a flattened, graphic quality. Calvin's works are recognized for their use of vivid colors, sharp lines, and geometric shapes, and he frequently incorporates references to popular culture and advertising into his works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art, and his works have been likened to those of artists such as Alex Katz and David Hockney. Calvin has been the focus of numerous exhibitions worldwide, and his works are highly coveted by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | December 25, 1911, Paris, France |
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| Died: | May 31, 2010, New York, NY, Age 98 |
| Periods: | Contemporary art, Modern art, Surrealism, Feminist art, Modernism |
| Influenced by: | Surrealism and the concept of psychotherapy |
| Influenced: | Feminist art movement, feminist-inspired work and Installation Art |
Caravaggio
Caravaggio
Caravaggio was an Italian painter born in Milan in 1571, known for his innovative approach to art, characterized by his dramatic use of light and shadow, vivid realism, and intense emotionalism. He spent most of his career in Rome, where he rose to fame for his innovative style and powerful depictions of biblical and mythological scenes. His works, which often depicted violence, sensuality, and religious themes, challenged the conventions of his time and caused controversy within the Church and the art world. Despite his success, Caravaggio led a tumultuous life marked by violent outbursts, criminal behavior, and personal tragedies, including the murder of a rival and his own mysterious death at the age of 38. Today, Caravaggio is recognized as one of the most important and influential painters of the Baroque period, and his legacy can be seen in the works of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps.
Caravaggio was an Italian painter born in Milan in 1571, known for his innovative approach to art, characterized by his dramatic use of light and shadow, vivid realism, and intense emotionalism. He spent most of his career in Rome, where he rose to fame for his innovative style and powerful depictions of biblical and mythological scenes. His works, which often depicted violence, sensuality, and religious themes, challenged the conventions of his time and caused controversy within the Church and the art world. Despite his success, Caravaggio led a tumultuous life marked by violent outbursts, criminal behavior, and personal tragedies, including the murder of a rival and his own mysterious death at the age of 38. Today, Caravaggio is recognized as one of the most important and influential painters of the Baroque period, and his legacy can be seen in the works of countless artists who have followed in his footsteps.
| Born: | September 29, 1571, Milan, Italy |
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| Died: | July 18, 1610, Porto Ercole, Italy, Age 38 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Renaissance, Baroque painting |
| Full name: | Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio |
| Influenced: | Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens |
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker who was closely associated with the Impressionist movement. Born in Pennsylvania in 1844, Cassatt studied art in Europe before settling in Paris, where she became close friends with Edgar Degas and other Impressionist painters. Her most famous works depicted women and children in domestic settings, often in intimate and tender moments. Cassatt was a master of color and light, and her works are notable for their soft brushwork and delicate tonalities. She was also a skilled printmaker and is known for her innovative use of the technique of aquatint. Cassatt's contributions to the Impressionist movement helped to legitimize women artists in a male-dominated field, and her works continue to be celebrated for their beauty and emotional power. She died in 1926 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important American artists of the 19th century.
Mary Cassatt was an American painter and printmaker who was closely associated with the Impressionist movement. Born in Pennsylvania in 1844, Cassatt studied art in Europe before settling in Paris, where she became close friends with Edgar Degas and other Impressionist painters. Her most famous works depicted women and children in domestic settings, often in intimate and tender moments. Cassatt was a master of color and light, and her works are notable for their soft brushwork and delicate tonalities. She was also a skilled printmaker and is known for her innovative use of the technique of aquatint. Cassatt's contributions to the Impressionist movement helped to legitimize women artists in a male-dominated field, and her works continue to be celebrated for their beauty and emotional power. She died in 1926 at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important American artists of the 19th century.
| Born: | May 22, 1844, Allegheny |
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| Died: | June 14, 1926, Château de Beaufresne, Le Mesnil-Théribus, France, Age 81 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art, American Impressionism |
| Influenced by: | The European masters, and the Impressionist art movement (especially Edgar Degas) |
Paul Cezanne
Paul Cezanne
Paul Cezanne was a French painter and Post-Impressionist artist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of modern art. Born in Aix-en-Provence in 1839, Cezanne studied in Paris and was influenced by the Impressionist painters, but he developed his own unique style that emphasized structure, form, and color. Cezanne's most famous works include landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that were often characterized by their bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. He was also known for his use of geometric shapes and his emphasis on the underlying structure of his subjects. Cezanne's work had a profound impact on later artists, including the Cubists and the Fauves, and he is often regarded as a bridge between the Impressionist movement and the emergence of modern art. He died in 1906 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and innovative artists of his time.
Paul Cezanne was a French painter and Post-Impressionist artist who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the development of modern art. Born in Aix-en-Provence in 1839, Cezanne studied in Paris and was influenced by the Impressionist painters, but he developed his own unique style that emphasized structure, form, and color. Cezanne's most famous works include landscapes, still lifes, and portraits that were often characterized by their bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. He was also known for his use of geometric shapes and his emphasis on the underlying structure of his subjects. Cezanne's work had a profound impact on later artists, including the Cubists and the Fauves, and he is often regarded as a bridge between the Impressionist movement and the emergence of modern art. He died in 1906 at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and innovative artists of his time.
| Born: | January 19, 1839, Aix-en-Provence, France |
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| Died: | October 22, 1906, Aix-en-Provence, France, Age 67 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Cubism, Post-Impressionism, Modern art |
| Influenced: | Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso |
| Influenced by: | Édouard Manet, Eugène Delacroix, Nicolas Poussin, Charles-François Daubigny |
Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall
Marc Chagall was a Russian-French artist known for his dreamlike and colorful paintings that blended elements of folk art, surrealism, and cubism. Born in 1887 in Vitebsk, Russia (now Belarus), Chagall studied art in St. Petersburg and later in Paris, where he was influenced by the works of the Fauvists and the Cubists. His most famous works often depicted scenes from his Jewish upbringing, as well as his experiences during World War I and the Russian Revolution. Chagall's paintings were characterized by their bold use of color and their poetic and symbolic imagery. He was also a skilled printmaker and stained-glass artist, and his works can be seen in public buildings and museums around the world. Chagall died in 1985 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and beloved artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and delight art lovers today.
Marc Chagall was a Russian-French artist known for his dreamlike and colorful paintings that blended elements of folk art, surrealism, and cubism. Born in 1887 in Vitebsk, Russia (now Belarus), Chagall studied art in St. Petersburg and later in Paris, where he was influenced by the works of the Fauvists and the Cubists. His most famous works often depicted scenes from his Jewish upbringing, as well as his experiences during World War I and the Russian Revolution. Chagall's paintings were characterized by their bold use of color and their poetic and symbolic imagery. He was also a skilled printmaker and stained-glass artist, and his works can be seen in public buildings and museums around the world. Chagall died in 1985 at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and beloved artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and delight art lovers today.
| Born: | July 7, 1887, Liozna, Belarus |
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| Died: | March 28, 1985, Saint Paul de Vence, France, Age 97 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Cubism, Expressionism, Modern art, Fauvism, Modernism, Symbolism |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
George Condo
George Condo
George Condo is a contemporary American artist known for his figurative paintings and drawings that incorporate elements of Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. Born in New Hampshire in 1957, Condo studied art in Boston before moving to New York City in the early 1980s. His most famous works include paintings of distorted faces and bodies that are characterized by their bold colors, sharp lines, and sense of psychological tension. Condo's works often combine humor and horror, and he is known for his ability to blend seemingly incompatible styles and influences into cohesive works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and the works of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon. Condo has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
George Condo is a contemporary American artist known for his figurative paintings and drawings that incorporate elements of Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. Born in New Hampshire in 1957, Condo studied art in Boston before moving to New York City in the early 1980s. His most famous works include paintings of distorted faces and bodies that are characterized by their bold colors, sharp lines, and sense of psychological tension. Condo's works often combine humor and horror, and he is known for his ability to blend seemingly incompatible styles and influences into cohesive works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and the works of artists such as Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon. Condo has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | July 7, 1887, Liozna, Belarus |
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| Died: | March 28, 1985, Saint Paul de Vence, France, Age 97 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Cubism, Expressionism, Modern art, Fauvism, Modernism, Symbolism |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian artist, scientist, and inventor who is widely considered one of the greatest geniuses in human history. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, da Vinci trained as an artist in Florence, where he developed his skills as a painter and sculptor. He is known for his masterpieces such as the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," which are celebrated for their technical excellence and emotional depth. In addition to his artistic achievements, da Vinci was also a pioneering scientist, engineer, and inventor, and his inventions and ideas ranged from flying machines to the human anatomy. Da Vinci was an individual of extraordinary curiosity and interdisciplinary skill, possessing a deep understanding of science, mathematics, and philosophy. His work influenced later generations of artists and thinkers, and his legacy continues to inspire and fascinate people to this day. He died in France in 1519 at the age of 67.
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian artist, scientist, and inventor who is widely considered one of the greatest geniuses in human history. Born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, da Vinci trained as an artist in Florence, where he developed his skills as a painter and sculptor. He is known for his masterpieces such as the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," which are celebrated for their technical excellence and emotional depth. In addition to his artistic achievements, da Vinci was also a pioneering scientist, engineer, and inventor, and his inventions and ideas ranged from flying machines to the human anatomy. Da Vinci was an individual of extraordinary curiosity and interdisciplinary skill, possessing a deep understanding of science, mathematics, and philosophy. His work influenced later generations of artists and thinkers, and his legacy continues to inspire and fascinate people to this day. He died in France in 1519 at the age of 67.
| Born: | April 15, 1452, Anchiano, Italy |
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| Died: | May 2, 1519, Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise, France, Age 67 |
| Periods: | High Renaissance, Early Renaissance, Renaissance, Italian Renaissance |
| Influenced by: | Lorenzo de' Medici, John Argyropoulos and Andrea del Verrocchio |
Salvador Dali
Salvador Dali
Salvador Dali was a Spanish artist and leading figure of the Surrealist movement of the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Figueres, Spain in 1904, Dali studied art in Madrid and later moved to Paris, where he met other Surrealist artists such as André Breton and René Magritte. His most famous works included paintings, sculptures, and prints that were characterized by their dreamlike imagery, bizarre juxtapositions, and use of symbolism. Dali's most iconic works include "The Persistence of Memory," which features melting clocks, and "The Elephants," which depicts elephants with elongated, spindly legs. He was also a skilled filmmaker and collaborated with Luis Buñuel on the surrealist films "Un Chien Andalou" and "L'Age d'Or." Dali died in Figueres in 1989 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to be celebrated for their surreal and imaginative qualities.
