Current Film Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

The Harry Potter series has finally come to an end for me after watching the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I spent an extra 13 bucks to watch it in 3-D this past Friday with K-man, and must gladly say that it was worth every penny! It is without question the best film of the entire series, and makes for a perfect finale to this incredible story by JK Rowling.

The film keeps you at the edge of your seat from the beginning, till the end, a roller coaster of intense action and high emotions. It begins with Harry, Ron, and Hermoine's adventure into Gringotts' Bank with a goblin played by Warwick Davis. Once their initial plan of impersonating Bellatrix Lastrange fails they must resort to quick thinking, in getting past the security guards, capturing Voldemort's horcrux, and escaping a deadly dragon in the dungeons of the bank.

The excitement continues at Hogwarts, where Harry, Ron, and Hermoine arrive to find and destroy the final horcruxes. At this point, Voldemort becomes aware of what Harry is doing, and prepares a total assault on the castle of Hogwarts. The wizard battle that takes place is extremely exhilarating, full of total destruction, dissapparations, monsters, and shooting spells in every direction. The battle has many ups and downs, and here we witness a terrible loss of many good characters, such as Lupin, Tonks, and Fred Weasley. Molly Weasley however manages to avenge her lost son and kill Bellatrix Lastrange. All while this is taking place, Harry rushes through the castle in search of another horcrux. He manages to find it, while barely escaping on his broomstick, from a blaze of fire set in the Room of Requirements. The excitement in this movie is quite unique and comparable to great films such as Star Wars or Lord of the Rings.

One of the true high points in this film is Severus Snape and has his moment of redemption. After he is killed by Voldemort's snake he reveals his memories to Harry. Here we finally learn the truth to Snape's dark and mysterious history. Of how he was a twisted and demented death-eater. Of how he became a double-spy for Dumbledore, trying to infiltrate Voldemort's circle. Of how he always loved Harry's mother, Lilly. Of how although he did not like Harry, he always looked after him, and protected him. And especially of how Harry must defeat Voldemort. For this heroic reason and his dark and mysterious persona, Severus Snape is one of my favorite characters in the series. Alan Rickman did an incredible job in this role.

The final battle with Voldemort, is extremely dramatic and exciting. Harry must not only go up against the most powerful wizard, yet the most powerful wand as well, the elder wand. The suspense goes on for a while, and Harry is finally able to out-maneuver and out-smart Voldemort, along with the help of his friends; Ron, Hermoine, and Neville who destroy the final horcrux. The battle is finally over and Harry Potter and his friends are victorious. The film ends 19 years later, where Harry is married to Ginny, Ron is married to Hermoine, and the group are seeing their children off to Hogwarts. An incredible closure to an incredible story.

The Harry Potter Film Series

The past few weeks I've been refreshing myself on the Harry Potter series, watching each DVD 1-7, in order to prepare for the newest and final release of the Deathly Hallows Part 2. At first I was very opposed to the idea of releasing the final story in two parts. It seemed like a typical studio ploy to make more money. I refused to watch Part 1 in theaters, and can say that after watching it on DVD, I made the right decision. However after seeing Part 2 in theaters, it became clear to me, why they decided to divide this finale into two films; to end it all with a bang! This final film is without question the best of all the films, an adrenaline rush, and the utmost culmination of the Harry Potter series.

Over the past ten years it has been quite amazing to watch JK Rowling's phenomenal universe come to life on the big screen. Dating back to 2001 the Harry Potter films have stayed true to the books, bringing in massive box office numbers and establishing a cultural legacy. What especially amazes me about the film series, is how they managed to bring every actor back to reprise their roles for 8 films and 10 years, minus Richard Harris' Dumbledore of course. There has never been anything quite like this, and it may not have succeeded, had the film production, cast, and crew done such a phenomenal job.

As much as I would like to dive into the Harry Potter universe, and write an in-depth analysis of each character, I will save that for another time. In this entry I merely want to focus on the film productions over the past 10 years, and give credit where credit is due.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Year: November 2001
Director: Chris Columbus
Music: John Williams
Notable Performances:

• Danielle Radcliffe as Harry Potter
• Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
• Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
• Robbie Coltrane as Rubis Hagrid
• Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore
• Alan Rickman as Severus Snape
• Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall

Box Office: 974 million (9th highest of all time)
Awards: Nominated for Best Original Score, Art Direction, and Costume Design
Review: I began reading the books my sophomore year in High School, and finished the first four, by the time this one was being released. I remember it being an extremely exciting time to finally see this universe of which I had only known about in a book and in my mind, be brought to life on the big screen. I went with my family, and was very pleased with the production. It stayed true to the book, and kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time.


Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Year: November 2002
Director: Chris Columbus
Music: John Williams
Notable Performances:

• Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart
• Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy
• Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy
• Shirley Henderson as Moaning Myrtle

Box Office: 878 million (22nd highest of all time)
Review: This film maintained a very similar style as the first one; same director, same actors, same composer, and very true to the books. It was once again an incredible visual roller coaster, with amazing special effects, drama, and action. The final battle against the Basilisk, was especially exciting. Director Chris Columbus did a great job at introducing the Harry Potter universe in a feel-good, family-friendly style which was probably Rowling's general vision. After these two films however, the story begins to take a much more darker and complex turn.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Year: May 2004
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Music: John Williams
Notable Performances:

• Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
• Gary Oldman as Sirius Black
• Alan Rickman as Severus Snape
• David Thewlis as Remus Lupin
• Timothy Spall as Peter Pettigrew
• Emma Thompson as Sybill Trelawney

Box Office: 796 million (32nd highest of all time)
Awards: Nominated for Original Music Score and Visual Effects
Review: This film took a different turn than the previous two, with a new director, and entirely new style. Alfonso Cuaron brought a darker allure to this third installment, with a much more mature story and characters. Michael Gambon became the new Albus Dumbledore, following the death of Richard Harris. Once again the special effects and music were exhilirating, yet the direction was especially impressive. In the final 20 minutes, Cuaron established an incredible time loop, to demonstrate Hermonie's time-turner.


Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Year: November 2005
Director: Mike Newell
Music: John Doyel
Notable Performances:

• Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort
• Brendan Gleeson as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody
• Robert Pattison as Cedric Diggory
• Katie Leung as Cho Chang
• Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom

Box Office: 896 million (20th highest of all time)
Awards: Nominated for Best Art Direction
Review: This remains my favorite of the 7 books, and was my favorite film, until this new one just came out. The film exceeded my high expectations, with new direction, new music, and a sensational production. The Tri-Wizard tournament was especially glorified while the Yule Ball brought it a sense of real-life teenage love. Ralph Fiennes also emerged as the terrifying villain, Voldermort, to make for a very powerful conclusion at the end.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Year: July 2007
Director: David Yates
Music: Nicholas Hopper
Notable Performances:

• Helena Bonham Carter as Belatrix Lastrange
• Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort
• Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
• Gary Oldman as Sirius Black
• Imelda Staunton as Professor Dolores Umbridge
• Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood

Box Office: 939 million (14th highest of all time)
Review: I remember I had just graduated from college when this film came out, and I believe I went to see it with K-man. I especially enjoyed the music, the introduction of Luna Lovegood's character, and the rebellion of Dumbledore's army. Imelda Staunton did an exceptional job as the obnoxious Professor Umbridge, and Helena Bonham Carter made for the perfect witch in Belatrix Lestrange. The final battle between Dumbledore and Voldermort was exactly what you would expect from the two most powerful wizards, extremely epic.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Year: July 2009
Director: David Yates
Music: Nicholas Hopper
Notable Performances:

• Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
• Alan Rickman as Severus Snape
• Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasly
• Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn
• Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy

Box Office: 934 million (15th highest of all time)
Awards: Nominated for Best Cinematography
Review: I remember this book was one of my least favorite in the series, consisting mostly of back-story. I saw it that summer with my brother Gabriel. The film remained true to the story, growing darker, and diving deeper into the backgrounds of several characters such as Dumbledore, Severaus Snape, and especially Tom Riddle. Romance was also a central theme between Ron and Hermonine, as well as Harry and Ginny. The conclusion was once again the peak of the film, where Dumbledore displayed his awesome power, all before his terrible demise.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Year: November 2010
Director: David Yates
Music: Alexandre Desplat
Notable Performances:

• Danielle Radcliffe as Harry Potter
• Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
• Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
• Bill Nighy as Rufus Scrimgeour
• Rhys Ifans as Xenophilius Lovegood
• Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lastrange

Box Office: 955 million (12th highest of all time)
Awards: Nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Art Direction
Review: I decided to boycott this film last fall, and wait for it to arrive on DVD. It was the only one of the 8, that I did not see in theaters. I've seen it twice now, and can say it is my least favorite. The film is extremely dry and boring, perhaps preparing for a blitz of action to come in the next film. Harry, Ron, and Hermonine venture on a quest to find Voldermort's Horcruxes, and discover the mystery of the Deathly Hallows. The best part in my opinion was the animation of The Deathly Hallows.

