emirates7 - When you hear about “the greatest” painters and artists of all time, do you sometimes think, what makes them so great?

Here are five of the most revered artists from around the world, and why they’re so special:

Leonardo da Vinci
Not only did the Italian painter, inventor and polymath experiment with different mediums, but he also innovated remarkable compositions. His signature triangular composition is still used today by artists, and is considered one of the most appealing painting layouts. Despite his legendary status, only 17 surviving artworks can be attributed to him.

Michelangelo
Another Italian great, Michelangelo thought of himself as a sculptor, but his paintings are considered to be among the best in the world. He was a master fresco painter, and took it to new heights, as can be seen in the Sistine Chapel Ceiling and The Last Judgement.

Rembrandt van Rijn
The Dutch artist painted everything, from landscapes to great mythological scenes, and was a dominant force to be reckoned with in Dutch art for most of the 17th century. His masterful technique of using light, and his refined, expressive approach, have made him a favourite among art students.

Vincent Van Gogh
The Dutch post-Impressionist painter is considered to be one of the most influential painters in Western art, but Van Gogh was not successful in his lifetime. The expressive emotion of his masterful artwork, full of dramatic brushstrokes and vibrant colour, make his work a roadmap to modern art.

Claude Monet
Perhaps the most beloved of all Impressionist painters, French artist Monet brought his easel out of the studio into the environment, to masterpieces that captured the essence of time and light. His painting Impression, Sunrise is credited with launching the entire art movement of Impressionism.

From Paul Cezanne to Pablo Picasso, Caravaggio and more, there existed a number of other incredible artists who have left a timeless legacy.

*gulfnews