Salvador Dali was a Spanish artist and leading figure of the Surrealist movement of the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Figueres, Spain in 1904, Dali studied art in Madrid and later moved to Paris, where he met other Surrealist artists such as André Breton and René Magritte. His most famous works included paintings, sculptures, and prints that were characterized by their dreamlike imagery, bizarre juxtapositions, and use of symbolism. Dali's most iconic works include "The Persistence of Memory," which features melting clocks, and "The Elephants," which depicts elephants with elongated, spindly legs. He was also a skilled filmmaker and collaborated with Luis Buñuel on the surrealist films "Un Chien Andalou" and "L'Age d'Or." Dali died in Figueres in 1989 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to be celebrated for their surreal and imaginative qualities.
| Born: | May 11, 1904, Figueres, Spain |
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| Died: | January 23, 1989, Figueres, Spain, Age 84 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Cubism, Dada work, Modern art |
| Full name: | Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech |
| Influenced by: | Pablo Picasso, Sigmund Freud |
| Influenced: | David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Stefano |
Jacques-Louis David
Jacques-Louis David
Jacques-Louis David was a French painter who is considered one of the most important artists of the Neoclassical movement. Born in Paris in 1748, David studied at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, where he became interested in the classical art of ancient Greece and Rome. His most famous works include "The Oath of the Horatii," "The Death of Marat," and "Napoleon Crossing the Alps," which depict historical and mythological subjects in a heroic and idealized style. David's works were characterized by their clear, precise lines, strong contrasts of light and shadow, and a restrained use of color. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his works often featured members of the French aristocracy and political figures of his time. Despite his success, David was also involved in the turbulent politics of the French Revolution and was imprisoned for a time. He died in Brussels in 1825, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Jacques-Louis David was a French painter who is considered one of the most important artists of the Neoclassical movement. Born in Paris in 1748, David studied at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, where he became interested in the classical art of ancient Greece and Rome. His most famous works include "The Oath of the Horatii," "The Death of Marat," and "Napoleon Crossing the Alps," which depict historical and mythological subjects in a heroic and idealized style. David's works were characterized by their clear, precise lines, strong contrasts of light and shadow, and a restrained use of color. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his works often featured members of the French aristocracy and political figures of his time. Despite his success, David was also involved in the turbulent politics of the French Revolution and was imprisoned for a time. He died in Brussels in 1825, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
| Born: | August 30, 1748, Paris, France |
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| Died: | December 29, 1825, Brussels, Belgium, Age 76 |
| Period: | Neoclassicism |
| Influenced by: | Nicolas Poussin, François Boucher, Valentin de Boulogne |
Francisco de Goya
Francisco de Goya
Francisco de Goya was a Spanish painter and printmaker born in 1746 who is widely considered one of the most important artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Goya began his artistic career as a court painter and was known for his portraits of Spanish nobility. However, he also gained fame for his prints and paintings depicting the darker aspects of human nature, including violence, madness, and social injustice. Goya's most famous works include the "Black Paintings," a series of murals he created on the walls of his house that depict scenes of horror and despair. These works are considered a precursor to the Romantic movement and have had a profound influence on later generations of artists. Despite facing censorship and political persecution in his later years, Goya continued to produce powerful and innovative works until his death.
Francisco de Goya was a Spanish painter and printmaker born in 1746 who is widely considered one of the most important artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Goya began his artistic career as a court painter and was known for his portraits of Spanish nobility. However, he also gained fame for his prints and paintings depicting the darker aspects of human nature, including violence, madness, and social injustice. Goya's most famous works include the "Black Paintings," a series of murals he created on the walls of his house that depict scenes of horror and despair. These works are considered a precursor to the Romantic movement and have had a profound influence on later generations of artists. Despite facing censorship and political persecution in his later years, Goya continued to produce powerful and innovative works until his death.
| Born: | March 30, 1746, Fuendetodos, Spain |
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| Died: | April 16, 1828, Bordeaux, France, Age 82 |
| Periods: | Romanticism, Rococo |
| Full name: | Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes |
| Influenced by: | Diego Velázquez, Rembrandt, nature |
| Influenced: | Pablo Picasso, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas |
Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas
Edgar Degas was a French painter born in Paris in 1834 known for his depictions of modern life, particularly the world of ballet and dance. Degas initially trained in the academic style but later became interested in the Impressionist movement, which he helped to found. He was known for his innovative use of composition and his ability to capture movement and light in his paintings, which often featured dancers in various poses and stages of rehearsal or performance. Degas also experimented with other mediums such as pastels, sculpture, and printmaking. Despite his association with the Impressionist movement, he considered himself a realist and often painted scenes from everyday life, including cafes, racecourses, and laundresses at work. Degas continued to paint and create until his death, leaving behind a body of work that remains highly influential in the history of art.
Edgar Degas was a French painter born in Paris in 1834 known for his depictions of modern life, particularly the world of ballet and dance. Degas initially trained in the academic style but later became interested in the Impressionist movement, which he helped to found. He was known for his innovative use of composition and his ability to capture movement and light in his paintings, which often featured dancers in various poses and stages of rehearsal or performance. Degas also experimented with other mediums such as pastels, sculpture, and printmaking. Despite his association with the Impressionist movement, he considered himself a realist and often painted scenes from everyday life, including cafes, racecourses, and laundresses at work. Degas continued to paint and create until his death, leaving behind a body of work that remains highly influential in the history of art.
| Born: | July 19, 1834, Paris, France |
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| Died: | September 27, 1917, Paris, France, Age 83 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art, Realism, Neoclassicism, Abstract impressionism |
| Influenced by: | Monet, Manet |
| Influenced: | Cassatt |
Peter Doig
Peter Doig
Peter Doig is a contemporary Scottish painter known for his dreamlike and atmospheric landscapes that are often infused with a sense of nostalgia and mystery. Born in Edinburgh in 1959, Doig studied art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. His most famous works include paintings of snow-covered forests, lakes, and mountains that are characterized by their loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a sense of otherworldliness. Doig's works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of memory, place, and identity. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Romanticism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Caspar David Friedrich and Edvard Munch. Doig has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Peter Doig is a contemporary Scottish painter known for his dreamlike and atmospheric landscapes that are often infused with a sense of nostalgia and mystery. Born in Edinburgh in 1959, Doig studied art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. His most famous works include paintings of snow-covered forests, lakes, and mountains that are characterized by their loose brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a sense of otherworldliness. Doig's works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of memory, place, and identity. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Romanticism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Caspar David Friedrich and Edvard Munch. Doig has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | 1959, Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Contemporary, Magical Realism, Figurative art |
| Influenced by: | Gustav Klimt, Edvard Munch, Claude Monet |
Marlene Dumas
Marlene Dumas
Marlene Dumas is a contemporary South African artist known for her figurative paintings that explore themes related to gender, race, and identity. Born in Cape Town in 1953, Dumas studied art in South Africa and later in the Netherlands before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. Her most famous works include portraits of people in a range of emotional states that are characterized by their gestural brushstrokes, limited color palette, and a sense of ambiguity and vulnerability. Dumas' works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of contemporary society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism and Conceptual Art, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Francis Bacon and Edvard Munch. Dumas has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Marlene Dumas is a contemporary South African artist known for her figurative paintings that explore themes related to gender, race, and identity. Born in Cape Town in 1953, Dumas studied art in South Africa and later in the Netherlands before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. Her most famous works include portraits of people in a range of emotional states that are characterized by their gestural brushstrokes, limited color palette, and a sense of ambiguity and vulnerability. Dumas' works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of contemporary society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism and Conceptual Art, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Francis Bacon and Edvard Munch. Dumas has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | August 3, 1953, Cape Town, South Africa, Age 69 |
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| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Influenced by: | Edvard Munch, Francis Bacon and Alice Neel |
Fewocious
FEWOCiOUS
FEWOCiOUS (Victor Langlois) is a young contemporary artist known for his vibrant and colorful works that explore themes related to gender, identity, and self-expression. Born in Las Vegas in 2003, FEWOCiOUS first gained attention on social media for his digital art and illustrations. His most famous works include paintings that incorporate a range of media, such as acrylics and spray paint, and often feature portraits of fantastical and surreal creatures. FEWOCiOUS is also known for his use of bright colors and bold patterns that create a sense of energy and movement in his works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Surrealism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Despite his youth, FEWOCiOUS has already achieved significant success and recognition in the art world, and he continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
FEWOCiOUS (Victor Langlois) is a young contemporary artist known for his vibrant and colorful works that explore themes related to gender, identity, and self-expression. Born in Las Vegas in 2003, FEWOCiOUS first gained attention on social media for his digital art and illustrations. His most famous works include paintings that incorporate a range of media, such as acrylics and spray paint, and often feature portraits of fantastical and surreal creatures. FEWOCiOUS is also known for his use of bright colors and bold patterns that create a sense of energy and movement in his works. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Surrealism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Despite his youth, FEWOCiOUS has already achieved significant success and recognition in the art world, and he continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | January 1, 2003, Las Vegas, United States, Age 20 |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Full name: | Victor Langlois |
| Influenced by: | George Condo, Salvador Dali, Alexander McQueen |
Lucian Michael Freud
Lucian Michael Freud
Lucian Michael Freud was a British painter and draughtsman known for his realist style of painting, which depicted the human form in a highly detailed and often unflattering manner. Born in Berlin in 1922, Freud was the grandson of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. He studied art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1950s. His most famous works include portraits and nudes that are characterized by their intense, psychological quality and a sense of raw, unvarnished realism. Freud's works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complexities of the human condition. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Francis Bacon and Édouard Manet. Freud was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He passed away in 2011, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
Lucian Michael Freud was a British painter and draughtsman known for his realist style of painting, which depicted the human form in a highly detailed and often unflattering manner. Born in Berlin in 1922, Freud was the grandson of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. He studied art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1950s. His most famous works include portraits and nudes that are characterized by their intense, psychological quality and a sense of raw, unvarnished realism. Freud's works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complexities of the human condition. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Francis Bacon and Édouard Manet. Freud was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He passed away in 2011, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | December 8, 1922, Berlin, Germany |
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| Died: | July 20, 2011, London, United Kingdom, Age 88 |
| Periods: | Expressionism, Surrealism, Contemporary art, Modern art, Realism |
| Influenced by: | Surrealist artists, Francis Bacon |
| Influenced: | Liu Xiaodong |
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin
Paul Gauguin was a French Post-Impressionist painter who is best known for his vivid use of color and his exploration of themes related to exoticism, spirituality, and the primitive. Born in Paris in 1848, Gauguin began his career as a stockbroker before turning to art. He spent much of his life traveling and working in Tahiti and other parts of the South Pacific, where he was inspired by the local culture and developed his distinctive style. Gauguin's most famous works include "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" and "The Yellow Christ," which depicted religious and mythological subjects in a bold and vibrant style. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works often reflected his interest in the decorative arts. Despite his success as an artist, Gauguin struggled with financial and personal difficulties throughout his life, and he died in 1903 at the age of 54. He left behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the Post-Impressionist era.