TV Series: Hey Arnold

One of the great perks about streaming Netflix, is the many TV series it offers. Full seasons and full episodes, without commercials! Ever since college I have become a strong advocate of Movies over Television, due to the production quality and lack of advertisement, and I still hold this position, yet to have total uninterrupted control over a TV show definitely brings it a new value. One of these values is character development, that can be greatly enhanced with longer durations. I also must add that many of these TV series are extremely nostalgic; cartoons and TV shows that I watched all the time as a kid. Cartoons such as Doug, Rugrats, Batman, X-Men, and especially Hey Arnold. It is perhaps one of my favorite cartoons of all time!

Watching it again through a more mature perspective has brought it an even added quality. It is the essence of childhood, yet also carries a realistic social and psychological undertone to it. The story revolves around the many adventures of Arnold, a young inter-city kid, who lives in a boarding house with his grandparents. What I especially love about this setting, is that it's not your typical "Brady-Bunch-Suburbia" setting. Instead we see what it would be like to grow up in a big city, perhaps like New York City. It has a very entertaining quality to it, with good animation, interesting characters, incredible writing, and a great jazzy soundtrack. This is definitely a show I would like to share with my kids some day!

Kekionga Sprint Triathlon 2011

So our 3rd annual Sprint Triathlon at Kekionga was a total success! The race started at 8am sharp, and consisted of a 600 meter swim, 7.5 mile bike ride, and a 2.5 mile run. We had a great turnout, 22 participants, and many volunteers and spectators. It was an extremely hot morning, yet everyone crossed the finish line. This was by far our biggest and best event yet, and I think we have established it as an official annual event. Special thanks goes out to everyone who helped put this event together.

Dad did a great job marketing the event within the neighborhood. He gathered several boat patrols, put a sign up in the front lawn, and put arrows on the course.

Gabriel did a great job in the graphics department by creating T-shirts for the event. He sold over 25 for 8 bucks a piece. This is bound to be great advertising tool to get more people next year.

Madre and Ofelia provided great morning breakfast, cinnamon rolls, fruit, and juice for the participants.

Gily and her boyfriend Styven took many pictures and ran the beach station.

Jhormy and Stefanie kept time, and coordinated the flow of the race.

Here are the official results from the 22 participants:

1. Jason Sorg: 1.03:36
2. Ryan Palmer: 1.06:58
3. Philip Sundberg: 1.07:07
4. Halle Shine: 1.08:10
5. Andrew LaMaster: 1.09:35
6.Gabriel Sundberg: 1.11:58
7. Kylie Burton: 1.13:05
8. Joe LaMaster: 1.14:39
9. Caroline Huller: 1.15:08
10. Stephen Sundberg: 1.18:17
11. Michael LaMaster: 1.19:00
12. Jackie Martinez: 1.20:04
13. Shawnna Sundberg: 1.20:20
14. Kelly O'Shaughnessey: 1.24:26
15. Elizabeth Swygart: 1.28:34
16. Andres Sundberg: 1.34:23
17. Caleb shutt: 1.35:59
18. James Wyss: 2.04:24
19. Matt Byrd: 2.04:25
20. Noah Rider: 2.04:26
21. Dan Rodenbeck: 2.04:41
22. Rachel Myers: 16:51

The after-party was also a great success, with an equally impressive turn-out. There was great food (Thai, Coney Dogs, Casa's Salad) drinking games (Card Games, Flippy Cup, Beer Pong) dancing, and a firework show from Rager.

Next year I hope to get even more people, and a way better time!

Top 25 Greatest Paintings: 5-1

5. The Death of Marat

By Jaques-Louis David

Style: Oil on Canvas, Neoclassicism

Date: 1793

Museum: Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Belgium

Reason: This classical painting by Jaques-Louis David, has become the utmost famous representation of the French Revolution. The painting depicts the radical journalist, Jean-Paul Marat, who was a political theorist and philosopher in support of the French Revolution. He was killed by Charlotte Corday, an aristocrat who feared Jean-Paul was leading the country to civil war. Jaques-Louis David creates and extremely morbid painting through the use of a realistic style, pale skin, lost expression, and a motionless body carrying a letter to the people. The letter is also quite significant stating that Marat is "Too Unhappy to deserve your kindness". This is a groundbreaking painting for it's historical, political, and visual value.

