Discover the Finest Artworks: Top 200 Paintings Worldwide (#200–176)

Explore our meticulously researched compilation showcasing the 200 greatest paintings globally.

Each painting is accompanied by thorough information, encompassing its dimensions, whereabouts, materials employed, its recurrence in experts' compilations, and our personal evaluation.

Click on the following links to discover #200–176, #175–151, #150–126, #125–101, #100–76, #75–51, #50–25, #24–1 of our list of the 200 best paintings in the world.

Our list is curated through an in-depth analysis of over 20 influential art books in various languages and multiple other reputable sources.

Uncover more about our methodology and the selected art books behind this definitive top 200 list by clicking here.

#200 | Wassily Kandinsky, “Yellow, Red, Blue”

A Symphony of Abstract Brilliance

Public Domain

Kandinsky's 'Yellow, Red, Blue' captivates through its dynamic interplay of vibrant hues and geometric forms.

It is serving as a testament to the artist's profound ability to evoke emotions and intellectual engagement through the language of abstraction.

Date: 1925

Dimensions: 128 cm × 201.5 cm (50.3 in × 79.3 in) | very large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Musée national d’art moderne, Centre Georges-Pompidou, Paris 🇫🇷

Art Movement: Expressionism, Der Blaue Reiter, Russian 🇷🇺

Experts’ Choice: 4x 

Our Score: 5.50


#199 | Sir Anthony van Dyck, “Charles I in Three Positions”

Harmonizing Meticulous Detail with an Unprecedented Exploration of Royal Representation

Public Domain

"Charles I in Three Positions" captures the essence of regal authority and charisma through a unique portrayal of King Charles I in three distinct perspectives.

The three positions symbolize the monarch's diverse roles – sovereign, commander, and statesman – encapsulating the complexity of leadership in a turbulent historical period.

The triple portrait of Charles I was dispatched to Rome for Bernini to use as a model for sculpting a bust.

Date: 1635–36

Dimensions: 99.4 cm × 84.4 cm (39.1 in × 33.2 in) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: King's Gallery, Kensington Palace, Kensington 🇬🇧

Art Movement: Baroque, Flemish 🇳🇱

Experts’ Choice: 5x 

Our Score: 5.50


#198 | Ivan Aivazovsky, “The Ninth Wave”

Exceptional Use of Light and Shadow

Public Domain

Its exceptional use of light and shadow creates a captivating atmosphere, drawing viewers into the tumultuous scene.

The meticulous attention to detail in rendering the stormy sea and the delicate play of moonlight on the waves showcases Aivazovsky's technical prowess.

Date: 1850

Dimensions: 221 cm × 332 cm (87 in × 131 in) | extremely large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg 🇷🇺

Art Movement: Romanticism, Russian 🇷🇺

Experts’ Choice: 5x 

Our Score: 5.50


#197 | Edgar Degas, “The Star (Dancer on Stage)”

Innovative Portrayal of the World of Ballet

Public Domain

Degas, a prominent Impressionist artist, captured the essence of movement and grace in a way that was groundbreaking for its time.

The painting is celebrated for its unique perspective, as it provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a dancer, offering viewers a rare and intimate view of the performance world.

Date: 1878

Dimensions: 58 x 42 cm (22.8 x 16.5 in) | medium-sized

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Musée d’Orsay, Paris 🇫🇷

Art Movement: Impressionism, French 🇫🇷

Experts’ Choice: 5x 

Our Score: 5.50


#196 | Arnold Böcklin, “The Island of the Dead” (Berlin Version)

A Journey to the Enchanted Island

Public Domain

The painting is characterized by a dreamlike quality, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of mortality, the afterlife, and the unknown.

Böcklin crafted five versions of "The Island of the Dead," each featuring subtle distinctions that highlight the evolution of his artistic perspective.

In 1888, he produced a painting titled "Isle of Life", likely conceived as a counterpart to the somber Isle of the Dead. Alongside the initial iteration of the Isle of the Dead, this painting is housed in the Kunstmuseum Basel.

Date: 1883 (3rd version)

Dimensions: 80 x 150 cm (31.4 x 59 in) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin 🇩🇪

Art Movement: Symbolism, Swiss 🇨🇭

Experts’ Choice: 5x (14x including all versions)

Our Score: 5.50


#195 | Franz Marc, “Tiger”

Groundbreaking Use of Vibrant Colors, Bold Shapes, and Innovative Abstraction

Public Domain

The painting captures the essence of the animal in a dynamic and emotive manner, reflecting Marc's commitment to conveying spiritual and emotional depth through art.

