Michelangelo’s painting of Adam, created in the image of God, must be one of the most famous nudes in art history. The outstretched hands connect God to man and humanity. He is portrayed as an older man, draped in a simple tunic, muscular yet real. God floats in a cloud of drapery and other human figures. Here God breathes life into Adam, and the creation of man is central to the biblical creative narrative. It is one of the most replicated biblical paintings in history, now blazoned on anything, from placemats to umbrellas. The Creation of Adam is the central element in Michelangelo’s large Sistine Chapel fresco. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo Detail of the hands This mysterious woman has subsequently become the subject of song and film titles and the works of other renowned artists, including Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol. His choice of clothing is not fashionable but rather timeless. The Mona Lisa revolutionized portrait painting for future artists. Why is this work so revered? It is a combination of the Mona Lisa and the distant backdrop that frames her, and the harmony that exists in the perspectival representation Da Vinci rendered so well. Alternative suggestions include Leonardo’s mother and a self-portrait of the artist. Also known as La Giaconda, the painting is believed to illustrate the wife of wealthy Florentine merchant Francesco di Bartolomeo del Giocondo. Da Vinci’s masterpiece is probably the most recognized artwork in the world today, and the most visited. It is no surprise to see the Mona Lisa at the top of this list. Do you agree with the list? Which work would be your twenty-first? Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci Detail of Lisa's face digitally retouched In this list of the twenty most famous pieces of Western art, see how many you recognize. ![]() Certain works will always rise to the top. ![]() Art history has delivered us some amazing paintings and sculptures, so limiting the list to twenty pieces is no small feat.
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