4. A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte

By Georges Seurat

Style: Oil on Canvas, Pointillism

Date: 1884

Museum: Art Institute of Chicago

Reason: This masterful painting by Georges Seurat has an extremely enjoyable and original style to it. At first glance it instantly heightens the senses, as an image of relaxation, peace, harmony, and happiness. It is a social gathering near a river in France, with figures in perfect form. Yet it's the painting style that especially makes this landscape all the more admirable. Through his use of pointillism, Seurat creates a very real and colorful impression with incredible light exposure and shading. Since it is exhibited very nearby in Chicago, I hope to someday see this painting in person.


3. The Starry Night

By Vincent Van Gogh

Style: Oil on Canvas, Post-Impressionist

Date: 1889

Museum: Museum of Modern Art in New York City

Reason: This masterwork has been considered Van Gogh's magnus opus, and rightfully so for it's mystifying and enigmatic appeal. Van Gogh creates an entirely original illustration of a town at night. He uses a style of wavy lines, to create a very unique and mysterious impression. In the foreground there is a strange Gothic building, perhaps a cathedral. In the background, there lies the town, presumably that of Arles, France. And in the dark night sky, lies a series of wavy lines, perhaps the wind, with shinning and spinning stars, and a tilted crescent moon. This painting is truly a celebration of the night.


2. Nighthawks

By Edward Hopper

Style: Oil on Canvas, Realism

Date: 1942

Museum: Art Institute of Chicago

Reason: This painting by Edward Hopper, in my opinion is the quintessential masterpiece of American art. In a downtown setting through the glass of a diner, we see a well dressed couple, and a well dressed man, all three being served by a waiter. Hopper creates various themes to this colorful painting, such as a contrast of love and loneliness. However the painting is also a recognition of "night-owls", people who stay up late at night, hence the title "night-hawks". I especially love this painting for it's style and depiction of American culture in the 1930s, and is definitely another painting to see in the Museum of Chicago.



1. Starry Night over the Rhone

By Vincent Van Gogh

Style: Oil on Canvas, Post-Impressionism

Date: 1888

Museum: Musee d'Orsay, Paris

Reason: This impressionist night landscape by Van Gogh, is my favorite classical painting of them all. It is quite different than his "Starry Night" painting, and preceded it by a year. In this illustration we see a couple walking along the shores of Arles on a very starry night. Once again Van Gogh glorifies the night in this painting, and does it with a mixture of realism and impressionism. The thing I espeically love about this painting, are the reflections of the shiny stars sparkling in the lake. He once again succeeds in creating a beautiful contrast of light and dark, and of mixing a real element with a mystical element. This incredible style is what makes Van Gogh the greatest painter of all time.

Top 25 Greatest Paintings: 10-6

10. Luncheon of the Boating Party

By Pierre Auguste Renoir

Style: Oil on Canvas, Impressionism

Date: 1881

Museum: The Phillips Collection, Washington DC

Reason: This incredible impressionist painting by Renoir, is full of such lively social activity. Each person in this luncheon, has some distinctive quality or character trait, making for an extremely interesting gathering. Renoir specialized in feminine sensuality, which can especially be noted in the women's eyes. However the men also display an expressive quality of interest and curiosity, thus making the painting all the more stimulating.


9. Guernica

By Pablo Picasso

Style: Oil on Canvas, Mural

Date: 1937

Museum: Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid

Reason: This masterpiece by Pablo Picasso, gives a surreal depiction of the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. A general instant reaction to this painting, would be one of horror, once again depicting the terrible atrocities of war. By using his style of cubism, Picasso broke the figures up into disembodied pieces, establishing a chaotic effect, in this case the after-effect of a bomb. This painting is extremely political, abstract, and truly a work of genius.



8. The Scream

By Edvard Munch

Style: Oil, Tempera, Pastel on Cardboard, Expressionist

Date: 1893

Museum: National Gallery of Oslo, Norway

Reason: This expressive masterpiece by Edvard Munch, demonstrates a person on a bridge suffering a moment of complete panic through a scream. The scream is represented through a series of wavy colors, and total disarray, representing the blurry perspective of the person on the bridge. This painting evokes a thought-provoking mood and sensation, and makes one wonder what has brought this person such horror.



