The most famous painting in the Alte Pinakothek is Matthias Grünewald's The Mocking of Christ (1503). The next four in this ranking are Peter Paul Rubens's The Fall of the Damned (1620), Albrecht Altdorfer's The Battle of Alexander at Issus (1529) and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Carnation (1478–1480).
Below, the 14 paintings of the Alte Pinakothek that are most widely known — painted from 1455 to 1637 by 8 painters — with their date, medium and size.
The originals
The 10 famous paintings of the Alte Pinakothek our artists study first
The painter, the date, the medium and the dimensions of each original, with a note from its page.
- The Mocking of Christ by Matthias Grünewald, 1503
- The Fall of the Damned by Peter Paul Rubens, 1620
- The Battle of Alexander at Issus by Albrecht Altdorfer, 1529
- Madonna of the Carnation by Leonardo da Vinci, 1478–1480
- Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens, 1637
- Madonna and Child (The Tempi Madonna) by Raphael, 1508
- The Battle of the Amazons by Peter Paul Rubens, 1618
- The Lion Hunt by Peter Paul Rubens, 1621
- Two Satyrs by Peter Paul Rubens, 1608
- Venus, Mars, and Vulcan by Jacopo Tintoretto, 1551
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Matthias Grünewald (1480–1528)
1. The Mocking of Christ by Matthias Grünewald, 1503
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1503Oil on wood109 × 74 cm
Unlike the idealized forms favored in Italy, Grünewald embraces a gritty realism. The scene draws directly from the biblical accounts of the Passion of Christ, specifically the events leading up to his crucifixion where he was subjected to ridicule and torment by Roman soldiers.
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Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)
2. The Fall of the Damned by Peter Paul Rubens, 1620
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1620Oil on panel286 × 224 cm
The painting portrays Lucifer and his fallen angels descending into Hell after their failed rebellion against God. The figures are rendered with astonishing anatomical accuracy—a hallmark of Rubens’ style—yet imbued with palpable emotion. Currently housed in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek, “The Fall of the Damned” holds a significant place in art history.
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Albrecht Altdorfer (1480–1538)
3. The Battle of Alexander at Issus by Albrecht Altdorfer, 1529
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1529Oil on lime panel158 × 120 cm
The Battle of Alexander at Issus, painted by Albrecht Altdorfer in 1529, is a dramatic depiction of the historical conflict between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia. This pivotal battle, which took place in 333 BC, marked a significant turning point in Alexander's campaign against the Persian Empire. As one of the most famous examples of the "world landscape" genre, The Battle of Alexander at Issus reaches an unprecedented grandeur.
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Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
4. Madonna of the Carnation by Leonardo da Vinci, 1478–1480
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1478–1480Oil on panel62 × 47 cm
Red flowers, particularly carnations, have long been associated with the Passion of Christ, representing both sacrifice and remembrance. The composition itself is carefully balanced, drawing the viewer's eye towards the central figures while subtly incorporating elements of Leonardo’s earlier work, such as the Annunciation. To fully appreciate the Madonna of the Carnation, it’s essential to remember Leonardo da Vinci's extraordinary breadth as a polymath. Consider exploring other Renaissance masterpieces at AllPaintingsStore, including Orazio Pigato’s ‘Vase of Flowers’, a beautiful example of the era's floral still life tradition.
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Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)
5. Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens, 1637
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1637Oil on oak panel199 × 302 cm
Peter Paul Rubens ' "Massacre of the Innocents" is a powerful depiction of the biblical episode from the Gospel of Matthew, where King Herod orders the execution of all male infants in Bethlehem. The central figure in white stands out amidst the turmoil, drawing the viewer's eye to the heart of the action. Painted during a time of religious and political turmoil in Antwerp, "Massacre of the Innocents" reflects the contemporary realities of warfare and conflict.
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Raphael (1483–1520)
6. Madonna and Child (The Tempi Madonna) by Raphael, 1508
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1508Oil on poplar panel75 × 51 cm
The painting exemplifies the High Renaissance style, characterized by its harmonious balance, lifelike figures, and idealized beauty. The Madonna and Child theme symbolizes maternal love, protection, and divine care.
