When exploring the wonderful world of art, the first thing that you might notice is the sheer abundance of portrait paintings. The portrait has been a vital component of the artist’s repertoire for centuries, whether it be used as a tool for self-examination or simply as a steady source of income.
It is practically an essential feature of any artist’s collection to have at least one or two portrait paintings. As a result, many famous artists throughout history have tried their hand at portraiture at one time or another, and some even became famous just for their portraits alone.
Whether it focused on the face alone or the entire body, had historical significance, or was used to keep their skills sharp, each portrait on this list is unique and bursting with personality. Let us look at the five most famous and brilliant art portrait paintings in art history.
Girl with A Pearl Earring (1665) by Jan Vermeer Van Delft
The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch artist Jan Vermeer is one of the most famous portrait paintings in the world. There have been books written and movies about the masterful portrait and the artist skill who painted it.
Johannes Vermeer was a self-thought genius who lived humbly in the small town of Delft during the Dutch Baroque period. He is best known for his hauntingly realistic depictions of everyday household life. The Girl with a Pearl Earring is Vermeer’s most famous piece and is regarded as a ‘priceless’ painting.
The masterpiece is seen as one of the crowning jewels of the Dutch Golden Age, a period in art considered by many to be the greatest. However, it is interesting to note that the painting isn’t a portrait per se. Instead, it is called a “troni”, which means a portrait of no specific person, sometimes depicted with exaggerated features.
The Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) by Leonardo Da Vinci
When discussing famous portrait paintings, you would be remised if you didn’t mention Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece of the Mona Lisa. The portrait is one of the most famous and recognizable paintings, regardless of genre.
The Mona Lisa is the most famous, most studied, most viewed painting globally. It has been parodied and philosophized over more than any other painting. Yet, her iconic smile has transcended all borders between humans and can be appreciated by all.
To Da Vinci, the Mona Lisa might have been one of the most tedious paid jobs of his career. Nevertheless, he still managed to portray the woman’s essence so that it is still talked about today and is forever regarded as the most famous portrait painting in art history.
President Theodore Roosevelt by John Singer Sargent
If looking for an example of a legendary portrait, look no further than the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The youngest person to become president of America and a well-known conservationist, soldier, writer, boxer, and even won a Nobel peace prize.
When artist John Singer Sargent was hired to do the job, it must have felt like a daunting task. To capture the stature of the president must have been a challenging prospect. Nonetheless, it was a task that Singer no doubt relished, and the result on the canvas is clear to see.
The portrait of the president is immense and powerful. Not only was Sargent able to perfectly capture the qualities of leadership and strong will of Roosevelt, but he was also able to capture the president’s human side. The portrait is painted in an Impressionist style, which gives it an added atmosphere of emotion and soul.
Marengo (Horse) by Jacques Louis-David
You can’t have a list of epic portrait paintings without talking about Jacques Louis-David’s iconic classic of Napoleon Bonaparte riding to war. The portrait embodies everything an artist aims to achieve when they attempt a portrait painting.
The color, the passion, the perfect blend of realism and heroic fantasy, all this and more are present in this famous portrait of the French general. Yet, Napoleon sits more significant than life on his faithful steed, ready to take over.
Marengo was the warhorse of Napoleon. Named after the battle of Marengo, the horse became famous and carried the emperor through many battles. In the portrait, Napoleon points to greatness. This portrait is undoubtedly one of the greatest ever painted also.
Self Portrait III by Vincent Van Gogh
None of the painters on this list are more synonymous with the portrait than Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. However, unlike fellow Dutchman and master Rembrandt Van Djin, Van Gogh painted more self-portraits than any other artist.
Van Gogh painted self-portraits for several reasons. Mainly it was because he either had no money to hire a model or couldn’t find any work as a portrait painter. However, he also painted portraits for another reason.
Van Gogh’s portraits are a window into his soul and rocky mental state. He painted many of his portraits while spending time in a mental institution. He used portrait painting as a form of therapy, and the profoundly complex emotions that reside within the human mind are on full display here.
Conclusion
And so, there you have it. Five of the most epic and legendary portrait paintings ever created in the entire history of art thus far. Which one would you have hanging on your wall? And which one would you want yourself painted like if you were to have a portrait painting done for yourself?