Thursday, July 14, 2011

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.

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