Marc was a co-founder of the avant-garde group "The Blue Rider," and "Tiger" exemplifies the group's commitment to exploring the spiritual in art through innovative techniques and bold use of color.

Date: 1912

Dimensions: 109 × 99 cm (42.9 × 39 in) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, Munich 🇩🇪

Art Movement: Expressionism, German 🇩🇪

Experts’ Choice: 6x

Our Score: 5.50


#194 | Vincent van Gogh, “The Bedroom at Arles”

Capturing Tranquil Harmony

Public Domain

Vincent van Gogh's "The Bedroom at Arles" is considered a masterpiece because it skillfully uses color, texture, and arrangement to create a peaceful feeling.

The painting not only makes us feel close to everyday life at home but also shows van Gogh's talent for turning ordinary things into extraordinary art.

 

Date: 1888

Dimensions: 57.3 x 74 cm (22.44 x 29.13 in) | medium-sized

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Musée d’Orsay, Paris 🇫🇷

Art Movement: Post-Impressionism, Dutch 🇳🇱

Experts’ Choice: 7x (15x including other similar versions)

Our Score: 5.50


#193 | Piero di Cosimo, “The Death of Procris (A Satyr mourning over a Nymph)”

A Moment of Profound Sorrow and Lamentation

Public Domain

The essence lies in the emotional intensity conveyed through the intricate details, exploring themes of love, loss, and the transient nature of life.

The painting draws inspiration from classical mythology, depicting the tragic story of Procris, a nymph accidentally killed by her husband, Cephalus, during a hunting incident.

Date: c. 1495

Dimensions: 65.4 cm × 184.2 cm (25.7 in × 72.5 in) | large

Material: Oil on poplar wood

Collection: National Gallery, London 🇬🇧

Art Movement: High Renaissance, Florentine School 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 7x

Our Score: 5.50


#192 | Johannes Vermeer van Delft, “The Astronomer”

Portrayal of Intellectual Curiosity and the Intersection of Art and Science

Public Domain

The painting has become an icon for scholars and academics, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and the marriage of art and science during the 17th century.

Vermeer's attention to detail extends to the scientific instruments depicted, which are rendered with remarkable accuracy, showcasing the artist's commitment to authenticity.

Date: 1668

Dimensions: 50 × 45 cm (19.6 × 17.7 in) | medium-sized

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Musée du Louvre Paris 🇫🇷

Art Movement: Baroque, Dutch 🇳🇱

Experts’ Choice: 7x

Our Score: 5.50


#191 | Ilya Repin, “Barge Haulers on the Volga”

A Powerful Commentary on Social Injustice

Public Domain

Through meticulous detail and poignant composition, Ilya Repin captures the physical strain and emotional weight borne by the barge haulers, offering a powerful commentary on social injustice and the human condition.

"Barge Haulers on the Volga" garnered widespread acclaim and won a gold medal at the World Exposition in Paris in 1878, solidifying its status as a globally recognized masterpiece.

Date: 1872–73

Dimensions: 131.5 cm × 281 cm (51.8 in × 111 in) | extremely large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg 🇷🇺

Art Movement: Realism, Russian 🇷🇺

Experts’ Choice: 7x

Our Score: 5.50


#190 | Georges de la Tour, “The Card-Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds”

Portrayal of Serenity and Beauty

Public Domain

"The Card-Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds" captures a moment of tension and intrigue as it portrays a skilled card player manipulating the game.

The painting showcases de la Tour's influence from Caravaggio, evident in the use of light and the realistic portrayal of the human form.

Date: 1635

Dimensions: 106 cm × 146 cm (42 in × 57 in) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Musée du Louvre, Paris 🇫🇷

Art Movement: Baroque, French 🇫🇷

Experts’ Choice: 7x

Our Score: 5.50


#189 | Frederic Leighton, “Flaming June”

A Tranquil Moment of Repose as a Woman Reclines in an Orange Gown

Public Domain

The subject's pose is reminiscent of classical sculptures, adding a classical aesthetic to the artwork.

The painting was rediscovered in the 1960s and gained widespread acclaim after being featured in an exhibition.

