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Most Influential Artists in History

405 votes

100% verified

  1. 1

    Claude Monet (France)

    56 votes

    Key figure of the Impressionist movement

    (+3)

    Claude Monet is fundamental to art history as one of the founders of Impressionism. His innovative approach to capturing light and color in the moment, along with his dedication to painting en plein air, revolutionized how artists perceived and represented the world, laying the groundwork for subsequent artistic movements.

    • Revolutionized the way art was perceived

    • Laid the foundations of modern painting

    • His revolutionary approach inspired many artists

  2. 2

    Salvador Dalí

    48 votes

    Undisputed artist

    (+4)

    Salvador Dalí revolutionized 20th-century art with his distinctive surrealist style, exploring the subconscious and creating iconic imagery that continues to inspire and challenge viewers and artists alike. His technical boldness and eccentric personality made him a public figure who transcended the art world, influencing popular culture and the perception of modern art.

    • Painter of dreams

    • Essential figure of Surrealism

    • One of the most renowned artists in Spanish history

    • Most international Spanish painter in history

  3. 3

    Vincent van Gogh (Netherlands)

    46 votes

    Author of famous works such as The Starry Night and Sunflowers

    (+2)

    Van Gogh's expressive and colorful works have left a lasting impact on modern art, influencing generations with his unique style and emotional depth.

    • His works are appreciated for their sinuous forms and deep blues

    • Created his first masterpiece in the province of Brabant

  4. 4

    Banksy

    44 votes

    Has changed the way street art is understood

    (+3)

    Banksy has redefined street art, bringing it from the fringes into global conversation and demonstrating its power as a medium for social and political commentary. His anonymity and bold public interventions have generated massive cultural impact, inspiring countless artists and activists to question the status quo.

    • Promotes perspectives different from mainstream media

    • Distinctive style using stencils and black color

    • Political or activist content

  5. 5

    Leonardo da Vinci (Italy)

    43 votes

    Combines artistic perfection

    (+1)

    Da Vinci's mastery in painting, anatomy, and engineering has made him a quintessential Renaissance figure, inspiring countless artists and scientists.

    • Scientific curiosity

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  7. 6

    Andy Warhol

    38 votes

    He transformed the perception of art and design by merging advertising aesthetics

    (+4)

    Andy Warhol is one of the most influential artists in history due to his pioneering role in the Pop Art movement, which transformed the perception of art by incorporating elements of popular and mass culture. His innovative approach to screen printing and the mass production of artworks democratized artistic creation and challenged traditional notions of originality and value.

    • Pioneer of Pop Art by integrating popular culture into art

    • His pictorial approaches gave a radical turn to contemporary art

    • He revolutionized the way art and popular culture were perceived

    • He managed to blur the line between art and commerce

  8. 7

    Frida Kahlo (Mexico)

    35 votes

    Influenced the Mexican muralism movement

    (+4)

    Frida Kahlo is an iconic figure whose deeply personal and often visceral work has resonated across generations, exploring themes of identity, pain, and Mexican culture with unprecedented honesty. Her unique artistic style and activism have made her an enduring symbol of resilience and self-expression, inspiring countless subsequent artists and movements.

    • Inspired many with her art

    • Most popular Mexican female painter of the 20th century

    • Created surrealist works and self-portraits

    • Her image is an icon of Mexico

  9. 8

    Michelangelo Buonarroti

    34 votes

    Artistic genius par excellence

    (+3)

    Michelangelo Buonarroti is one of the most influential artists in history, renowned for his mastery in sculpture, painting, and architecture. His iconic works, such as the David and the Sistine Chapel frescoes, defined Renaissance art and continue to inspire artists and admirers centuries later.

    • His influence transcended the art world

    • Italian sculptor, architect, painter, and poet

    • Great light of the Renaissance

  10. 9

    Pablo Picasso

    33 votes

    Considered one of the most important artists in history

    (+3)

    Pablo Picasso is one of the most influential artists in history due to his pivotal role in the creation of Cubism, a movement that revolutionized how reality was perceived and represented in art. His prolific and diverse body of work, spanning multiple styles and mediums, left an indelible mark on the development of modern and contemporary art.

    • Co-founder of the Cubist movement

    • Inventor of constructed sculpture

    • Impressive ability to paint at an early age

  11. 10

    Jean-Michel Basquiat

    28 votes

    Transformed experiences and art history into an inventive visual language

    (+4)

    Jean-Michel Basquiat revolutionized contemporary art with his raw neo-expressionist style and powerful social commentary. His work, which blends elements of graffiti, abstract expressionism, and pop culture, continues to inspire artists and resonate with audiences worldwide.

    • Had a significant influence on urban art

    • Created his own unique style with elements of graffiti and street art

    • An emblematic figure in street art and contemporary art

    • A dazzling blend of graffiti, street art, and neo-expressionism

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