A person’s culture always comes with them, no matter where they go. It shapes how they see and interact with the world around them. Culture also includes a person’s art. art is incredibly important because it is one of the most accurate representations of a culture. It is a way of expression that can be used to communicate ideas, beliefs, and values specific to a certain group. When people from different cultures come into contact with each other, they must understand each culture’s art. This understanding can help to prevent misunderstandings and promote cultural awareness and sensitivity. Furthermore, appreciation of another culture’s art can also help to foster positive relationships and encourage cross-cultural exchange. Therefore, it is evident that there are many reasons why it is important to know about art from around the world.
One of the best things about art is that it transcends barriers of language and culture. Whether looking at a painting, listening to music, or watching a dance performance, art can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of background. However, if you cannot afford to travel to see art in person, it can feel like you’re missing out on a vital part of the human experience. Luckily, there are now more ways than ever to enjoy art from around the world without spending a fortune. With the rise of the internet and social media, artists and cultural institutions are sharing their work online for free. You can also find many affordable online courses that will teach you about different styles of art and their history. So even if you can’t afford a flight to Paris or New York, you can still enjoy the best the art world offers. Thanks to the power of the internet, you can view these amazing pieces from the comfort of your own home. Here are twelve must-see artworks from all over the globe.
The Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci, France
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1519, is one of the world’s most famous paintings. It’s also one of the most enigmatic, with experts still debating who the subject of the painting is. You can view a high-resolution image of the Mona Lisa on the Louvre Museum’s website.
The Last Supper – Leonardo da Vinci, Italy
Another masterpiece from Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, depicts Christ and his apostles sharing a final meal before his crucifixion. The painting is huge, measuring almost 30 feet wide and 15 feet tall. You can view it in all its glory on Milan’s Santa Maria delle Grazie website. Just be sure to book your ticket in advance – there are only 25 spots available per day, and tickets often sell out months in advance!
The Starry Night – Vincent van Gogh, France
One of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous paintings, The Starry Night, was painted while the artist was staying at an asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. The painting is full of intense colors and brushstrokes, giving it an ethereal quality. You can view it on New York City’s Museum of Modern Art website.
Guernica – Pablo Picasso, Spain
Pablo Picasso’s Guernica is a massive mural that measures 26 feet wide and 11 feet tall. Painted in 1937, it depicts the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. The painting is currently on display at Madrid’s Reina Sofia Museum, and you can view it via their website.
The Scream – Edvard Munch, Norway
Edvard Munch’s The Scream is one of the most recognizable paintings in the world. Painted in 1895, it depicts a man standing on a bridge with his hands over his ears, screaming in terror. The Oslo Munch Museum has a high-resolution image of The Scream on its website that you can view for free.
The Girl with a Pearl Earring – Johannes Vermeer, Netherlands
One of Johannes Vermeer’s most famous paintings, The Girl with a Pearl Earring, depicts a young woman in a turban-style headdress painted around 1665. It is currently on display at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, which offers a 360-degree virtual tour of the painting on its website.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa – Katsushika Hokusai, Japan
Another famous painting from Japan is The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai. This masterpiece, which depicts a large wave crashing against a rocky cliff face, was painted in the 1830s. You can view it on the Tokyo National Museum’s website.
The Birth of Venus – Sandro Botticelli, Italy
Painted in 1486 by the Italian artist Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus is one of the most iconic artworks from the Renaissance era. Depicting Venus emerging from a seashell as sea foam around her feet, this masterpiece is famous for its romantic and dreamy quality. You can view it on the Uffizi Gallery website.
The Thinker – Auguste Rodin, France
Often thought of as a symbol of the world’s greatest thinkers, Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker was originally created in 1902 for his sculpture The Gates of Hell. Though it is usually depicted sitting on its own, it was actually part of a larger work that included over 150 figures. You can view a high-resolution image of The Thinker on the Rodin Museum website.
Spoliarium – Juan Luna, Philippines
Another iconic artwork from the Philippines is Spoliarium by Juan Luna. This immense painting depicts a scene in a Roman gladiator arena, with dead and injured men being dragged out of the battle. You can view it on the National Museum website in Manila.
The Water Lilies – Claude Monet, France
Perhaps one of the most famous paintings in the Impressionist style, Claude Monet’s The Water Lilies is a series of over 250 paintings depicting his water lily pond at his home in Giverny. You can view some of these paintings on Monet’s Garden website and a 360-degree virtual tour of Monet’s house.
These are just a few famous artworks you can view online from anywhere in the world. So whether you’re stuck at home or just looking for something new to explore, be sure to check out these amazing pieces!