7. The October Manifesto

By Ilya Repin

Style: Oil on Canvas, Realism

Date: 1905

Museum: Russian Museum, St. Petersburg

Reason: This painting to me, is the quintessential representation of the Russian spirit. In his realistic approach, Repin depicts the 1905 Russian Revolution, in which Tsar Nicholas II was forced to grant the agitated people more civil liberties. The realism in the painting captures the detail of the Russian people, united in their cause. This painting is especially fascinating because it could be seen in two opposite interpretations; a protest movement or a mass celebration. History will show, that the Russian people were not content with the October Manifesto, and in 1917, would go on to continue their revolution. Opinions aside, the general theme of this masterful painting is Russian unity.



6. Cafe Terrace at Night

By Vincent Van Gogh

Style: Oil on Canvas, Post-Impressionism

Date: 1888

Museum: Kroller-Museum, Otterlo Netherlands

Reason: This impressionist painting by Vincent Van Gogh, has some personal sentiment for me, because it was posted in my college apartment for a year. It depicts a starry evening of a cafe in Arles, France. Van Gogh succeeds in creating a beautiful contrast of darkness and light. He uses illuminating reflections and colors, thus establishing a beautiful night and a masterful painting.

Top 25 Greatest Paintings: 15-11

15. Belshazzar's Feast

By Rembrandt

Style: Oil on Canvas, Baroque

Date: 1635

Museum: National Gallery, London

Reason: This is one of my favorite Rembrandt paintings, the biblical depiction of "the writing on the wall". In the biblical book of Daniel, King Belshazzar is suddenly frightened by a supernatural miracle, that foretells the collapse of the Babylonian Empire. The painting is extremely expressive, and captures the shock and awe in Belshazaar's face, as well as his party guests. It is also one of the defining masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age.

14. Christina's World

By Andrew Wyeth

Style: Tempera on Gessoed Panel, Realism

Date: 1946

Museum: Museum of Modern Art, New York City

Reason: This realistic painting by Andrew Wyeth could almost pass as a photograph. It is an extremely daunting image of a woman who is laying in a vast meadow, crawling towards a distant house in the horizon. She appears to be suffering, perhaps lost or confused. Wyeth creates an incredible sense of depth to this painting, with an unusual sepia-tone color scheme, it captures a sense of gloom, thus evoking a very powerful reaction.


13. Wanderer above the Sea of Fog

By Caspar David Friedrich

Style: Oil on Canvas, Landscape

Date: 1818

Museum: Kunsthalle Hamburg, Germany

Reason: This Romantic masterpiece by Caspar David Friedrich, depicts a wandering explorer, as he gazes out into the misty abyss. It is quite a compelling image, of a well-dressed explorer, who seems to have reached the top of the world, surrounded by a sea of fog, and lost in the moment. It is the hazy mysticism in this painting that makes it such a mysterious masterpiece.




12. Persistence of Memory

By Salvador Dali

Style: Oil on Canvas, Surreal

Date: 1931

Museum: Museum of Modern Art, New York City

Reason: This surreal masterpiece by Salvador Dali, represents an abstract concept of time and memory. Dali creates an extraordinary colorful and dreamlike world, with a repetitive theme of melting and fading watches. Surely this painting has many interpretations of physics, time, and relativity, yet for me it is a masterful demonstration of a dreamworld.

11. The Milkmaid

By Johannes Vermeer

Style: Oil on canvas, Still-Life

Date: 1657

Museum: Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam Netherlands

Reason: This incredible still-life of a domestic kitchen maid, is in my opinion one of the greatest portraits ever painted. This is perhaps due to Vermeer's original style of light exposure, which enhances the paintings details and colors. It is a perfect harmony of strong colors and realism, that make this one of the greatest paintings of the Dutch Golden Age.

Top 25 Greatest Paintings: 20-16

20. Liberty Leading the People

By Eugene Delacroix

Style: Academic art, Oil on Canvas

Date: 1830

Museum: Louvre, Paris

Reason: This painting is extremely political, and represents the French July Revolution of 1830, where King Charles X was overthrown in replace of a new constitutional monarchy. In this setting of a battlefield, the Lady Liberty serves as a patriotic mother, leading her people forward. This painting especially symbolizes the importance of freedom, and that it is something worth fighting and dying for.


19. Kindred Spirits

By Asher Durand

Style: Landscape Painting

Date: 1849

Museum: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas

Reason: This landscape painting by Asher Durand, depicts two famous artists, the painter Thomas Cole and his friend the poet, William Cullen Bryant, observing an incredible view of the Catskill Mountains. It has a strong blend of colors, with a realistic depth to it, that accentuates the breathtaking geography. For me, the painting demonstrates an admiration for nature, and the inspiration that may come through it.