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Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)
7. The Battle of the Amazons by Peter Paul Rubens, 1618
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1618Oil on panel120.3 × 165.3 cm
The scene is alive with movement, emotion, and chaos, immersing viewers in a mythic battle that symbolizes heroism, strength, and the chaos of war. Inspired by classical themes, this painting reflects Rubens’ admiration for historical and mythological subjects, particularly the legendary Amazonomachy—a mythic battle between the Greek warriors and the all-female Amazon warriors.
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Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)
8. The Lion Hunt by Peter Paul Rubens, 1621
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1621Oil on canvas249 × 377 cm
Peter Paul Rubens ' "The Lion Hunt" (1621) is a quintessential example of Baroque artistry, capturing the raw intensity and dynamic energy that define this period. The composition is densely packed with figures intertwined in violent combat, creating a sense of turmoil and conflict. "The Lion Hunt" marks the end of an intensive creative phase for Rubens centered on the theme of hunting. This artwork not only showcases Rubens ' technical prowess but also reflects the cultural and artistic values of the Baroque period.
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Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640)
9. Two Satyrs by Peter Paul Rubens, 1608
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1608Oil on canvas76 × 66 cm
Created in 1608, this artwork exemplifies the grandeur and emotional depth characteristic of Baroque art. The man holding grapes may symbolize abundance, temptation, or Dionysian themes, while the contemplative figure with a vessel suggests reflection or restraint.
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Jacopo Tintoretto (1519–1594)
10. Venus, Mars, and Vulcan by Jacopo Tintoretto, 1551
Alte Pinakothek, Munich1551Oil on canvas135 × 198 cm
At the heart of this scene lies Venus, reclining languidly on a bed, her beauty radiating an almost dangerous allure. Beside her stand Mars, brimming with assertive energy, and Vulcan, shrouded in shadow, his presence hinting at a darker, more primal force. The pairing of Venus, Mars, and Vulcan is laden with symbolic weight.
More originals
No. 11 to No. 14: more famous paintings in the Alte Pinakothek
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11. Meeting of St Erasm and St Maurice
Matthias Grünewald · 1517
Oil on canvas · 226 × 176 cm
The figures are portrayed with realistic detail, their elaborate costumes, gestures, and expressions revealing their individual personalities and statuses.
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12. The Last Judgement
Peter Paul Rubens · 1617
Oil on canvas · 606 × 460 cm
At the top, God the Father presides over the scene, His commanding presence illuminated by a luminous glow. Commissioned for a Catholic church, it served as a visual proclamation of divine authority and salvation. The contrasting imagery of the blessed ascending and the damned falling into hell underscores the moral dichotomy central to Christian doctrine.
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13. St Columba Altarpiece
Rogier van der Weyden · 1455
Oil on panel · 138 × 153 cm
At its heart, the work captures the intersection of the earthly and the divine, presenting scenes from the life of Christ—including the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Presentation in the Temple—with a clarity that feels almost startlingly modern.
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14. Scenes from the life of Mary
Hans Memling · 1480
Oil on panel · 81 × 189 cm
This expansive scene immerses viewers in a sacred story, capturing key moments from the revered biblical figure’s life with emotional depth and spiritual resonance. Hans Memling, a prominent figure in early Netherlandish art, was renowned for his ability to combine narrative clarity with spiritual symbolism.
The collection in figures
The originals of the Alte Pinakothek in our catalogue
366 originals of the Alte Pinakothek — paintings and works on paper — century by century
The originals in figures
- 14 originals, ranked by fame, 8 painters of the originals, Rogier van der Weyden to Peter Paul Rubens.
- Painters with the most originals here: Peter Paul Rubens (6), Matthias Grünewald (2), Albrecht Altdorfer (1).
- Rogier van der Weyden's St Columba Altarpiece (1455) – Peter Paul Rubens's Massacre of the Innocents (1637).
- Peter Paul Rubens's The Last Judgement (1617), 606 × 460 cm – Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Carnation (1478–1480), 62 × 47 cm.
- 370 originals of the Alte Pinakothek in our catalogue: 366 paintings and works on paper by 162 artists, 1320–2019.
The countries the painters of the Alte Pinakothek came from
The painters with the most originals at the Alte Pinakothek
Questions to the studio
Questions about the originals of the Alte Pinakothek
Open a question to read our answer.