Paul Gauguin was a French Post-Impressionist painter who is best known for his vivid use of color and his exploration of themes related to exoticism, spirituality, and the primitive. Born in Paris in 1848, Gauguin began his career as a stockbroker before turning to art. He spent much of his life traveling and working in Tahiti and other parts of the South Pacific, where he was inspired by the local culture and developed his distinctive style. Gauguin's most famous works include "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" and "The Yellow Christ," which depicted religious and mythological subjects in a bold and vibrant style. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works often reflected his interest in the decorative arts. Despite his success as an artist, Gauguin struggled with financial and personal difficulties throughout his life, and he died in 1903 at the age of 54. He left behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the Post-Impressionist era.
| Born: | June 7, 1848, Paris, France |
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| Died: | May 8, 1903, Atuona, Hiva Oa, French Polynesia, Age 54 |
| Periods: | Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Modern art, Primitivism, Synthetism |
| Full name: | Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin |
| Influenced by: | Paul Cézanne |
| Influenced: | Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Fauvism, Cubism, and Orphism among others. |
Adrian Ghenie
Adrian Ghenie
Adrian Ghenie is a contemporary Romanian painter known for his haunting and powerful works that explore themes related to history, memory, and identity. Born in Baia Mare, Romania in 1977, Ghenie studied art in Cluj-Napoca before moving to Berlin and then to London, where he currently lives and works. His most famous works include large-scale paintings that incorporate a range of materials and techniques, including oil paint, enamel, and collage. Ghenie's paintings often feature historical figures, such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, and explore the complex and often contradictory legacies of these figures. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism, Surrealism, and the work of Francis Bacon. Ghenie has been the subject of several solo exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Adrian Ghenie is a contemporary Romanian painter known for his haunting and powerful works that explore themes related to history, memory, and identity. Born in Baia Mare, Romania in 1977, Ghenie studied art in Cluj-Napoca before moving to Berlin and then to London, where he currently lives and works. His most famous works include large-scale paintings that incorporate a range of materials and techniques, including oil paint, enamel, and collage. Ghenie's paintings often feature historical figures, such as Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, and explore the complex and often contradictory legacies of these figures. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism, Surrealism, and the work of Francis Bacon. Ghenie has been the subject of several solo exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | August 13, 1977, Baia Mare, Romania |
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| Periods: | Contemporary, Abstract Expressionism |
| Full name: | Adrian Ghenie |
| Influenced by: | J.M.W. Turner, van Gogh, Gauguin |
Philip Guston
Philip Guston
Philip Guston was an American painter and printmaker known for his distinctive style that combined elements of Abstract Expressionism and figuration. Born in Montreal in 1913, Guston studied art in Los Angeles before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1950s. His most famous works include paintings of cartoonish figures, shoes, and other everyday objects that are characterized by their bold, gestural brushstrokes, and a sense of humor and irony. Guston's works challenge traditional ideas about abstraction and representation and explore the complexities of the human condition. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline. Guston was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 1980, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
Philip Guston was an American painter and printmaker known for his distinctive style that combined elements of Abstract Expressionism and figuration. Born in Montreal in 1913, Guston studied art in Los Angeles before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1950s. His most famous works include paintings of cartoonish figures, shoes, and other everyday objects that are characterized by their bold, gestural brushstrokes, and a sense of humor and irony. Guston's works challenge traditional ideas about abstraction and representation and explore the complexities of the human condition. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Expressionism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline. Guston was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 1980, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | June 27, 1913, Montreal, Canada |
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| Died: | June 7, 1980, Woodstock, NY, Age 66 |
| Periods: | Abstract Expressionism, Modern art, Figurative art, Neo-expressionism, Social realism |
| Influenced by: | Cezanne and Mondrian |
| Influenced: | Brian Calvin |
Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst
Damien Hirst is a contemporary British artist known for his provocative and often controversial works that challenge established norms and conventions. Born in Bristol in 1965, Hirst first gained attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement. His most famous works include installations, sculptures, and paintings that explore themes related to life, death, and the human condition. Hirst is perhaps best known for his use of animals and animal parts in his works, such as his installation of a shark suspended in formaldehyde. Hirst's works are characterized by their boldness, shock value, and sense of spectacle, and he is often considered a master of the contemporary art world. Despite his success, Hirst has been criticized for being too commercial and for his apparent lack of concern for traditional artistic values. He continues to create works that challenge and inspire viewers around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
Damien Hirst is a contemporary British artist known for his provocative and often controversial works that challenge established norms and conventions. Born in Bristol in 1965, Hirst first gained attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a member of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement. His most famous works include installations, sculptures, and paintings that explore themes related to life, death, and the human condition. Hirst is perhaps best known for his use of animals and animal parts in his works, such as his installation of a shark suspended in formaldehyde. Hirst's works are characterized by their boldness, shock value, and sense of spectacle, and he is often considered a master of the contemporary art world. Despite his success, Hirst has been criticized for being too commercial and for his apparent lack of concern for traditional artistic values. He continues to create works that challenge and inspire viewers around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.
| Born: | June 7, 1965, Bristol, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Contemporary art, Young British Artists |
| Full name: | Damien Steven Hirst, Born Damien Steven Brennan |
| Influenced by: | Jeff Koons, Marcel Duchamp, Francis Bacon, Sex Pistols |
David Hockney
David Hockney
David Hockney is a British artist known for his colorful and vibrant works that explore themes related to identity, sexuality, and popular culture. Born in Yorkshire in 1937, Hockney studied at the Royal College of Art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure of the Pop Art movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include paintings of swimming pools, portraits, and landscapes that are characterized by their bold colors, strong lines, and graphic compositions. Hockney is also a skilled printmaker and has produced many works in this medium. In addition to his work as an artist, Hockney is also an accomplished photographer and stage designer. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. Hockney continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
David Hockney is a British artist known for his colorful and vibrant works that explore themes related to identity, sexuality, and popular culture. Born in Yorkshire in 1937, Hockney studied at the Royal College of Art in London before establishing himself as a leading figure of the Pop Art movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include paintings of swimming pools, portraits, and landscapes that are characterized by their bold colors, strong lines, and graphic compositions. Hockney is also a skilled printmaker and has produced many works in this medium. In addition to his work as an artist, Hockney is also an accomplished photographer and stage designer. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. Hockney continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | July 9, 1937, Bradford, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art, Cubism |
| Influenced by: | Salvador Dali |
| Influenced: | Brian Calvin |
Jasper Johns
Jasper Johns
Jasper Johns is an American artist known for his influential contributions to the development of Pop Art and Minimalism. Born in Georgia in 1930, Johns studied art in South Carolina before moving to New York City in the 1950s. His most famous works include paintings, sculptures, and prints that incorporate familiar images and symbols, such as flags, targets, and numbers. Johns' works are characterized by their simplicity, repetition, and use of everyday objects, and they often challenge traditional ideas about representation and abstraction. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and Dada, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Robert Rauschenberg. Johns has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Jasper Johns is an American artist known for his influential contributions to the development of Pop Art and Minimalism. Born in Georgia in 1930, Johns studied art in South Carolina before moving to New York City in the 1950s. His most famous works include paintings, sculptures, and prints that incorporate familiar images and symbols, such as flags, targets, and numbers. Johns' works are characterized by their simplicity, repetition, and use of everyday objects, and they often challenge traditional ideas about representation and abstraction. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and Dada, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Robert Rauschenberg. Johns has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | May 15, 1930, Augusta, GA |
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| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art, Abstract expressionism, Neo-Dada |
| Influenced by: | Salvador Dali |
| Influenced: | Ai Weiwei |
| Age: | 92 |
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter born in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico in 1907, known for her vibrant self-portraits and depiction of Mexican culture and tradition. Kahlo suffered a severe injury in a bus accident when she was 18, which left her with chronic pain and physical limitations for the rest of her life. During her recovery, she began to paint and her works were noticed by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera, whom she later married. Kahlo's paintings often depicted her physical and emotional pain, as well as her Mexican heritage and political views. She was a feminist and an advocate for indigenous and working-class people. Kahlo's unique style blended elements of Surrealism, folk art, and traditional Mexican art. Despite struggling with ill health throughout her life, Kahlo continued to paint and create until her death. Today, she is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century, particularly for her contributions to feminist art.
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter born in Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico in 1907, known for her vibrant self-portraits and depiction of Mexican culture and tradition. Kahlo suffered a severe injury in a bus accident when she was 18, which left her with chronic pain and physical limitations for the rest of her life. During her recovery, she began to paint and her works were noticed by the Mexican artist Diego Rivera, whom she later married. Kahlo's paintings often depicted her physical and emotional pain, as well as her Mexican heritage and political views. She was a feminist and an advocate for indigenous and working-class people. Kahlo's unique style blended elements of Surrealism, folk art, and traditional Mexican art. Despite struggling with ill health throughout her life, Kahlo continued to paint and create until her death. Today, she is considered one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century, particularly for her contributions to feminist art.
| Born: | July 6, 1907, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico |
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| Died: | July 13, 1954, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico, Age 47 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Modern art, Cubism, Magical Realism, Symbolism |
| Full name: | Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón |
| Influenced by: | Picasso, Max Jacob, Marcel Duchamp, and her indigenous Mexican culture |
Anselm Kiefer
Anselm Kiefer
Anselm Kiefer is a German contemporary artist known for his large-scale paintings and sculptures that explore themes related to memory, history, and identity. Born in Donaueschingen, Germany in 1945, Kiefer studied art in Germany before moving to France in the late 1960s. His most famous works include paintings that incorporate a range of materials, such as lead, straw, and ash, and sculptures that explore themes related to German history and mythology. Kiefer's works are characterized by their complexity, depth, and emotional intensity, and he is often considered a master of the neo-expressionist movement. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, Conceptual Art, and Land Art. Kiefer has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Anselm Kiefer is a German contemporary artist known for his large-scale paintings and sculptures that explore themes related to memory, history, and identity. Born in Donaueschingen, Germany in 1945, Kiefer studied art in Germany before moving to France in the late 1960s. His most famous works include paintings that incorporate a range of materials, such as lead, straw, and ash, and sculptures that explore themes related to German history and mythology. Kiefer's works are characterized by their complexity, depth, and emotional intensity, and he is often considered a master of the neo-expressionist movement. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, Conceptual Art, and Land Art. Kiefer has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | March 8, 1945, Donaueschingen, Germany |
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| Age: | 77 |
| Period: | Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism |
| Influenced by: | Georg Baselitz, and postwar tendencies in Abstract Expressionism and Conceptual art |
Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter and one of the most prominent figures of the Viennese Art Nouveau movement. Born in Vienna in 1862, Klimt studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts, where he developed his unique style that combined elements of symbolism, Art Nouveau, and the Viennese Secession. He was particularly known for his sensual and decorative depictions of the female form, often incorporating gold leaf and decorative motifs into his paintings. Klimt's most famous works include "The Kiss" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I," which sold for a record-breaking sum in 2006. Klimt was also a skilled muralist and his works can be seen in public buildings throughout Vienna. He died in 1918, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the Art Nouveau movement and a symbol of the cultural richness of fin-de-siècle Vienna.
Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter and one of the most prominent figures of the Viennese Art Nouveau movement. Born in Vienna in 1862, Klimt studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts, where he developed his unique style that combined elements of symbolism, Art Nouveau, and the Viennese Secession. He was particularly known for his sensual and decorative depictions of the female form, often incorporating gold leaf and decorative motifs into his paintings. Klimt's most famous works include "The Kiss" and "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I," which sold for a record-breaking sum in 2006. Klimt was also a skilled muralist and his works can be seen in public buildings throughout Vienna. He died in 1918, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the Art Nouveau movement and a symbol of the cultural richness of fin-de-siècle Vienna.
| Born: | July 14, 1862, Baumgarten, Vienna, Austria |
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| Died: | February 6, 1918, Vienna, Austria, Age 55 |
| Periods: | Art Nouveau, Vienna Secession, Symbolism, Modern art |
| Influenced by: | The Vienna avant-garde society and Japanese art and its methods |
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is a contemporary Japanese artist known for her multidisciplinary works that explore themes related to infinity, patterns, and the concept of self-obliteration. Born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929, Kusama studied art in Tokyo before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1960s. Her most famous works include installations, sculptures, and paintings incorporating a range of materials, such as mirrors, neon lights, and polka dots, and often invite viewer participation and engagement. Kusama's works challenge traditional ideas about art and its presentation and explore the ways in which the viewer's experience and perception of art can be altered and manipulated. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Minimalism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Claes Oldenburg and Andy Warhol. Kusama has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly sought after by collectors. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Yayoi Kusama is a contemporary Japanese artist known for her multidisciplinary works that explore themes related to infinity, patterns, and the concept of self-obliteration. Born in Matsumoto, Japan in 1929, Kusama studied art in Tokyo before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1960s. Her most famous works include installations, sculptures, and paintings incorporating a range of materials, such as mirrors, neon lights, and polka dots, and often invite viewer participation and engagement. Kusama's works challenge traditional ideas about art and its presentation and explore the ways in which the viewer's experience and perception of art can be altered and manipulated. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Minimalism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Claes Oldenburg and Andy Warhol. Kusama has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly sought after by collectors. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | March 22, 1929 | Age: | 94 |
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| Period: | Pop art, surrealism, abstract expressionism, minimalism, feminist art, environmental art | ||
| Influenced by: | American Abstract impressionism | ||
| Influenced: | Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg |
Roy Lichtenstein
Roy Lichtenstein
Roy Lichtenstein was an American artist and leading figure of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Born in New York City in 1923, Lichtenstein studied art in Ohio and later returned to New York to teach at Rutgers University. His most famous works appropriated images from popular culture, such as comic books, advertisements, and newspapers, and transformed them into large-scale paintings that were characterized by their bold colors and Ben-Day dot patterns. Lichtenstein's most iconic works include "Whaam!" and "Drowning Girl," which depict scenes from comic books in a style that is both playful and ironic. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works often incorporated a range of materials and techniques. Lichtenstein died in 1997 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and subversion of traditional art forms.
Roy Lichtenstein was an American artist and leading figure of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Born in New York City in 1923, Lichtenstein studied art in Ohio and later returned to New York to teach at Rutgers University. His most famous works appropriated images from popular culture, such as comic books, advertisements, and newspapers, and transformed them into large-scale paintings that were characterized by their bold colors and Ben-Day dot patterns. Lichtenstein's most iconic works include "Whaam!" and "Drowning Girl," which depict scenes from comic books in a style that is both playful and ironic. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works often incorporated a range of materials and techniques. Lichtenstein died in 1997 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and subversion of traditional art forms.
| Born: | October 27, 1923, Manhattan, New York, NY |
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| Died: | September 29, 1997, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, Age 73 |
| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art, Abstract expressionism |
| Full name: | Roy Fox Lichtenstein |
| Influenced by: | Rembrandt, Vermeer and Picasso |
Rene Magritte
René Magritte
René Magritte was a Belgian surrealist artist known for his witty and thought-provoking paintings that challenged conventional notions of reality and perception. Born in Lessines, Belgium in 1898, Magritte studied art in Brussels before joining the Surrealist movement in Paris in the 1920s. His most famous works include "The Treachery of Images," which features a painting of a pipe with the words "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" ("This is not a pipe") written underneath, and "The Son of Man," which depicts a man in a suit with an apple obscuring his face. Magritte's paintings often juxtaposed familiar objects in unexpected ways, creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity. He was also a skilled printmaker and created many works in this medium. Magritte died in Brussels in 1967 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential surrealist artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and challenge viewers today.
René Magritte was a Belgian surrealist artist known for his witty and thought-provoking paintings that challenged conventional notions of reality and perception. Born in Lessines, Belgium in 1898, Magritte studied art in Brussels before joining the Surrealist movement in Paris in the 1920s. His most famous works include "The Treachery of Images," which features a painting of a pipe with the words "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" ("This is not a pipe") written underneath, and "The Son of Man," which depicts a man in a suit with an apple obscuring his face. Magritte's paintings often juxtaposed familiar objects in unexpected ways, creating a sense of mystery and ambiguity. He was also a skilled printmaker and created many works in this medium. Magritte died in Brussels in 1967 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential surrealist artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and challenge viewers today.
| Born: | November 21, 1898, Lessines, Belgium |
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| Died: | August 15, 1967, Rue des Mimosas, Schaerbeek, Belgium, Age 68 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Dada work, Modern art |
| Full name: | René François Ghislain Magritte |
| Influenced by: | Sigmund Freud |
| Influenced: | Stefano |
Edouard Manet
Édouard Manet
Édouard Manet was a French painter born in Paris in 1832 and one of the pioneers of modern art. He was heavily influenced by Spanish painters such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya, as well as by the Realist movement. Manet's early works caused controversy due to their realistic depictions of modern life, often featuring nude or partially dressed women in non-traditional poses. He rejected the academic style of painting and instead embraced a more spontaneous and impressionistic approach, using bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. Manet's most famous works include "Olympia" and "Déjeuner sur l'herbe," which challenged traditional notions of beauty and propriety in art. Despite criticism from the art establishment, Manet continued to push boundaries throughout his career, paving the way for later movements such as Impressionism and Fauvism. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 19th century.
Édouard Manet was a French painter born in Paris in 1832 and one of the pioneers of modern art. He was heavily influenced by Spanish painters such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya, as well as by the Realist movement. Manet's early works caused controversy due to their realistic depictions of modern life, often featuring nude or partially dressed women in non-traditional poses. He rejected the academic style of painting and instead embraced a more spontaneous and impressionistic approach, using bold brushstrokes and vivid colors. Manet's most famous works include "Olympia" and "Déjeuner sur l'herbe," which challenged traditional notions of beauty and propriety in art. Despite criticism from the art establishment, Manet continued to push boundaries throughout his career, paving the way for later movements such as Impressionism and Fauvism. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 19th century.
| Born: | November 21, 1898, Lessines, Belgium |
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| Died: | August 15, 1967, Rue des Mimosas, Schaerbeek, Belgium, Age 68 |
| Periods: | Surrealism, Dada work, Modern art |
| Full name: | René François Ghislain Magritte |
| Influenced by: | Sigmund Freud |
| Influenced: | Stefano |
Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker known for his vibrant use of color and his pioneering role in the Fauvist movement. Born in 1869 in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France, Matisse began his artistic career studying law before turning to art. He was influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, but his style evolved to become more abstract and expressive. Matisse's works often depicted scenes of everyday life and nature, but his use of color and form conveyed an emotional depth and vitality. He was also known for his cut-out paper works, which he created late in life when he was unable to paint due to poor health. Matisse continued to innovate and experiment throughout his career, and his work had a profound influence on later generations of artists. He died in 1954 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
Henri Matisse was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker known for his vibrant use of color and his pioneering role in the Fauvist movement. Born in 1869 in Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France, Matisse began his artistic career studying law before turning to art. He was influenced by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, but his style evolved to become more abstract and expressive. Matisse's works often depicted scenes of everyday life and nature, but his use of color and form conveyed an emotional depth and vitality. He was also known for his cut-out paper works, which he created late in life when he was unable to paint due to poor health. Matisse continued to innovate and experiment throughout his career, and his work had a profound influence on later generations of artists. He died in 1954 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.
| Born: | December 31, 1869, Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France |
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| Died: | November 3, 1954, Nice, France, Age 84 |
| Periods: | Fauvism, Impressionism, Post- and Neo-Impressionism, Modernism, Modern art |
| Full name: | Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse |
| Influenced by: | Vincent van Gogh, Édouard Manet, and Paul Cézanne |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Michelangelo
Michelangelo
Michelangelo was an Italian artist, sculptor, and architect who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time. Born in 1475 in Caprese, Italy, Michelangelo showed an early talent for art and was apprenticed to a prominent painter before turning to sculpture. His most famous works include the sculpture "David" and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which depict scenes from the Bible and the classical world in a style that is both grand and highly emotional. Michelangelo's work was characterized by his mastery of anatomy and his ability to create highly expressive figures that conveyed a sense of spiritual and emotional intensity. He was also a skilled architect, and his works in this field include the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Michelangelo died in 1564 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest artists and thinkers of the Renaissance. His works continue to inspire and awe viewers to this day.