18. Pollice Verso

By Jean Leon Gerome

Style: Academic Art, Oil on Canvas

Date: 1872

Museum: Phoenix Art Museum

Reason: This Academic painting by Jean Leon Gerome, depicts the wickedness of the Roman Empire, through it's gladiatorial games. The title Pollice Verso is Latin for "turned thumb", a historical reference to how the audience would decide if a defeated gladiator would live or die. This painting creates two perspectives; victory and defeat. On one perspective we see the victorious champion in a glorious pose, and on the other side, we see the defeated gladiator, whose life lies in the hands of a turned thumb. Gerome thus succeeded in creating a sensational historical scene.


17. Garden at Saint Adresse

By Claude Monet

Style: Impressionism, Oil on Canvas

Date: 1867

Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Reason: Claude Monet has many incredible paintings, yet this one is my favorite. It is a very colorful and busy painting, full of so much activity, however it does not overwhelm and instead creates a perfect blend of aesthetic comfort. From the flowers in the garden, the two sitting elders, the standing couple, the waving flags, the rippled water, the boats in the distance, and the calm sky; it is clearly a mood-painting and a masterful achievement by Monet.


16. Tres de Mayo

By Francisco Goya

Style: Oil on Canvas

Date: 1814

Museum: Museo del Prado, Madrid

Reason: This horrific scene created by painter Francisco Goya, depicts a massacre of the Spanish resistance to Napoleon's invading army in 1808. It is quite a powerful painting, due to the real expressions of the defeated Spanish rebels. It succeeds in stirring up the emotions, sorrow and anger. This painting by Goya, was extremely groundbreaking for it's time, and truly captured the atrocities of war.

Top 25 Greatest Paintings: 25-21

So after some careful consideration and thought, I have distinguished a collection of 25 paintings that in my opinion are the utmost greatest achievement in art. These are all well known paintings, that have endured the test of time, and have been regarded as masterful classics. This list may appear quite typical, containing many of the cliche classics, however they are without question, my 25 personal favorites. Plus it gives me the chance to post and write about these amazing works in my blog. So here goes the top 25 greatest paintings.

25. Man and Woman Contemplating the Moon

By Caspar David Friedrich

Style: Gothic Landscape on Oil Canvas

Date: 1824

Museum: Berlin Germany

Reason: This painting has a very dark allure it that some how captures one's curiosity. In a very secluded area, during the night, these two figures both share their view of the moon. The tree to their right is extremely odd, nearly uprooted at a full slant as if ready to fall. However that only makes the setting more mysterious. This setting thus gives an idea, that these two people may be sharing a moment of escape or serious reflection.


24. The Kiss

By Gustav Klimt

Style: Oil and Gold Leaf on Canvas, Symbolism

Date: 1907

Museum: Vienna, Austria

Reason: This painting demonstrates a flashy visual of love through very erotic symbolism. Klimt managed to incorporate the concept of wealth, money, and currency as a central theme to this painting through his use of colors, patterns, and shapes. The background of bronze and gold-flakes, creates a visual sensation that raises the aesthetics of the two kissing figures. They are molded together, united as one, in the midst of a treasure-like aura, perhaps culminated through their sexual passion for one another.


23. The Elephant Celebes

By Max Ernst

Style: Oil on Canvas, Surreal

Date: 1921

Museum: Tate Gallery, London

Reason: This painting is extremely surreal, creating various dimensions and aspects to it. At first glance it appears as some type of elephant, however that is hardly the case. The center object is in fact a disembodied figure with both mechanical and animal qualities. The setting is also quite noteworthy, with a dark and smokey sky, that may be some type of WWI battlefield. There is another disembodied figured at the foreground who motions the elephant forward. In my opinion, this painting is a psychological representation of war, and the elephant serves as it's machine of destruction.


22. The Birth of Venus

By Sando Botticelli

Style: Tempera on Canvas

Date: 1486

Museum: Uffizi, Florence

Reason: This Renaissance painting, is especially noteworthy for it's godlike beauty. The goddess Venus, emerges as a full-grown nude woman, arriving on a sea-shore, and welcomed with showering flowers and garments. Botticelli creates the goddess with such grace, through her long neck, shimmering orange hair, and innocent appeal. The vivid colors also magnify the central figure, creating a fitting sensation for the goddess of love.


