Five Famous Portraits
1. Mona Lisa
by Leonardo da Vinci
(from 1503-1506, and maybe until 1517)
A super famous portrait by a super famous artist.
For a few chuckles, take a look at these parodies.
2. The Girl With a Pearl Earring
by Johannes Vermeer
(circa 1665)
Painted by a Dutch man who fathered 15 children,
this painting inspired a book, a play, and a movie.
3. American Gothic
by Grant Wood
(1930)
Although many people think the subjects of this portrait
are a man and his wife, they are actually intended to be
a man and his daughter.
The models for the portrait were the artist's wife and dentist.
4. Whistler's Mother
Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1
by James Abbott McNeill Whistler
(1871)
Whistler was nice enough to let his mom sit down
while he painted. He even propped her feet up on
a book so she'd be comfy!
5. Van Gogh Self-Portrait
by Vincent van Gogh
(1887)
Van Gogh was a little obsessed with painting himself as you
can see if you check out this website.
Although he was a brilliant artist, his life was clouded by mental illness and it is believed that he eventually took his own life.