Michelangelo was an Italian artist, sculptor, and architect who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time. Born in 1475 in Caprese, Italy, Michelangelo showed an early talent for art and was apprenticed to a prominent painter before turning to sculpture. His most famous works include the sculpture "David" and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which depict scenes from the Bible and the classical world in a style that is both grand and highly emotional. Michelangelo's work was characterized by his mastery of anatomy and his ability to create highly expressive figures that conveyed a sense of spiritual and emotional intensity. He was also a skilled architect, and his works in this field include the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Michelangelo died in 1564 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest artists and thinkers of the Renaissance. His works continue to inspire and awe viewers to this day.
| Born: | March 6, 1475, Caprese Michelangelo, Italy |
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| Died: | February 18, 1564, Rome, Italy, Age 88 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, High Renaissance |
| Full name: | Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni |
| Influenced: | Raphael, Peter Paul Rubens |
Piet Mondrian
Piet Mondrian
Piet Mondrian was a Dutch painter known for his pioneering contributions to the development of abstract art, particularly in the field of geometric abstraction. Born in the Netherlands in 1872, Mondrian studied art in Amsterdam before establishing himself as a leading figure in the European avant-garde in the early 20th century. His most famous works include paintings composed of grids of horizontal and vertical lines, filled with primary colors and neutrals, that are characterized by their simple, geometric forms and a sense of balance and harmony. Mondrian's works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the universal principles of rhythm, proportion, and harmony. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Cubism and the De Stijl movement, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Theo van Doesburg. Mondrian was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works continue to be highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 1944, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
Piet Mondrian was a Dutch painter known for his pioneering contributions to the development of abstract art, particularly in the field of geometric abstraction. Born in the Netherlands in 1872, Mondrian studied art in Amsterdam before establishing himself as a leading figure in the European avant-garde in the early 20th century. His most famous works include paintings composed of grids of horizontal and vertical lines, filled with primary colors and neutrals, that are characterized by their simple, geometric forms and a sense of balance and harmony. Mondrian's works challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the universal principles of rhythm, proportion, and harmony. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Cubism and the De Stijl movement, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Theo van Doesburg. Mondrian was the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works continue to be highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He passed away in 1944, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.
| Born: | March 7, 1872, Amersfoort, Netherlands |
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| Died: | February 1, 1944, New York, NY, Age 71 |
| Periods: | Cubism, Modern art, Expressionism, Impressionism, Modernism, Abstract art |
| Full name: | Pieter Cornelis Mondriaan, Jr. |
| Influenced by: | Pablo Picasso, Theo van Doesburg, Georges Braque, Diego Rivera |
Claude Monet
Claude Monet
Claude Monet was a French painter born in Paris in 1840 and one of the founders of the Impressionist movement. He showed an early talent for art and began studying under established artists at a young age. He became known for his en plein air (outdoor) paintings, capturing the changing light and atmosphere of his surroundings in vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes. Monet's most famous works include his series of water lilies, which he painted in his garden at Giverny, as well as his depictions of the Rouen Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament in London. Throughout his career, Monet continued to experiment with color and technique, breaking away from traditional forms of representation and paving the way for modern art. He died in 1926 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Claude Monet was a French painter born in Paris in 1840 and one of the founders of the Impressionist movement. He showed an early talent for art and began studying under established artists at a young age. He became known for his en plein air (outdoor) paintings, capturing the changing light and atmosphere of his surroundings in vibrant colors and loose brushstrokes. Monet's most famous works include his series of water lilies, which he painted in his garden at Giverny, as well as his depictions of the Rouen Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament in London. Throughout his career, Monet continued to experiment with color and technique, breaking away from traditional forms of representation and paving the way for modern art. He died in 1926 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential painters of the 19th and 20th centuries.
| Born: | November 14, 1840, Rue Laffitte, Paris, France |
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| Died: | December 5, 1926, Giverny, France, Age 86 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art |
| Full name: | Oscar-Claude Monet |
| Influenced by: | Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir |
| Influenced: | Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol |
Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter and printmaker born in 1863 known for his emotionally charged and psychologically introspective works. Munch's early life was marked by tragedy and illness, which would later become major themes in his art. He studied at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania (now Oslo) before traveling to Paris, where he was exposed to the work of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Munch's most famous work, "The Scream," has become an iconic symbol of modern anxiety and existential dread. He continued to explore these themes throughout his career, creating haunting and evocative images that often blended realism with symbolism and expressionism. Munch died at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the early 20th century.
Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter and printmaker born in 1863 known for his emotionally charged and psychologically introspective works. Munch's early life was marked by tragedy and illness, which would later become major themes in his art. He studied at the Royal School of Art and Design in Kristiania (now Oslo) before traveling to Paris, where he was exposed to the work of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Munch's most famous work, "The Scream," has become an iconic symbol of modern anxiety and existential dread. He continued to explore these themes throughout his career, creating haunting and evocative images that often blended realism with symbolism and expressionism. Munch died at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the early 20th century.
| Born: | December 12, 1863, Ådalsbruk, Norway |
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| Died: | January 23, 1944, Oslo, Norway, 80 |
| Periods: | Expressionism, Modern art, Symbolism, Impressionism, Realism, Post-Impressionism |
| Full name: | Edvard Daniel Jon Hans Einar Erling Munch |
| Influenced by: | Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh |
| Influenced: | Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol |
Wangechi Mutu
Wangechi Mutu
Wangechi Mutu is a contemporary Kenyan-American artist known for her multidisciplinary works that explore themes related to identity, gender, and politics. Born in Nairobi in 1972, Mutu studied art in Kenya and later in the United States before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 2000s. Her most famous works include mixed media collages and sculptures that incorporate a range of materials, such as found objects, paper, and paint, and often explore the intersections between African and Western culture. Mutu's works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complexities of contemporary society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Afrofuturism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Hannah Höch and Kara Walker. Mutu has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art.
Wangechi Mutu is a contemporary Kenyan-American artist known for her multidisciplinary works that explore themes related to identity, gender, and politics. Born in Nairobi in 1972, Mutu studied art in Kenya and later in the United States before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 2000s. Her most famous works include mixed media collages and sculptures that incorporate a range of materials, such as found objects, paper, and paint, and often explore the intersections between African and Western culture. Mutu's works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complexities of contemporary society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Afrofuturism, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Hannah Höch and Kara Walker. Mutu has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art.
| Born: | June 22, 1972, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Inspired by: | Tina Turner, Nina Simone, Josephine Baker |
Alice Neel
Alice Neel
Alice Neel was an American painter known for her portraits of people, particularly those from her own circle of friends and acquaintances. Born in Pennsylvania in 1900, Neel moved to New York City in the 1930s and became associated with the city's artistic and intellectual circles. Her most famous works include portraits of artists, writers, and activists, such as Andy Warhol, Frank O'Hara, and Angela Davis. Neel's paintings are characterized by their bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and psychological insight into her subjects. She was also known for her willingness to tackle controversial subjects, such as racism, sexism, and poverty. Despite facing many challenges and setbacks over the course of her career, Neel continued to paint and produce works until her death in 1984 at the age of 84. Today, she is regarded as one of the most important and influential portrait painters of the 20th century, and her works continue to inspire and captivate viewers.
Alice Neel was an American painter known for her portraits of people, particularly those from her own circle of friends and acquaintances. Born in Pennsylvania in 1900, Neel moved to New York City in the 1930s and became associated with the city's artistic and intellectual circles. Her most famous works include portraits of artists, writers, and activists, such as Andy Warhol, Frank O'Hara, and Angela Davis. Neel's paintings are characterized by their bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and psychological insight into her subjects. She was also known for her willingness to tackle controversial subjects, such as racism, sexism, and poverty. Despite facing many challenges and setbacks over the course of her career, Neel continued to paint and produce works until her death in 1984 at the age of 84. Today, she is regarded as one of the most important and influential portrait painters of the 20th century, and her works continue to inspire and captivate viewers.
| Born: | January 28, 1900, Gladwyne, PA |
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| Died: | October 13, 1984, New York, Age 84 |
| Period: | Social Realism |
| Influenced by: | Robert Henri |
Jim Nutt
Jim Nutt
Jim Nutt is a contemporary American artist known for his figurative paintings and drawings that incorporate elements of Surrealism and Pop Art. Born in Illinois in 1938, Nutt studied art in Chicago before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Chicago Imagist movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include paintings of stylized faces and bodies that are characterized by their bright colors, graphic compositions, and a sense of psychological tension. Nutt's works often explore themes related to identity, gender, and sexuality, and he is known for his ability to infuse his works with humor and wit. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Pop Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as René Magritte and Roy Lichtenstein. Nutt has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Jim Nutt is a contemporary American artist known for his figurative paintings and drawings that incorporate elements of Surrealism and Pop Art. Born in Illinois in 1938, Nutt studied art in Chicago before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Chicago Imagist movement in the 1960s. His most famous works include paintings of stylized faces and bodies that are characterized by their bright colors, graphic compositions, and a sense of psychological tension. Nutt's works often explore themes related to identity, gender, and sexuality, and he is known for his ability to infuse his works with humor and wit. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Pop Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as René Magritte and Roy Lichtenstein. Nutt has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | November 28, 1938, Pittsfield, MA |
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| Age: | 84 |
| Period: | Surrealism |
| Full name: | James T. Nutt |
| Influenced by: | African and American Indian art, Surrealism, and Expressionism |
Albert Oehlen
Albert Oehlen
Albert Oehlen is a German contemporary artist known for his experimental and innovative works that challenge traditional notions of painting. Born in Krefeld, Germany in 1954, Oehlen studied art in Hamburg and later became associated with the Cologne art scene of the 1980s. His most famous works include large-scale abstract paintings that incorporate a range of techniques and materials, including oil paint, spray paint, and digital manipulation. Oehlen's paintings often feature bold colors and expressive brushstrokes that convey a sense of energy and movement. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and punk rock. Oehlen has been the subject of several solo exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Albert Oehlen is a German contemporary artist known for his experimental and innovative works that challenge traditional notions of painting. Born in Krefeld, Germany in 1954, Oehlen studied art in Hamburg and later became associated with the Cologne art scene of the 1980s. His most famous works include large-scale abstract paintings that incorporate a range of techniques and materials, including oil paint, spray paint, and digital manipulation. Oehlen's paintings often feature bold colors and expressive brushstrokes that convey a sense of energy and movement. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and punk rock. Oehlen has been the subject of several solo exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | September 17, 1954, Krefeld, Germany |
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| Age: | 68 |
| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Influenced by: | Georg Baselitz and Gerhard Richter. De Kooning and the Abstract Expressionist generation |
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and printmaker who is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Born in Malaga in 1881, Picasso showed an early talent for art and went on to study in Barcelona and Paris. He was a key figure in the development of the Cubist movement, which sought to deconstruct and reassemble forms in a new way. Picasso's most famous works include "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" and "Guernica," which are celebrated for their innovation and their powerful social and political commentary. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works in these mediums are highly sought after by collectors. Picasso was a prolific artist who continued to innovate and experiment throughout his long career, which spanned nearly eight decades. He died in 1973 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the modern era.
Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and printmaker who is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Born in Malaga in 1881, Picasso showed an early talent for art and went on to study in Barcelona and Paris. He was a key figure in the development of the Cubist movement, which sought to deconstruct and reassemble forms in a new way. Picasso's most famous works include "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" and "Guernica," which are celebrated for their innovation and their powerful social and political commentary. He was also a skilled printmaker and sculptor, and his works in these mediums are highly sought after by collectors. Picasso was a prolific artist who continued to innovate and experiment throughout his long career, which spanned nearly eight decades. He died in 1973 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important artists of the modern era.
| Born: | October 25, 1881, Málaga, Spain |
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| Died: | April 8, 1973, Mougins, France, Age 91 |
| Periods: | Cubism, Surrealism, Modern art, Picasso’s Blue Period |
| Full name: | Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso |
| Influenced by: | Paul Cézanne and Henri Rousseau, and archaic and tribal art |
Richard Prince
Richard Prince
Richard Prince is a contemporary American artist known for his conceptual works that explore themes related to American popular culture, consumerism, and identity. Born in the United States in 1949, Prince studied art in New York City before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1980s. His most famous works include photographs of advertisements, magazine covers, and other images from popular media that are often rephotographed, manipulated, and presented in new contexts. Prince's works challenge traditional ideas about authorship and originality and explore the complexities of contemporary society. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Appropriation Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Andy Warhol and Sherrie Levine. Prince has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Richard Prince is a contemporary American artist known for his conceptual works that explore themes related to American popular culture, consumerism, and identity. Born in the United States in 1949, Prince studied art in New York City before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1980s. His most famous works include photographs of advertisements, magazine covers, and other images from popular media that are often rephotographed, manipulated, and presented in new contexts. Prince's works challenge traditional ideas about authorship and originality and explore the complexities of contemporary society. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Appropriation Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Andy Warhol and Sherrie Levine. Prince has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | August 6, 1949, Panama Canal Zone, U.S. |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Influenced by: | Jackson Pollack |
Raphael
Raphael
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael's most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura, such as "The School of Athens" and "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament," which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael's most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura, such as "The School of Athens" and "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament," which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
| Born: | 1483, Urbino, Italy |
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| Died: | April 6, 1520, Rome, Italy, Age 37 |
| Period: | Renaissance, High Renaissance and Italian Renaissance |
| Full name: | Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino |
| Influenced by: | Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Francisco de Goya |
Rembrandt
Raphael
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael's most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura, such as "The School of Athens" and "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament," which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael's most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura, such as "The School of Athens" and "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament," which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
| Born: | July 15, 1606, Leiden, Netherlands |
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| Died: | October 4, 1669, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Age 63 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Baroque painting, Dutch Golden Age |
| Full name: | Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn |
| Influenced by: | Italian masters and Netherlandish artists who had studied in Italy, and Peter Paul Rubens |
| Influenced: | Vincent van Gogh, Manet |
Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Raphael
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael's most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura, such as "The School of Athens" and "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament," which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in Urbino in 1483, Raphael trained in Perugia and Florence before settling in Rome, where he worked on commissions for the Vatican and other patrons. He was known for his skillful use of color, light, and perspective, as well as his ability to convey a sense of grace and harmony in his paintings. Raphael's most famous works include the frescoes in the Vatican's Stanza della Segnatura, such as "The School of Athens" and "The Disputation of the Holy Sacrament," which depicted scenes from philosophy, theology, and literature. He was also a skilled portraitist, and his portraits of popes, princes, and other members of the Italian nobility are highly regarded for their elegance and beauty. Raphael died in Rome in 1520 at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance.
| Born: | February 25, 1841, Limoges, France |
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| Died: | December 3, 1919, Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, Age 78 |
| Periods: | Impressionism, Modern art |
| Notable Works: | "Luncheon of the Boating Party," "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette," portraits of Jeanne Samary and Guy de Maupassant |
| Style: | Bright and colorful paintings with loose brushwork and emphasis on light and atmosphere |
| Legacy: | Considered one of the greatest Impressionist painters of all time |
Gerhard Richter
Gerhard Richter
Gerhard Richter is a German contemporary artist known for his diverse body of work that includes abstract and photorealistic paintings, prints, and photographs. Born in Dresden in 1932, Richter studied art in East Germany before moving to West Germany in the 1960s. His most famous works include abstract paintings that are characterized by their blurred edges and muted colors, and photorealistic paintings that depict everyday objects and scenes. Richter's works often explore themes related to memory, history, and representation, and he is known for his ability to push the boundaries of artistic conventions. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Conceptual Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Richter has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Gerhard Richter is a German contemporary artist known for his diverse body of work that includes abstract and photorealistic paintings, prints, and photographs. Born in Dresden in 1932, Richter studied art in East Germany before moving to West Germany in the 1960s. His most famous works include abstract paintings that are characterized by their blurred edges and muted colors, and photorealistic paintings that depict everyday objects and scenes. Richter's works often explore themes related to memory, history, and representation, and he is known for his ability to push the boundaries of artistic conventions. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Conceptual Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Richter has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | February 9, 1932, Dresden, Germany |
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| Periods: | Abstract art, photo realism, conceptual art, capitalist realism |
| Influenced by: | Jackson Pollack and Lucio Fontana |
| Influenced: | Christopher Wool |
Henri Rousseau
Henri Rousseau
Henri Rousseau, also known as Le Douanier ("the customs officer"), was a French painter known for his vibrant and imaginative jungle scenes. Born in 1844 in Laval, France, Rousseau worked as a toll collector for most of his life, painting in his free time. He was a self-taught artist who was heavily influenced by the Post-Impressionists and the works of the Primitivist movement. Rousseau's paintings often depicted exotic animals and plants, despite the fact that he never traveled outside of France. His works were characterized by their vivid colors, flattened perspectives, and dreamlike quality. Rousseau was initially ridiculed by the Parisian art establishment, but he eventually gained recognition and became a respected member of the avant-garde. He died in 1910 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most original and influential artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Henri Rousseau, also known as Le Douanier ("the customs officer"), was a French painter known for his vibrant and imaginative jungle scenes. Born in 1844 in Laval, France, Rousseau worked as a toll collector for most of his life, painting in his free time. He was a self-taught artist who was heavily influenced by the Post-Impressionists and the works of the Primitivist movement. Rousseau's paintings often depicted exotic animals and plants, despite the fact that he never traveled outside of France. His works were characterized by their vivid colors, flattened perspectives, and dreamlike quality. Rousseau was initially ridiculed by the Parisian art establishment, but he eventually gained recognition and became a respected member of the avant-garde. He died in 1910 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most original and influential artists of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
| Born: | May 21, 1844, Laval, France |
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| Died: | September 2, 1910, Necker–Enfants Malades Hospital, Age 66 |
| Periods: | Naïve art, Post-Impressionism, Primitivism |
| Full name: | Henri Julien Félix Rousseau |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Peter Paul Rubens
Peter Paul Rubens
Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish Baroque painter known for his dynamic and exuberant style, which featured dramatic poses, rich colors, and muscular figures. Born in Siegen, Germany in 1577, Rubens grew up in Antwerp, Belgium and studied in Italy. His most famous works include large-scale religious and mythological paintings, such as "The Descent from the Cross" and "The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus," which were characterized by their theatricality and energy. Rubens was also a skilled portraitist and produced many portraits of members of the European aristocracy. His works were highly influential and inspired later artists such as Rembrandt and Diego Velázquez. In addition to his work as a painter, Rubens was also an art collector and diplomat, and he served as a court painter for the Spanish Habsburgs. He died in Antwerp in 1640 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Baroque era.
Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish Baroque painter known for his dynamic and exuberant style, which featured dramatic poses, rich colors, and muscular figures. Born in Siegen, Germany in 1577, Rubens grew up in Antwerp, Belgium and studied in Italy. His most famous works include large-scale religious and mythological paintings, such as "The Descent from the Cross" and "The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus," which were characterized by their theatricality and energy. Rubens was also a skilled portraitist and produced many portraits of members of the European aristocracy. His works were highly influential and inspired later artists such as Rembrandt and Diego Velázquez. In addition to his work as a painter, Rubens was also an art collector and diplomat, and he served as a court painter for the Spanish Habsburgs. He died in Antwerp in 1640 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Baroque era.
| Born: | June 28, 1577, Siegen, Germany |
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| Died: | May 30, 1640, Antwerp, Belgium, Age 62 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Antwerp school |
| Influenced by: | Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci |
| Influenced: | Diego Velázquez |
Jenny Saville
Jenny Saville
Jenny Saville is a contemporary British artist known for her powerful and often visceral paintings that explore themes related to the human body, identity, and beauty. Born in Cambridge in 1970, Saville studied at the Glasgow School of Art before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world. Her most famous works include large-scale paintings of nude bodies that are characterized by their thick, impastoed paint and dramatic, gestural brushstrokes. Saville's works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complex relationship between the body and society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and the works of artists such as Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon. Saville has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Jenny Saville is a contemporary British artist known for her powerful and often visceral paintings that explore themes related to the human body, identity, and beauty. Born in Cambridge in 1970, Saville studied at the Glasgow School of Art before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world. Her most famous works include large-scale paintings of nude bodies that are characterized by their thick, impastoed paint and dramatic, gestural brushstrokes. Saville's works challenge traditional ideas about beauty and representation and explore the complex relationship between the body and society. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Abstract Expressionism and the works of artists such as Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon. Saville has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | May 7, 1970, Cambridge, United Kingdom |
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| Periods: | Contemporary art, Young British Artists |
| Full name: | Jennifer Anne Saville |
| Influenced by: | Diego Velázquez, Rembrandt and William de Kooning |
Georges-Pierre Seurat
Georges-Pierre Seurat
Georges-Pierre Seurat was a French painter born in Paris in 1859 and the founder of the Neo-Impressionist movement, also known as Pointillism. Seurat was influenced by the Impressionist painters but sought to create a more structured and scientific approach to painting. His most famous work, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," is a large-scale painting that depicts a scene of leisure and social class in Paris. Seurat's technique involved the use of small dots of color, which he believed would create a more vibrant and luminous effect than traditional brushwork. His work was highly influential on later artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Signac. Seurat died at the young age of 31, leaving behind a small but influential body of work that continues to inspire artists to this day.
Georges-Pierre Seurat was a French painter born in Paris in 1859 and the founder of the Neo-Impressionist movement, also known as Pointillism. Seurat was influenced by the Impressionist painters but sought to create a more structured and scientific approach to painting. His most famous work, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," is a large-scale painting that depicts a scene of leisure and social class in Paris. Seurat's technique involved the use of small dots of color, which he believed would create a more vibrant and luminous effect than traditional brushwork. His work was highly influential on later artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Signac. Seurat died at the young age of 31, leaving behind a small but influential body of work that continues to inspire artists to this day.