Date: 1895

Dimensions: 120 cm × 120 cm (47 in × 47 in) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Museo de Arte de Ponce, Ponce (Puerto Rico) 🇵🇷

Art Movement: Aestheticism, British 🇬🇧

Experts’ Choice: 7x

Our Score: 5.50


#188 | Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, “The Colossus”

An Allegorical Representation of the Human Condition Amidst the Tumultuous Forces of War and Chaos

Public Domain

Goya's enigmatic Colossus towers over a desolate landscape, embodying the existential struggle of humanity against overwhelming forces.

The painting, part of Goya's "Black Paintings" series, was painted during the Spanish War of Independence, so it could be Goya's response to the tumultuous events of the time.

Date: 1818–1825

Dimensions: 116 × 105 cm (45.6 × 41.3 in) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid 🇪🇸

Art Movement: Romanticism, Spanish 🇪🇸

Experts’ Choice: 7x

Our Score: 5.50


#187 | Fra Filippo Lippi, “Virgin with the Child and Scenes from the Life of St Anne”

Seamlessly Weaving Religious Narrative and Artistic Innovation

Public Domain

Lippi's innovative use of light and shadow in this painting influenced later artists, contributing to the evolution of Renaissance art.

The portrayal of the Virgin Mary and Child reflects the Renaissance emphasis on humanism, showcasing a more approachable and humanized divine figure.

Date: 1452

Dimensions: 135 cm (53 in) (diameter) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Palazzo Pitti, Florence 🇮🇹

Art Movement: Early Renaissance, Florentine School 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 7x

Our Score: 5.50


#186 | Dante Gabriel Rossetti, “Proserpine (8. and Final Version)”

Harmonizes Classical Narratives with a Victorian Sensibility

Public Domain

The painting captures the moment of Proserpine's descent into the underworld, exploring themes of love, loss, and the inevitable passage of time.

Rossetti employed his muse, Jane Morris, as the model for Proserpine, infusing personal emotions into the mythological theme.

Date: 1874

Dimensions: 61 x 125.1 cm (30.9 x 15.4 in) | large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham 🇬🇧

Art Movement: Early Renaissance, Florentine School 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 7x (11x including all versions)

Our Score: 5.50


#185 | Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, "King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid"

A Profound Exploration of Human Connection and the Transcendence of Societal Boundaries

Public Domain

This famous painting encapsulates the poignant narrative of a royal encounter between King Cophetua and a beggar maiden, intertwining themes of love, social disparity, and the transformative power of beauty.

The beguiling composition, rich in allegorical symbolism, invites viewers into a realm where mythical storytelling converges with sublime aesthetics, leaving an indelible impression of Victorian romanticism and artistic finesse.

Date: 1884

Dimensions: 290 x 136 cm (28.4 x 14.5 in) | extremely large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Tate Collection, London 🇬🇧

Art Movement: Pre-Raphaelite, British 🇬🇧

Experts’ Choice: 8x 

Our Score: 5.50


#184 | Piero di Cosimo, “Portrait of Simonetta Vespucci”

A Renaissance Masterpiece Portraying the Timeless Beauty of Simonetta Vespucci

Public Domain

Piero di Cosimo was known for his unconventional and imaginative approach to art, evident in the unique composition of this portrait

The painting is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail, from the intricate patterns of the clothing to the subtle nuances of expression.

Date: c. 1480

Dimensions: 57 cm × 42 cm (22 in × 17 in) | medium-sized

Material: Tempera on wood

Collection: Musée Condé Chantilly 🇫🇷

Art Movement: High Renaissance, Florentine School 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 8x 

Our Score: 5.50


#183 | Luca Signorelli, “The Last Judgement”

A Focus on Human Anatomy and Expression

Public Domain

Signorelli's detailed rendering of the human form in various poses showcases his mastery of anatomy.

The Last Judgement is regarded as one of the key works of the Renaissance, bridging the gap between the Gothic and High Renaissance periods.

Date: 1499–1502

Dimensions: ca. 700 x 700 cm (275 x 275 in) | gigantic

Material: Fresco

Collection: Duomo (Chapel of San Brizio), Orvieto 🇮🇹

Art Movement: High Renaissance, Tuscan School, Italian 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 8x 

Our Score: 5.50


#182 | John Singer, “Sargent Madame X”

Defies Societal Conventions with Its Bold Portrayal of a Confident Woman

Public Domain

The painting challenges societal norms of the time, portraying a bold and confident woman, which was unconventional for the late 19th century.

It symbolizes a break from traditional portraiture by presenting a subject with poise, elegance, and a hint of audacity. 

