French paintings can be found in galleries around the world, highlighting the talent of many of the best French artists. Today we’re going to introduce you to some of the best paintings from French painters, all of which have inspired generations of artists.
Liberty Leading the People By Eugène Delacroix
Liberty Leading the People was created to commemorate the July Revolution of 1830. This event removed King Charles X from the throne, and this famous painting depicts this historical occasion.
The Rue Montorgueil In Paris By Claude Monet
The Rue Montorgueil in Paris by Claude Monet is an impressionist painting which dates back to 1878. It showcases the celebration of June 30, 1878, and makes you feel like you are right there in the streets of Paris.
Water Lilies By Claude Monet
Water Lilies by Claude Monet is one of the most beloved paintings of all times. This peaceful scene offers you the chance to reflect, and each time you look at it, you’ll be sure to notice something new.
Dance At Le Moulin De La Galette By Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Dance At Le Moulin De La Galette is considered to be one of the most important works from Renoir in the middle of the 1870’s. It was displayed at the 1877 impressionist exhibition, and has inspired artists throughout history.
Luncheon Of The Boating Party By Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Another popular French painting by Renoir is Luncheon of the Boating Party. It was added to the Seventh Impressionist Exhibition in 1882, with three critics choosing it as their top painting at the show.
A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte By Georges Seurat
From 1884 to 1886, Georges Seurat painted this popular French painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, which went on to become his most famous work. It showcased the pointillist technique and was one of the first paintings in the neo-impressionist movement.
The Coronation Of Napoleon By Jacques-Louis David
As the official painter of Napoleon, Jacques-Louis David completed the painting, The Coronation Of Napoleon, in 1807. It shows the coronation of Napoleon, which took place at Notre-Dame de Paris.
The Absinthe Drinker By Edgar Degas
Degas painted The Absinthe Drinker from 1875 to 1876. Degas was previously planning title the painting Dans un Café (in a café), and and this name is still used today. We see a couple sitting by each other in the café, looking like they are struggling after a long night out.
Portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud
The Portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud is a prime example of what a state portrait should look like. It has inspired many artists over the years who’ve been tasked with the job of painting the monarch.
The Card Players by Paul Cézanne
The Card Players by Paul Cézanne is a series of five paintings that were created from 1890 to 1895. They show peasants smoking pipes and playing cards, as was a popular activity in the country at the time.
The Death of Marat by Jacques-Louis David
The 1793 painting, The Death of Marat, shows the Jacques-Louis David‘s friend and leader, Jean-Paul Marat. This French revolutionary leader was murdered during his career, and this is a tribute to his life and work.
Danse by Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse created Dance for the Russian businessman Sergei Shchukin, who was also a patron of the arts. It can be seen at The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, but is also reproduced on clothing and other items around the world.
French Paintings – Conclusion
All of these French paintings are great examples of the talent we’ve seen come out of France over the years. They’ve inspired future generations of French artists and only continue to impress art lovers around the world when seen in galleries.
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About David Issokson
Bonjour! My name is David Issokson. I'm based in Victor, Idaho (near Jackson, Wyoming) and have helped hundreds of students to learn French online since 2013.
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