| Born: | December 2, 1859, Paris, France |
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| Died: | March 29, 1891, Paris, France, Age 31 |
| Periods: | Pointillism, Post-Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, Modern art, Divisionism |
| Influenced by: | Studying the works of early Italian and 17th-century French artists in the Louvre |
| Influenced: | Vincent Van Gogh |
David Shrigley
David Shrigley
David Shrigley is a contemporary Scottish artist known for his playful and often irreverent works that combine drawing, sculpture, and text. Born in Macclesfield, England in 1968, Shrigley studied at the Glasgow School of Art before establishing himself as a leading figure in the British contemporary art scene in the 1990s. His most famous works include cartoons, sculptures, and installations that explore themes related to humor, language, and absurdity. Shrigley's works are characterized by their simplicity, humor, and sense of whimsy, and he often uses humor to address serious or difficult subjects. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Dada, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp. Shrigley has been the subject of several exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
David Shrigley is a contemporary Scottish artist known for his playful and often irreverent works that combine drawing, sculpture, and text. Born in Macclesfield, England in 1968, Shrigley studied at the Glasgow School of Art before establishing himself as a leading figure in the British contemporary art scene in the 1990s. His most famous works include cartoons, sculptures, and installations that explore themes related to humor, language, and absurdity. Shrigley's works are characterized by their simplicity, humor, and sense of whimsy, and he often uses humor to address serious or difficult subjects. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Dada, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as René Magritte and Marcel Duchamp. Shrigley has been the subject of several exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | September 17, 1968, Macclesfield, United Kingdom |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Influenced by: | René Magritte |
| Influenced: |
Rudolf Stingel
Rudolf Stingel
Rudolf Stingel is a contemporary Italian artist known for his conceptual works that explore themes related to materiality, perception, and memory. Born in Merano, Italy in 1956, Stingel studied art in Vienna before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. His most famous works include installations and paintings that incorporate a range of materials, such as carpet, paint, and gold leaf, and often invite viewer participation and engagement. Stingel's works challenge traditional ideas about art and its presentation and explore the ways in which the viewer's experience and perception of art can be altered and manipulated. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Minimalism and Conceptual Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Dan Flavin and Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Stingel has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Rudolf Stingel is a contemporary Italian artist known for his conceptual works that explore themes related to materiality, perception, and memory. Born in Merano, Italy in 1956, Stingel studied art in Vienna before establishing himself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. His most famous works include installations and paintings that incorporate a range of materials, such as carpet, paint, and gold leaf, and often invite viewer participation and engagement. Stingel's works challenge traditional ideas about art and its presentation and explore the ways in which the viewer's experience and perception of art can be altered and manipulated. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Minimalism and Conceptual Art, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Dan Flavin and Felix Gonzalez-Torres. Stingel has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | 1956, Merano, Italy |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Influenced by: | Baroque and Rococo aesthetics |
Art Stefano
Stefano
Stefano is a pseudonymous American contemporary artist whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation and intrigue. Stefano is known for creating imaginative, large-scale, thought-provoking figurative artworks and expressive series, influenced by Surrealism and Expressionism, working with multiple generative styles and digital photography. Breathtaking expansive works boldly express Stefano’s creativity. With many vibrant pieces incorporating a range of traditional media, some works were produced for single and multiple contiguous 4k or 8k displays, some with thousands of unique images in a single 8’x16’ piece of art. One incredible series completed over 20 years is 8’ high and thousands of feet wide, and can also be displayed through one or multiple large 4k or 8k displays, presenting thousands of unique sequenced multi-image collages refreshing every minute, with no repetition in 24 hours. Stefano’s subjects and styles are diverse and complex, his works highly regarded by collectors, some works compared to Dali, Magritte, and Condo.
Stefano is a pseudonymous American contemporary artist whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation and intrigue. Stefano is known for creating imaginative, large-scale, thought-provoking figurative artworks and expressive series, influenced by Surrealism and Expressionism, working with multiple generative styles and digital photography. Breathtaking expansive works boldly express Stefano’s creativity. With many vibrant pieces incorporating a range of traditional media, some works were produced for single and multiple contiguous 4k or 8k displays, some with thousands of unique images in a single 8’x16’ piece of art. One incredible series completed over 20 years is 8’ high and thousands of feet wide, and can also be displayed through one or multiple large 4k or 8k displays, presenting thousands of unique sequenced multi-image collages refreshing every minute, with no repetition in 24 hours. Stefano’s subjects and styles are diverse and complex, his works highly regarded by collectors, some works compared to Dali, Magritte, and Condo.
| Born: | 19xx, xxxxxxxx, xx, U.S., Age xx |
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| Full name: | Arturo Bri Stefano |
| Periods: | Contemporary, Generative, Surrealism, Expressionism, Dadaism, Pop Art |
| Influenced by: | Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Magritte, George Condo, Salvador Dali, Cristo |
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-Impressionist painter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in 1853 in the Netherlands, van Gogh struggled to find his calling until he discovered painting. His most famous works include "The Starry Night" and "Sunflowers," which are characterized by their bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes. Van Gogh was also known for his use of light and his ability to convey a sense of emotion and mood in his paintings. He suffered from mental illness throughout his life and was hospitalized on several occasions, but he continued to paint and produce works until his death in 1890 at the age of 37. Despite his short career, van Gogh left behind a legacy as one of the most influential and innovative artists of the Post-Impressionist era, and his works continue to inspire and captivate viewers today.
Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-Impressionist painter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in history. Born in 1853 in the Netherlands, van Gogh struggled to find his calling until he discovered painting. His most famous works include "The Starry Night" and "Sunflowers," which are characterized by their bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes. Van Gogh was also known for his use of light and his ability to convey a sense of emotion and mood in his paintings. He suffered from mental illness throughout his life and was hospitalized on several occasions, but he continued to paint and produce works until his death in 1890 at the age of 37. Despite his short career, van Gogh left behind a legacy as one of the most influential and innovative artists of the Post-Impressionist era, and his works continue to inspire and captivate viewers today.
| Born: | March 30, 1853, Zundert, Netherlands |
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| Died: | July 29, 1890, Auvers-sur-Oise, France, Age 37 |
| Periods: | Post-Impressionism, Pointillism, Neo-Impressionism |
| Full name: | Vincent Willem van Gogh |
| Influenced by: | Gaugin |
| Influenced: | Picasso |
Jan van Eyck
Jan van Eyck
Jan van Eyck was a Flemish painter of the 15th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the Northern Renaissance. Born in Maaseik, Belgium, van Eyck trained as a painter in the workshop of his older brother, Hubert. He is known for his attention to detail and his skillful use of light and shadow, which gave his works a sense of realism and depth. Van Eyck's most famous works include "The Ghent Altarpiece" and "The Arnolfini Portrait," which depicted religious subjects and scenes of everyday life in exquisite detail. He was also known for his pioneering use of oil paint, which allowed him to create subtle variations in color and texture. Van Eyck's influence on the history of art is immeasurable, and his work had a profound impact on later artists such as Albrecht Dürer and the Dutch Masters.
Jan van Eyck was a Flemish painter of the 15th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the Northern Renaissance. Born in Maaseik, Belgium, van Eyck trained as a painter in the workshop of his older brother, Hubert. He is known for his attention to detail and his skillful use of light and shadow, which gave his works a sense of realism and depth. Van Eyck's most famous works include "The Ghent Altarpiece" and "The Arnolfini Portrait," which depicted religious subjects and scenes of everyday life in exquisite detail. He was also known for his pioneering use of oil paint, which allowed him to create subtle variations in color and texture. Van Eyck's influence on the history of art is immeasurable, and his work had a profound impact on later artists such as Albrecht Dürer and the Dutch Masters.
| Born: | 1390, Maaseik, Belgium |
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| Died: | July 9, 1441, Bruges, Belgium, Age 51 |
| Periods: | Renaissance, Northern Renaissance |
| Influenced: | Grant Wood |
Diego Velazquez
Diego Velázquez
Diego Velázquez was a Spanish painter of the 17th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important artists in the history of Western art. Velázquez began his artistic career as a painter of religious works before gaining recognition for his portraits of members of the Spanish royal court. His most famous work, "Las Meninas," is considered a masterpiece of Western art and showcases his skill in depicting space, light, and the complexities of human relationships. Velázquez's paintings are characterized by their realism and his ability to capture the individuality of his subjects. He was also known for his use of loose brushstrokes and subtle tonal variations, which had a profound influence on later generations of artists. Velázquez died at the height of his career, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Spanish Golden Age.
Diego Velázquez was a Spanish painter of the 17th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important artists in the history of Western art. Velázquez began his artistic career as a painter of religious works before gaining recognition for his portraits of members of the Spanish royal court. His most famous work, "Las Meninas," is considered a masterpiece of Western art and showcases his skill in depicting space, light, and the complexities of human relationships. Velázquez's paintings are characterized by their realism and his ability to capture the individuality of his subjects. He was also known for his use of loose brushstrokes and subtle tonal variations, which had a profound influence on later generations of artists. Velázquez died at the height of his career, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest painters of the Spanish Golden Age.
| Born: | June 6, 1599, Seville, Spain |
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| Died: | August 6, 1660, Madrid, Spain, Age 61 |
| Period: | Baroque |
| Full name: | Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez |
| Influenced: | Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Édouard Manet |
Johannes Vermeer
Johannes Vermeer
Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter of the 17th century and is considered one of the greatest artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Born in Delft in 1632, Vermeer spent his entire career in his hometown, where he produced only a small number of works. His paintings are known for their masterful use of light and color, which created a sense of intimacy and serenity. Vermeer's most famous works include "Girl with a Pearl Earring," "The Milkmaid," and "The Art of Painting," which depicted scenes of daily life and portraits of women. He was also known for his attention to detail and his use of perspective, which created a sense of depth and spatial realism in his works. Despite his relative obscurity during his lifetime, Vermeer's paintings have had a lasting impact on the history of art and continue to be admired for their beauty and technical skill. He died in 1675 at the age of 43, leaving behind a small but influential body of work.
Johannes Vermeer was a Dutch painter of the 17th century and is considered one of the greatest artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Born in Delft in 1632, Vermeer spent his entire career in his hometown, where he produced only a small number of works. His paintings are known for their masterful use of light and color, which created a sense of intimacy and serenity. Vermeer's most famous works include "Girl with a Pearl Earring," "The Milkmaid," and "The Art of Painting," which depicted scenes of daily life and portraits of women. He was also known for his attention to detail and his use of perspective, which created a sense of depth and spatial realism in his works. Despite his relative obscurity during his lifetime, Vermeer's paintings have had a lasting impact on the history of art and continue to be admired for their beauty and technical skill. He died in 1675 at the age of 43, leaving behind a small but influential body of work.
| Born: | 1632, Delft, Netherlands |
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| Died: | December 1675, Delft, Netherlands, Age 43 |
| Periods: | Baroque, Dutch Golden Age, Baroque painting |
| Influenced: | Salvador Dali |
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was an American artist and leading figure of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Born in Pittsburgh in 1928, Warhol began his career as a commercial illustrator before establishing himself as a fine artist. His most famous works include paintings of Campbell's Soup cans and images of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and other celebrities. Warhol's works were characterized by their bold colors, repetition, and use of mass-produced images from popular culture. He was also a skilled printmaker and produced many works in this medium. Warhol's studio, The Factory, became a hub for artists, musicians, and celebrities, and he was known for his avant-garde approach to art and life. Warhol died in 1987 at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and challenge viewers today.