What is the best-known painting of the Alte Pinakothek?
Matthias Grünewald's The Mocking of Christ (1503) is the most famous painting in the Alte Pinakothek and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Peter Paul Rubens's The Fall of the Damned (1620), Albrecht Altdorfer's The Battle of Alexander at Issus (1529) and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Carnation (1478–1480).
What are the five best-known paintings in the Alte Pinakothek?
In order: The Mocking of Christ by Matthias Grünewald, The Fall of the Damned by Peter Paul Rubens, The Battle of Alexander at Issus by Albrecht Altdorfer, Madonna of the Carnation by Leonardo da Vinci and Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens.
How many Peter Paul Rubens paintings are in the Alte Pinakothek?
Peter Paul Rubens has 6 paintings in this ranking — The Fall of the Damned (No. 2), Massacre of the Innocents (No. 5), The Battle of the Amazons (No. 7), The Lion Hunt (No. 8), Two Satyrs (No. 9) and The Last Judgement (No. 12) — and 21 records in our catalogue of the Alte Pinakothek.
Which Matthias Grünewald paintings hang in the Alte Pinakothek?
Matthias Grünewald has 2 paintings in this ranking — The Mocking of Christ (No. 1) and Meeting of St Erasm and St Maurice (No. 11) — and 10 records in our catalogue of the Alte Pinakothek.
Which Albrecht Altdorfer paintings hang in the Alte Pinakothek?
Albrecht Altdorfer has 1 paintings in this ranking — The Battle of Alexander at Issus (No. 3) — and 5 records in our catalogue of the Alte Pinakothek.
Which ten paintings should I see at the Alte Pinakothek?
In order: The Mocking of Christ (Matthias Grünewald), The Fall of the Damned (Peter Paul Rubens), The Battle of Alexander at Issus (Albrecht Altdorfer), Madonna of the Carnation (Leonardo da Vinci), Massacre of the Innocents (Peter Paul Rubens), Madonna and Child (The Tempi Madonna) (Raphael), The Battle of the Amazons (Peter Paul Rubens), The Lion Hunt (Peter Paul Rubens), Two Satyrs (Peter Paul Rubens) and Venus, Mars, and Vulcan (Jacopo Tintoretto).
Where can I see the paintings of the Alte Pinakothek?
In Munich, Germany. The Alte Pinakothek holds 370 works of our catalogue by 162 artists (1320–2019), among them the 14 paintings ranked here.
What are the big 3 at the Alte Pinakothek?
The highlights of the Alte Pinakothek are the 14th to 18th century European art, the Works by Rembrandt and Rubens and the Works by Dürer and Raphael, followed by its other highlights.
What is the oldest painting in the Alte Pinakothek on this list?
Rogier van der Weyden's St Columba Altarpiece (1455), dated 1455. The most recent is Peter Paul Rubens's Massacre of the Innocents (1637), dated 1637.
What is the largest painting in the Alte Pinakothek on this list?
The biggest is Peter Paul Rubens's The Last Judgement (1617) at 606 × 460 cm; the smallest, Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Carnation (1478–1480) at 62 × 47 cm.
How is this ranking made?
By recognition: Wikipedia articles in the most languages (Wikidata sitelinks), our manual ranking and page visits, over the paintings of the Alte Pinakothek in our catalogue. Several records of one painting count once; details, copies and studies are excluded.
The house of the originals
The Alte Pinakothek in Munich: history and collections of the originals
The Alte Pinakothek (Old Pinakothek, BSTGS, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen) — art museum — in Munich, Germany. Its highlights: 14th to 18th century European art, Works by Rembrandt and Rubens, Works by Dürer and Raphael. Our catalogue lists 366 of its paintings and works on paper, by 162 artists, dated 1320 to 2019.