21. Bathers at Asneiers

By Georges Seurat

Style: Oil on Canvas, Impressionism

Date: 1884

Museum: National Gallery, London

Reason: This impressionist painting by Suerat instantly creates an enticing sense of relaxation. The figures gathered near the riverbank are at peace with themselves, lying, sitting, and bathing in the utmost calmest matter. In the far backdrop are the labors of industry, creating a contrast that illuminates the essence of relaxation all the greater.

Top Ten Favorite Painters

It started in college, a sudden admiration and fascination with the classical arts. From music, movies, literature, poetry, architecture, photography, and paintings; I was captured by the unique presentation, the emotional power, and especially it's utmost beauty. And it eventually became quite clear and obvious to see why these works of art, can be considered classics, even masterpieces. It is because they have endured the test of time and are still remembered and admired to this day. I can hardly consider myself as knowledgeable about painting, as say perhaps music or movies. However over the years, I have amassed somewhat of a collection and acquired a better understanding of many paintings. Here are my top ten favorite painters, who have inspired me through their unique style and artistic expression.


10. Caspar David Frederich

Years (1774-1840)
Nationality (German)
Style: (German Romantic Landscape)
Famous Works:

• The Monk by the Sea (1809)
• The Abbey in the Oakwood (1810)
• Mountain Landscape with Rainbow (1810)
• The Wanderer above the Mists (1817)
• Chalk Cliff on Rugen (1818)
• The Tree of Crows (1822)
• The Sea of Ice (1824)
• The Stages of Life (1835)

Artistic Legacy: Frederich's style of landscape painting has an artistic blend of natural beauty with a touch of metaphysical and surreal sentiment. Through the use of haziness, clouds, fog, or a sunset, he is able to create a mystical element that makes the painting all the more striking.







The Sea of Ice








9. Jean Leon Gerome

Years: (1824-1904)
Nationality: (French)
Style: (Academicism)
Famous Works:

• Turkish Prisoner and Turkish Butcher (1863)
• Prayer (1865)
• The Slave Market (1867)
• Exursion of the Harem (1869)
• Louis XIV and Moliere (1863)
• The Reception of the Siamese Ambassadors at Fountainbleau (1865)
• Death of Marshal Ney (1867)
• Pollice Verson (1872)
• Summer Afternoon on a Lake (1895)

Artistic Legacy: The paintings of Jean Leon Gerome, have a vivid historical and cultural significance to them. He displays an academic interpretation through themes of color, eroticism, and incredible cultural settings that illuminate their historical importance.






Summer Afternoon on a Lake










8. Georges Seurat

Years: (1859-1891)
Nationality: (French)
Style: (Pointillism, Post Impressionism)
Famous Works:

• The Suburbs (1882)
• Fishing in the Seine (1883)
• The Laborers (1883)
• A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte (1884)
• Bathers at Asnieres (1884)
• The Seine and la Grande Jatte (1888)
• The Models (1888)
• Gray Weather Grand Jatte (1888)
• The Eiffel Tower (1889)

Artistic Legacy: Georges Suerat created his own unique artistic sytle by branching from impressionism, and creating patterns of small distinct dots known as pointillism. Through this technique, Seurat establishes a unique and brilliant style of visualization. His unique style is best captured in his masterpiece, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.




Le Chahut
















7. Johannes Vermeer

Years: (1632-1675)
Nationality: (Dutch)
Style: (Genre works; interior and exterior scenes, still-life, portraits)
Famous Works:

• The Milkmaid (1658)
• The Girl with the Wineglass (1659)
• View of Delft (1660)
• The Music Lesson (1662)
• The Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665)
• The Astronomer (1668)

Artistic Legacy: Vermeer's defining style was his interior portraits of real-life people usually standing by the window. He achieved an incredible realism in his paintings, by a careful and defined use of light exposure. He captures the essence of Dutch society during the height of the Dutch Golden Age.








The Allegory of Painting












6. Pierre Auguste Renoir

Years: 1841-1919
Nationality: (French)
Style: Impressionism
Famous Works:

• La Grenouillere (1868)
• The Theater Box (1874)
• The Swing (1876)
• Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette (1876)
• On the Terrace (1881)
• By the Water (1880)
• Luncheon of the Boating Party (1880)
• Girls at the Piano (1892)

Artistic Legacy: Through his technique of saturated colors and vibrant light, Renoir creates an original style, of social gatherings and feminine beauty. In his masterpiece, Luncheon of the Boating Party, he blends both of his specialties, feminine beauty in a high-class social gathering.