Andy Warhol was an American artist and leading figure of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Born in Pittsburgh in 1928, Warhol began his career as a commercial illustrator before establishing himself as a fine artist. His most famous works include paintings of Campbell's Soup cans and images of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and other celebrities. Warhol's works were characterized by their bold colors, repetition, and use of mass-produced images from popular culture. He was also a skilled printmaker and produced many works in this medium. Warhol's studio, The Factory, became a hub for artists, musicians, and celebrities, and he was known for his avant-garde approach to art and life. Warhol died in 1987 at the age of 58, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century. His works continue to inspire and challenge viewers today.
| Born: | August 6, 1928, Pittsburgh, PA |
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| Died: | February 22, 1987, New York, NY, Age 58 |
| Periods: | Pop art, Modern art |
| Full name: | Andrew Warhola |
| Influenced: | Jean-Michel Basquiat, Takashi Murakami |
Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei is a contemporary Chinese artist and activist known for his provocative and politically charged works. Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals and studied art in New York City. His most famous works include installations, sculptures, and photographs that critique Chinese government policies and address human rights issues. Ai has been involved in several high-profile controversies, including his arrest and detention by Chinese authorities in 2011. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to his work as an artist, Ai is also a social media influencer and has used his platform to raise awareness of social and political issues. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and has won many awards for his work, including the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award. Ai continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art and activism.
Ai Weiwei is a contemporary Chinese artist and activist known for his provocative and politically charged works. Born in Beijing in 1957, Ai grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals and studied art in New York City. His most famous works include installations, sculptures, and photographs that critique Chinese government policies and address human rights issues. Ai has been involved in several high-profile controversies, including his arrest and detention by Chinese authorities in 2011. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to his work as an artist, Ai is also a social media influencer and has used his platform to raise awareness of social and political issues. He has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and has won many awards for his work, including the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award. Ai continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art and activism.
| Born: | August 28, 1957, Beijing, China |
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| Period: | Excessivism |
| Influenced by: | His father, Marcel Duchamp and Jasper Johns |
Whistler
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
James Abbott McNeill Whistler was an American-born artist who spent most of his career in Europe and is known for his contributions to the Aesthetic movement and his skillful use of color and light in his paintings. Born in Massachusetts in 1834, Whistler trained in Paris before settling in London in 1859. His most famous works include "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1" (also known as "Whistler's Mother") and "Nocturne in Black and Gold," which depict quiet, contemplative scenes in a style that is both elegant and understated. Whistler was also a skilled printmaker and produced many etchings and lithographs over the course of his career. He was a controversial figure in the art world and was involved in several lawsuits and public disputes, including a famous case with art critic John Ruskin. Whistler died in London in 1903 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of his time.
James Abbott McNeill Whistler was an American-born artist who spent most of his career in Europe and is known for his contributions to the Aesthetic movement and his skillful use of color and light in his paintings. Born in Massachusetts in 1834, Whistler trained in Paris before settling in London in 1859. His most famous works include "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1" (also known as "Whistler's Mother") and "Nocturne in Black and Gold," which depict quiet, contemplative scenes in a style that is both elegant and understated. Whistler was also a skilled printmaker and produced many etchings and lithographs over the course of his career. He was a controversial figure in the art world and was involved in several lawsuits and public disputes, including a famous case with art critic John Ruskin. Whistler died in London in 1903 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of his time.
| Born: | July 11, 1834, Lowell, MA |
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| Died: | July 17, 1903, London, United Kingdom, Age 69 |
| Periods: | Modern art, Aestheticism, Tonalism |
| Full name: | James Abbott McNeill Whistler |
| Influenced by: | Édouard Manet |
Kehinde Wiley
Kehinde Wiley
Kehinde Wiley is a contemporary American artist known for his large-scale, figurative paintings that depict people of color in classical poses and settings. Born in California in 1977, Wiley studied art in San Francisco and later in New York City. His most famous works include portraits that reimagine classical European paintings by replacing their subjects with black or brown people, often dressed in contemporary clothing. Wiley's works are characterized by their bright, bold colors, intricate patterns, and detailed backgrounds, and they challenge traditional ideas about power, beauty, and representation. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Hip-Hop culture, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as John Singer Sargent and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Wiley has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Kehinde Wiley is a contemporary American artist known for his large-scale, figurative paintings that depict people of color in classical poses and settings. Born in California in 1977, Wiley studied art in San Francisco and later in New York City. His most famous works include portraits that reimagine classical European paintings by replacing their subjects with black or brown people, often dressed in contemporary clothing. Wiley's works are characterized by their bright, bold colors, intricate patterns, and detailed backgrounds, and they challenge traditional ideas about power, beauty, and representation. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Pop Art and Hip-Hop culture, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as John Singer Sargent and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. Wiley has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly sought after by collectors. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | February 28, 1977, Los Angeles, CA |
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| Period: | Renaissance, Dutch Golden Age, Baroque, and Neoclassical painting |
| Influenced by: | Portraiture and frescos, particularly the work of Venetian painters such as Titian and Giambattista Tiepolo, and French Rococo painting, Islamic architecture, African textile design, contemporary fashion, and urban hip hop |
Grant Wood
Grant Wood
Grant Wood was an American painter known for his depictions of rural life in the Midwest and his role in the Regionalist movement. Born in Iowa in 1891, Wood studied art in the United States and Europe before returning to his home state to focus on painting the landscape and people of the American heartland. His most famous work, "American Gothic," depicts a stern-looking couple standing in front of a farmhouse and has become an iconic image of American culture. Wood's style blended realism with an idealized view of rural life, emphasizing the dignity and hard work of Midwestern farmers. He was also a skilled printmaker and muralist. Despite his success, Wood remained committed to his Midwestern roots and continued to paint scenes of rural life until his death. Today, he is considered one of the most important American artists of the 20th century.
Grant Wood was an American painter known for his depictions of rural life in the Midwest and his role in the Regionalist movement. Born in Iowa in 1891, Wood studied art in the United States and Europe before returning to his home state to focus on painting the landscape and people of the American heartland. His most famous work, "American Gothic," depicts a stern-looking couple standing in front of a farmhouse and has become an iconic image of American culture. Wood's style blended realism with an idealized view of rural life, emphasizing the dignity and hard work of Midwestern farmers. He was also a skilled printmaker and muralist. Despite his success, Wood remained committed to his Midwestern roots and continued to paint scenes of rural life until his death. Today, he is considered one of the most important American artists of the 20th century.
| Born: | February 13, 1891, Anamosa, IA |
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| Died: | February 12, 1942, Iowa City, IA, Age 50 |
| Periods: | Regionalism, Modern art, Social realism |
| Full name: | Grant DeVolson Wood |
| Influenced by: | Jan van Eyck, and various German and Flemish masters of the 15th and 16th centuries |
Andrew Wyeth
Andrew Wyeth
Andrew Wyeth was an American painter known for his highly realistic and detailed works that often depicted rural life and landscapes. Born in Pennsylvania in 1917, Wyeth grew up in a family of artists and studied art under his father, N.C. Wyeth. His most famous works include "Christina's World," a painting of a young woman lying in a field, and "Winter," a painting of a snowy landscape. Wyeth's paintings are characterized by their attention to detail, muted colors, and sense of nostalgia. He was also a skilled draftsman and produced many works in pencil and watercolor. Wyeth was a controversial figure in the art world and was criticized by some for being too sentimental and nostalgic. Despite this, his works continue to be highly regarded by collectors and art critics. Wyeth died in 2009 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential American painters of the 20th century.
Andrew Wyeth was an American painter known for his highly realistic and detailed works that often depicted rural life and landscapes. Born in Pennsylvania in 1917, Wyeth grew up in a family of artists and studied art under his father, N.C. Wyeth. His most famous works include "Christina's World," a painting of a young woman lying in a field, and "Winter," a painting of a snowy landscape. Wyeth's paintings are characterized by their attention to detail, muted colors, and sense of nostalgia. He was also a skilled draftsman and produced many works in pencil and watercolor. Wyeth was a controversial figure in the art world and was criticized by some for being too sentimental and nostalgic. Despite this, his works continue to be highly regarded by collectors and art critics. Wyeth died in 2009 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential American painters of the 20th century.
| Born: | July 12, 1917, Chadds Ford Township, PA |
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| Died: | January 16, 2009, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Age 91 |
| Periods: | Realism, Modern art, Regionalism |
| Influenced by: | Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper |
Liu Xiaodong
Liu Xiaodong
Liu Xiaodong is a contemporary Chinese artist known for his figurative paintings that explore themes related to identity, globalization, and social change. Born in Liaoning, China in 1963, Liu studied art in Beijing before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Chinese contemporary art scene in the 1990s. His most famous works include large-scale paintings of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, often in real-life settings, that are characterized by their intense, emotional quality and dynamic brushstrokes. Liu's works often challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of contemporary society. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism and Realism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Liu has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
Liu Xiaodong is a contemporary Chinese artist known for his figurative paintings that explore themes related to identity, globalization, and social change. Born in Liaoning, China in 1963, Liu studied art in Beijing before establishing himself as a leading figure in the Chinese contemporary art scene in the 1990s. His most famous works include large-scale paintings of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, often in real-life settings, that are characterized by their intense, emotional quality and dynamic brushstrokes. Liu's works often challenge traditional ideas about representation and perception and explore the complexities of contemporary society. He has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Expressionism and Realism, and his works have been compared to those of artists such as Lucian Freud and David Hockney. Liu has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and his works are highly regarded by collectors and art critics. He continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
| Born: | November 17, 1963, Jinzhou, China |
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| Period: | Contemporary art |
| Influenced by: | Lucian Freud |
Lisa Yuskavage
Lisa Yuskavage
Lisa Yuskavage is a contemporary American artist known for her provocative and sensual paintings that explore themes related to gender, sexuality, and the female body. Born in Pennsylvania in 1962, Yuskavage studied art in New York City before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. Her most famous works include figurative paintings of women that are characterized by their vibrant colors, dreamlike settings, and a sense of ambiguity and eroticism. Yuskavage's works challenge traditional ideas about femininity and beauty, and she is known for her ability to infuse her paintings with a sense of both innocence and subversion. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Pop Art, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Edvard Munch. Yuskavage has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly sought after by collectors. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
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Lisa Yuskavage is a contemporary American artist known for her provocative and sensual paintings that explore themes related to gender, sexuality, and the female body. Born in Pennsylvania in 1962, Yuskavage studied art in New York City before establishing herself as a leading figure in the contemporary art world in the 1990s. Her most famous works include figurative paintings of women that are characterized by their vibrant colors, dreamlike settings, and a sense of ambiguity and eroticism. Yuskavage's works challenge traditional ideas about femininity and beauty, and she is known for her ability to infuse her paintings with a sense of both innocence and subversion. She has been influenced by a range of art movements, including Surrealism and Pop Art, and her works have been compared to those of artists such as Willem de Kooning and Edvard Munch. Yuskavage has been the subject of numerous exhibitions around the world and her works are highly sought after by collectors. She continues to be an important and influential figure in contemporary art today.
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| Born: | May 16, 1962, Philadelphia, PA |
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| Period: | Contemporary |
| Influenced by: | Giovanni Bellini, Johannes Vermeer and Edgar Degas |