The daring low-cut dress challenges Victorian modesty. The original version of the painting featured the strap of the subject's dress slipping off her shoulder, causing a scandal and leading Sargent to repaint it more conservatively.

Date: 1884

Dimensions: 234.95 cm × 109.86 cm (92.5 in × 43.25 in) | extremely large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City 🇺🇸

Art Movement: Realism, American 🇺🇸

Experts’ Choice: 8x 

Our Score: 5.50


#181 | Gustave Moreau, “Orpheus”

An Innovative Approach to Storytelling through Visual Elements

Public Domain

Moreau's painting captures the emotional intensity of Orpheus' journey, blending elements of love, loss, and the power of art.

The innovative use of symbolism influenced later art movements, including Surrealism.

Date: 1865

Dimensions: 154 × 100 cm (60 x 39 in) | very large

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Musée d’Orsay, Paris 🇫🇷

Art Movement: Symbolism, French 🇫🇷

Experts’ Choice: 8x 

Our Score: 5.50


#180 | Berthe Morisot, “The Cradle”

An Innovative Portrayal of Motherhood

Public Domain

Berthe Morisot was not only the painter but also the mother in the scene, making the artwork deeply personal.

The scene is bathed in soft, diffused light, emphasizing the tender connection between the mother and the baby. The cradle itself becomes a symbolic centerpiece, representing the protective cocoon of motherhood.

Date: 1872

Dimensions: 56 cm × 46 cm (22 in × 18 in) | medium-sized

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Musée d’Orsay, Paris 🇫🇷

Art Movement: Impressionism, French 🇫🇷

Experts’ Choice: 8x 

Our Score: 5.50


#179 | Pietro Perugino, “Christ Giving the Keys to St. Peter”

Capturing a Profound Religious and Symbolic Moment

Public Domain

The scene embodies the establishment of the papacy and the foundation of the Catholic Church.

The architectural elements, including the majestic arch and distant landscape, contribute to the overall harmony and balance of the composition.

Date: 1481–1482

Dimensions: 330 cm × 550 cm (130 in × 220 in) | extremely large

Material: Fresco

Collection: Vatican Museums and Galleries, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City 🇻🇦

Art Movement: High Renaissance, Florentine School 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 9x 

Our Score: 5.50


#178 | Paolo Veronese, “Feast in the House of Levi”

A Controversial Yet Skillful Depiction of Biblical Scenes in a Secular Setting

Public Domain

Veronese faced scrutiny from the Inquisition for his inclusion of non-religious elements in a biblical scene.

The artwork was originally titled "The Last Supper" but was changed to its current title to avoid further religious controversy. The painting's large scale contributes to its immersive and monumental presence.

Date: 1573

Dimensions: 555 × 1280 cm (18.37 ft × 42.95 ft) | gigantic

Material: Oil on canvas

Collection: Gallerie dell'Accademia, Venice 🇮🇹

Art Movement: Renaissance, Venetian School 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 9x

Our Score: 5.50


#177 | Hieronymus Bosch, “The Hay Wain”

The Concept of Moral Decay and the Consequences of Human Indulgence

Public Domain

Bosch's ability to blend the ordinary with the fantastical in "The Hay Wain" showcases his unique approach to narrative and composition.

Bosch's imaginative creatures and surreal landscapes have inspired later artists, including Salvador Dalí and the Surrealists.

Date: c. 1516

Dimensions: 135 cm × 200 cm (53 in × 79 in) | large

Material: Oil paint on oak panels

Collection: Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid 🇪🇸

Art Movement: Early Netherlandish Renaissance 🇳🇱

Experts’ Choice: 9x

Our Score: 5.50


#176 | Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio), “Transfiguration”

Hailed for Its Dual Narrative Structure

Public Domain

Raphael worked on "Transfiguration" during the final years of his life, showcasing his artistic maturity.

The painting remained unfinished at Raphael's death, with his pupil Giulio Romano completing the lower section.

Date: 1518–1520

Dimensions: 410 cm × 279 cm (160 in × 110 in) | extremely large

Material: Oil tempera on wood

Collection: Vatican Museums and Galleries, Vatican City 🇻🇦

Art Movement: High Renaissance, Florentine School 🇮🇹

Experts’ Choice: 10x

Our Score: 5.50


These were #200–174 of our list of the 200 best paintings in the world.

🌊 Please continue to #175–151 here.

Click on the following links to discover #175–151, #150–126, #125–101, #100–76, #75–51, #50–26, #25–1 of our list of the 200 best paintings in the world.

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