The History of Alte Pinakothek
The Alte Pinakothek is located in Munich, Germany. It is one of the oldest galleries in existence, holding a collection that spans from the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries. The institution was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in 1826. Following its construction, the building opened to the public on 16 October 1836. The museum functions as a central component of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Its origins are tied to the Wittelsbach family, whose art acquisitions formed the core of the holdings. The collection includes significant works from the Northern Renaissance and the Baroque era, such as: the Mocking of Christ, 1503 - Matthias Grünewald the Battle of Alexander at Issus, 1529 - Albrecht Altdorfer the Lion Hunt, 1621 - Peter Paul Rubens Peasants Fighting, 1631 - Adriaen Brouwer The institution has maintained its purpose through significant historical shifts.
The Neoclassical Architecture and Design
Commissioned by King Ludwig I, the building was designed by Leo von Klenze. Construction of the structure took place between 1826 and 1836. The design rejects the cluttered ornamentation of the Gothic Revival style, favoring Neoclassical clarity instead. This architectural choice establishes a sense of permanence through thick masonry walls, which measure one meter in thickness. These walls are faced with yellow, polished brick. The scale of the building is substantial. It stretches 150 meters in length and reaches heights of 25 meters. The width of the structure is 50 meters. Inside, the architecture is defined by the integration of skylights. These skylights flood the galleries with natural illumination, allowing the paintings to be viewed under conditions that honor their original textures and colors.
Resilience and Reconstruction of the Building
The history of the building is marked by significant structural damage. During the Second World War, heavy bombing left the museum severely damaged, leaving a 45-meter-wide hole in the center of the structure. Reconstruction was carried out between 1952 and 1957 under the direction of Hans Döllgast. Technical updates have continued to address the preservation of the collection. A fundamental renovation and modernization took place in the 1990s to update the facility. In 2007, a further renovation was initiated, focusing on energy efficiency and the stabilization of the indoor climate.
The European Painting Collection
The collection comprises over 700 works of European painting, spanning the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries. These holdings originated largely from the art treasures of the Wittelsbach family. The museum's scope is part of a larger institutional framework; the Bavarian State Painting Collections manage more than 25,000 artworks across their various platforms. The holdings include one of the largest collections of paintings by Albrecht Dürer and Peter Paul Rubens. These artists represent significant pillars of the museum's focus on Northern and Flemish traditions. The selection of works reflects the evolution of European art through several centuries of technical development. the Mocking of Christ, 1503 - Matthias Grünewald Madonna and Child (The Tempi Madonna), 1508 - Raphael the Lion Hunt, 1621 - Peter Paul Rubens Self Portrait, 1629 - Rembrandt van Rijn Peasants Fighting, 1631 - Adriaen Brouwer
Visiting the Museum
The Alte Pinakothek is situated within the Kunstareal area in Munich, Germany. Visitors can plan their attendance according to the established weekly schedule. The institution is closed on Mondays. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the galleries remain open from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. During the remainder of the week, including Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the museum operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For those visiting on a Sunday, the admission fee is one euro per person. For visitors with limited mobility, the museum provides lightweight, portable folding chairs and two wheelchairs upon request at the information desk. The cloakroom is located on the ground floor, where jackets and bags may be checked for a fee of one euro per person. Lockers are also available for use. the Mocking of Christ, 1503 - Matthias Grünewald Madonna and Child (The Tempi Madonna), 1508 - Raphael the Lion Hunt, 1621 - Peter Paul Rubens the Battle of Alexander at Issus, 1529 - Albrecht Altdorfer Self Portrait, 1629 - Rembrandt van Rijn
5 facts about the home of the originals
- Who was the architect of the Alte Pinakothek?Leo von Klenze
- Which artist is noted for his 1629 self-portrait held in the museum?Rembrandt van Rijn
- The Alte Pinakothek's collection spans which centuries?14th to 18th centuries
- Which artist painted 'The Mocking of Christ' according to the catalog?Matthias Grünewald
- What is the length of the Alte Pinakothek building?150 meters
The Alte Pinakothek: every original we catalogueThe museums of Munich
To read
Three articles on the originals and their painters
How the originals are ranked
The originals of the Alte Pinakothek in our catalogue are ranked by fame: the Wikipedia language editions that describe the painting, our studio's ranking and the visits to its page on OriginalUniqueArt.com. One entry per original, counted in our catalogue and not in the museum's inventory, without details, copies, studies, sculptures or works on paper; every date, dimension and medium is the catalogue's, and the notes are drawn from the painting's description.
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