In a time of digital photography and laser printing, few of us have the honour of experiencing a truly magnificent piece of artwork. But in the past, art was a form of expressing yourself and sharing your talent with the world. Some of the most talented painters of the past have influenced the world of art as we know it today. Here is a list of five influential artists who have made an impressive impact in the world of art, years, decades, and even centuries after their death.

Leonardo da Vinci:

If ever there was a man of diverse talent, it would be Leonardo da Vinci. This Italian scientist, engineer, mathematician, painter, sculptor, inventor, musician, anatomist, botanist, geologist and writer have been called one of the greatest painters to ever live. Leonardo is the man responsible for creating two of the most famous paintings in the world, the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Michelangelo

Michelangelo was a famous Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet and engineer. Michelangelo is also known as being one of the few people to contend for the title of archetypal Renaissance man, along with rival and fellow Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci. Michelangelo was also known to have a somewhat low opinion of painting, however, that did not stop him from creating two of the most influential works in the history of Western art. These two works are the scenes from Genesis on the ceiling, and The Last Judgment, which can be seen on the alter wall of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso is an influential painter in his own right. This Andalusian-Spanish painter, draughtsman and sculptor is one of the most recognised figures in the art world. He is probably best known as being the founder of the Cubist movement. Picasso’s most famous works include the Les Demoiselle d’Avigon, and his depiction of the German bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War.

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh was a popular Dutch Post-Impressionist artist, whose paintings today are amongst the best known, not to mention most expensive in the world. Ironically, Vincent’s work was not worth much during his career, and he only managed to sell one painting by the time of his death.

In the last 10 years of his life, Van Gogh produced more than 2 000 pieces, including 900 paintings and over 1 000 drawings and sketches. He possibly produced his best works in the last two years of his life, during which time he cut off a portion of his ear in a fit of epilepsy. Van Gogh spent his remaining years suffering from a mental illness, which ultimately led to his suicide at the age of 37.

Rembrandt

This Dutch painter and etcher was considered to be one of the greatest painters and printmakers in European art history. During his career in the art world, Rembrandt became the most important painter in Dutch history, in an era that became known as the Dutch Golden Age. Rembrandt’s greatest works were no doubt his self portraits and illustrations of scenes from the Bible. Some of his works include Jacob de Gheyn III, Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, Belhazzar’s Feast, The Prodigal Son in the Tavern, The Mill and The Jewish Bride.