Dance at Le Moulin












5. Pablo Picasso

Years: 1881- 1973
Nationality: (Spanish)
Style: Cubism
Famous Works:

• Portrait of Daniel-Henry Kahweiler (1906)
• Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907)
• Le Guitariste (1910)
• Three Musicians (1921)
• Guernica (1937)
• Dora Maar au Char (1941)
• Massacre in Korea (1951)

Artistic Legacy: The artwork of Pablo Picasso is an acquired taste that may not be for everybody. This is due to his abstract presentations, that mix political and social metaphors into extremely chaotic and powerful visuals. He helped develop the movement of cubism, by breaking up his artwork into abstract pieces. In some of his most famous works, such as Guernica, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, and the Massacre in Korea, he managed to put forth an important message while creating awe-inspiring masterpieces.





Massacre in Korea







4. Claude Monet

Years: 1840-1926
Nationality: French
Style: Impressionism
Famous Works:

• On the Bank of the Seine (1868)
• Impression Sunrise (1872)
• Jardin a Sainte-Adresse (1867)
• Woman in a Garden (1867)
• Woman with a Parasol (1875)
• The Cliffs at Etretat (1885)
• Oat and Poppy Field (1890)
• Bridge Over a Pond of Water (1899)
• Water Lilies (1914)

Artistic Legacy: Claude Monet is regarded as the founder of impressionism. In each of his works, he creates a dreamlike effect, with a perfect balance of strong colors and soft faded colors. He especially had a magnificent perception of nature, which is demonstrated in many of his masterful landscapes, such as Impression Sunrise, Train in the Snow, and his series of Water Lilies.






Impression, Sunrise










3. Ilya Repin
Years: (1844-1930)
Nationality: Russian
Style: Realism
Famous Works:

• Religious Procession in Kursk Province (1880)
• Ivan the Terrible (1870)
• Barge Haulers on the Volga (1870)
• Party (1883)
• Portrait of Leo Tolstoy (1887)
• Saint Nicholas of Myra in Lycia (1889)
• Wedding of Nicholas II (1894)
• Ceremonial session of the State (1900)
• Painter's Daughter (1900)
• Pushkin Reciting his Poem Before Old Derzhavin (1911)
• October Manifesto (1906)

Artistic Legacy: The paintings of Ilya Repin vividly capture the history and culture of the Russian Empire before it's transition into the Soviet Union. His painting style of realism is extremely detailed, full of depth and amazing expression. He celebrates Russian culture through many of his masterpieces, such as his portraits of Leo Tolstoy, The Party, and especially his October Manifesto.






The Party







2. Edward Hopper

Years: 1882-1967
Nationality: American
Style: Realism
Famous Works:

• Summer Interior (1909)
• Road in Maine (1914)
• Girl at Sewing Machine (1921)
• New York Restaraunt (1922)
• Automat (1927)
• Chop Suey (1929)
• Early Sunday Morning (1930)
• Office at Night (1940)
• Nighthawks (1942)
• Hotel Lobby (1943)
• Office in a Small City (1953)

Artistic Legacy: The paintings of Edward Hopper have a distinctive and powerful color to them. He incorporates mixed themes of sexuality and loneliness. The thing I especially love about his work, is how he manages to capture that 1930s American culture, in a very noir-essence.






New York Restaurant











1. Vincent Van Gogh

Years: 1853- 1890
Nationality: Dutch
Style: Post-Impressionist
Famous Works:

• The Potato Eaters (1885)
• The Yellow House (1888)
• Bedroom in Arles (1888)
• The Night Cafe (1888)
• The Cafe Terrace (1888)
• The Postman (1888)
• The Starry Night (1889)
• L'Arlesienne (1890)
• Portrait of Dr. Gachet (1890)
• The Round of Prisoners (1890)
• Starry Night over the Rhone (1888)
• Wheatfield with Crows (1890)

Artistic Legacy: The paintings of Van Gogh truly stir up the imagination. They are full of such depth, darkness, and emotion. He brings his own style of impressionism, through a pattern of wavy lines or dashed lines, and creates a unique blend between realism and the abstract. His work is truly unique, original, and unmatchable. There is not a single painting, that I dislike. For this reason he is in my opinion, the greatest painter of all time.




The Night Cafe