I visited the Freer and Sackler Gallery recently (more on that later) and that inspired me to write the next in my world-famous Top Four series. This time around I tackle artists. The rules are the same as before – no rules. I just choose the ones I like the best. Actually, maybe there is a rule: I’m only choosing Western artists because those are the only ones I know (more on that later, too).
His stuff isn’t so pleasing to the eye but I’ve always enjoyed it. What makes Durer amazing is that much of his work was done in woodcuts. Take a look at the picture below and imagine trying to reproduce that by cutting a block of wood just so. Combine the technique with unique and fascinating images (Bosch and Ernst and others who tried to portray the feverish nightmare that is evil pale next to this master) and you have a tremendous artist. Besides the woodcuts, Durer was also accomplished at sketching and painting but those works were more scientific than artistic – much like Da Vinci’s work a little later.
St. Michael’s Fight against the Dragon
2. Michelangelo
Probably the best artist ever but I suppose that’s fairly evident. It’s not as if I’ve been to all the top art museums in the West but this I can say: Michelangelo’s work is absolutely awe-inspiring in person. No other artist can lay claim to that type of excellence.
Pieta
3. Caravaggio
The Renaissance and its immediate aftermath is generally associated with Florence, where most of the big names practiced their craft. But the rest of Italy in those couple of centuries produced their fair share of masters who don’t get as much publicity. Caravaggio, who bridges the Renaissance and the Baroque period, hailed from Milan and did things his own way. He eschewed idealized models and strove instead to paint as he saw – the truth, so to speak.
Doubting Thomas
From the early 17th century to the late 18th century, not much interesting happened in Western Art. Now that I think about it, that’s kind of strange. That’s a long time in art. In any case, once art got interesting again, Italy was no longer relevant and it was the French who were setting the trends. Henri Rousseau, though, had nothing to do with the art scene. He was a self-taught customs officer who painted like nothing that was ever seen before. He has an absolutely unique style that is charming and fantastic at the same time.
The Hungry Lion
Here are a few other guys who I’ll file under Honorable Mentions.
Paolo Uccello – I really like the style – almost a combination of pre-Renaissance fairy-tale with Renaissance-era realism – of this 15th century Venetian.
Saint George and the Dragon
Eugene Delacroix – The eighteenth-century Frenchman is most famous for his painting Liberty Leading the People but I think the rest of his portfolio is better.
Massare at Chios
Rene Magritte – Dali is more famous and his paintings rather impressive but it always seemed to me that he – and de Chirico, as well – added too much stuff to his paintings almost as if he was saying, “Look at how many symbols I can add.” Magritte’s paintings are simpler, cleaner and in a way more engrossing.
The Menaced Assassin
I know absolutely nothing about visual art. At least now I know where to start. Thanks buddy
Only Doruk could say:
“No other artist can lay claim to that type of excellence.”
that said, you should do more top four posts.
Hi,
nice site. But.. you say nothing interesting happened in western art from the early 17th century ’til the end of the 18th century. What about Bernini and Canova ?
I tend to exaggerate for the sake of a dramatic knockout. I’m sure _something_ good happened in that time period. I don’t know much about sculpture – in fact, I hadn’t even heard of Canova. Shows how much I know.
Interesting choices. I list my top 10 favorites in my featured artists section http://michaelarnoldart.com/~michafa8/featured_artist1.htm. Not listed by greatness but because they are inspiring to me as an artist, Sites like yours help keep art alive and people more informed- Keep up the good work!!
A beautiful site, with a wealth of info: I thoroughly enjoyed the perusal.
As an aside, you may be interested to know that Michelangelo’s Pieta was the only work he ever signed: Across Mary’s chest it reads, Michelangelo did this.
Wow, thanks for that! You’re right, Michelangelo’s Pieta is awe – inspiring. Every time I look at it it takes my breath away, literally. You missed out Leonardo da Vinci in your list though, and he is considered one of the best artists of all time..
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, I really like Leonardo but I don’t think he stacks up to the others as an artist. Actually, my favorite work of his are his sketches. Great stuff.
hey!