The 5 most popular reproduction artworks of all time

18 May 2022

How do great musicians, writers and painters hone their craft?

A violinist doesn’t merely pick-up their instrument and immediately compose melodies… they learn through studying and playing works composed by others.

Think of the greatest painters in art history… Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Picasso. How did they progress their creative skills? Through careful observation and reproduction of the compositions and techniques of great masterpieces.

In this way, reproduction is a fundamental artistic tool. Not only does it promote artistic progress, but reproduction artworks make priceless paintings available for everyone to enjoy.

Today, we celebrate five of the most popular reproduction artworks of all time. From Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, these paintings have truly stood the test of time…

The five most famous and reproduced paintings

1. Vincent van Gogh, Starry Night

Vincent van Gogh: Starry Night

Painted in 1889, Starry Night is one of the most recognizable images in the entirety of art. It’s found on kitchen towels, t-shirts, coffee mugs and posters… anything you can think of!

Created during an intense period of personal upheaval (painted during Van Gogh’s stay at the asylum of Saint Rémy in France), the painting’s timeless beauty and universal qualities still resonate today.

2. Gustav Klimt, The Kiss

For a depiction of unbridled beauty and romantic passion, look no further than Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Painted between 1907 and 1908, it’s a firm favorite amongst reproduction artworks.

In this iconic painting, a loving couple embrace. Their bodies entwine amongst Art Nouveau fabrics and flowers, appearing to float in heavenly bliss against the shimmering gold backdrop.

Gustav Klimt: The Kiss

3. Leonardo Da Vinci, Mona Lisa

Visitors to the Louvre are often shocked by the Mona Lisa’s small size, contrasting with the painting’s massive presence in the popular imagination. Many mysteries surround it, for instance the reason behind the woman’s enigmatic smile and even her identity.

Combined with Leonardo’s pioneering compositional and painterly techniques (particularly his skillful use of sfumato), it’s not hard to see why it remains one of the most commonly reproduced artworks of all time…

Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa

4. Claude Monet, Bridge over a Pond of Waterlilies

Purchased by Monet in 1893, Giverny has to be the most famous art historical garden in the world. After diverting a nearby river to create his water lily pond, Monet embarked on a series of paintings in 1899, all depicting the idyllic Japanese-style footbridge.

This painting’s vertical format and exquisitely delicate detailing makes it particularly remarkable amongst Monet’s water lily artworks.

Claude Monet: Bridge over a pond of Waterlilies

5. Johannes Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring

Replicated across film and television, Banksy graffiti and incalculable artistic copies, Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring (c.1665) is instantly recognizable.

Whilst the work is actually a “Tronie” (a Dutch term referring to studies of facial expressions) as opposed to a traditional portrait, the girl’s mysterious gaze has captured artistic and creative imaginations ever since its creation.

Johannes Vermeer: Girl with a Pearl Earring

Reproduction Gallery creates stunning, hand-painted oil painting reproductions. With an unparalleled collection of the world’s most famous paintings, discover art that enriches your life.

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