Ask for the most famous painting in the Museo del Prado and you will hear of Hieronymus Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights (1504) — then of Diego Velázquez's Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family (1656), Francisco Goya's Saturn Devouring His Son (1819–1823) and Francisco Goya's The Third of May 1808 (1814).
The list below ranks the 25 best-known paintings of the Museo del Prado, dated 1435 to 1827, by 10 painters.
The originals
The 10 famous paintings of the Museo del Prado our artists study first
The painter, the date, the medium and the dimensions of each original, with a note from its page.
- The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, 1504
- Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family by Diego Velázquez, 1656
- Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya, 1819–1823
- The Third of May 1808 (Execution of the Defenders of Madrid) by Francisco Goya, 1814
- The Haywain Triptych by Hieronymus Bosch, 1504
- The Naked Maja by Francisco Goya, 1798
- The Triumph of Death by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1562
- The Surrender of Breda (Las Lanzas) by Diego Velázquez, 1634
- The Seven Deadly Sins by Hieronymus Bosch, 1480
- The Triumph of Death by Jan Brueghel the Elder, 1610
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Hieronymus Bosch (1450–1516)
1. The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, 1504
Museo del Prado, Madrid1504Oil on panel220 × 389 cm
The triptych unfolds in three distinct movements across oak panels. A strange fountain rises from the earth, its pink waters reflecting a quiet, primordial light.
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Diego Velázquez (1599–1660)
2. Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family by Diego Velázquez, 1656
Museo del Prado, Madrid1656Oil on canvas318 × 276 cm
The painting features Infanta Margaret Theresa, the daughter of King Philip IV, surrounded by her entourage, including maids of honor, chaperones, bodyguards, and dwarves. This intricate composition offers a rare glimpse into the opulent and formal world of 17th-century Spanish royalty. The painting reflects his intimate knowledge of the court's hierarchy and etiquette, as well as his unique perspective as both an artist and a courtier. " Las Meninas " is rich with symbolism and has been the subject of extensive analysis by art historians.
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Francisco Goya (1746–1828)
3. Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya, 1819–1823
Museo del Prado, Madrid1819–1823Oil on canvas143.5 × 81.4 cm
Created between 1819 and 1823, during a period of intense personal and political turmoil for Goya, this painting was not intended for public display. It adorned the walls of his own home, “Quinta del Sordo” (House of the Deaf Man), reflecting a deeply private and troubled state of mind. The artwork depicts the Greek myth of Cronus (Roman Saturn), who, fearing a prophecy that his children would overthrow him, devoured them upon their birth.
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Francisco Goya (1746–1828)
4. The Third of May 1808 (Execution of the Defenders of Madrid) by Francisco Goya, 1814
Museo del Prado, Madrid1814Oil on canvas266 × 345 cm
In response to the uprising, the French executed hundreds of Spanish insurgents and civilians. Goya, deeply affected by the conflict and its impact on his homeland, created this work years later as part of a commission from the provisional government, aiming to honor those who resisted the occupation. Embracing the tenets of Romanticism, Goya eschews Neoclassical ideals of order and restraint in favor of raw emotion and dramatic intensity. The faceless, robotic French firing squad represents dehumanization and the cold efficiency of military power.
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Hieronymus Bosch (1450–1516)
5. The Haywain Triptych by Hieronymus Bosch, 1504
Museo del Prado, Madrid1504Oil on panel100 × 100 cm
The left panel depicts a serene landscape with figures engaged in various activities, possibly representing paradise or a biblical narrative. The Haywain Triptych is painted on wood panels using tempera or oil paints, typical of the period. Hieronymus Bosch, born around 1450 in's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, was a prominent Dutch painter known for his surreal and imaginative depictions of religious themes. The Haywain Triptych follows a similar narrative to Bosch's other works, such as The Garden of Earthly Delights.
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Francisco Goya (1746–1828)
6. The Naked Maja by Francisco Goya, 1798
Museo del Prado, Madrid1798Oil on canvas97 × 190 cm
The composition centers the figure against a subdued, dark background, which accentuates her luminous flesh tones and enhances the sense of depth and three-dimensionality.
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Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1525–1569)
7. The Triumph of Death by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, 1562
Museo del Prado, Madrid1562Oil on panel117 × 162 cm
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, a towering figure in Renaissance painting, created "The Triumph of Death" around 1562. This oil panel painting depicts a desolate landscape overrun by an army of skeletons, wreaking havoc on the living. The scene is filled with dynamic movement and intense action, showcasing Bruegel's mastery of composition and narrative storytelling. "The Triumph of Death" is rich in symbolism, reflecting the societal fears and anxieties of the mid-16th century.
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Diego Velázquez (1599–1660)
8. The Surrender of Breda (Las Lanzas) by Diego Velázquez, 1634
Museo del Prado, Madrid1634Oil on canvas307 × 367 cm
Commissioned by Philip IV of Spain for the Palacio del Buen Retiro in Madrid, this painting was intended as a celebration of Spanish military prowess. The contrasting postures and expressions of the Dutch commander, offering the keys with respectful resignation, and the Spanish General Spinola, accepting them with measured grace, are particularly compelling.
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Hieronymus Bosch (1450–1516)
9. The Seven Deadly Sins by Hieronymus Bosch, 1480
Museo del Prado, Madrid1480Tempera on panel120 × 150 cm
The artwork's central focus is a large, meticulously rendered circular wheel set against a dramatically dark background. Within each segment of the wheel, miniature scenes unfold, depicting humanity’s fluctuating fortunes – moments of prosperity and success juxtaposed with episodes of hardship and downfall. Executed with remarkable detail, this work exemplifies the characteristics of early Netherlandish painting. “The Wheel of Fortune” motif itself was deeply ingrained in medieval thought, representing both the arbitrary nature of fate and the potential for spiritual redemption.
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Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568–1625)
10. The Triumph of Death by Jan Brueghel the Elder, 1610
Museo del Prado, Madrid1610Oil on panel117 × 162 cm
The sprawling composition guides the viewer through layers of turmoil, from the frantic foreground to the bleak horizon, emphasizing the relentless march of death that spares no one. Created in the early 17th century, this painting exemplifies the Northern Renaissance’s fascination with detailed realism and symbolic depth.
More originals
No. 11 to No. 25: more famous paintings in the Museo del Prado
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11. Witches' Sabbath
Francisco Goya · 1821
Oil on plaster (originally mural)
The central figure, dressed in dark robes, commands attention, suggesting themes of power, mystery, and the occult. The artwork is part of Goya's Black Paintings series, which he painted directly onto the walls of his house, the Quinta del Sordo.
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12. Deposition
Rogier van der Weyden · 1435
Oil on panel · 220 × 262 cm
Jesus’s lifeless body, cradled by his grieving mother Mary and Nicodemus, occupies the visual center, immediately commanding attention. However, Van der Weyden pushed beyond mere imitation, imbuing his figures with an unprecedented level of emotional intensity.
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13. The Three Graces
Peter Paul Rubens · 1630
Oil on panel · 220.5 × 182 cm
Light emanates from an unseen source, bathing the luminous skin of Euphrosyne, Aglaea, and Thalia in a warm, ethereal glow that seems to radiate from within their very bodies.
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14. The Crucifixion
El Greco · 1594
Oil on canvas · 312 × 169 cm
El Greco's unique style blends elements of Mannerism with Byzantine influences, resulting in elongated figures and expressive gestures. Painted during the Counter-Reformation period, "The Crucifixion" reflects the religious fervor and devotion of the time. This artwork is not only a religious icon but also a powerful evocation of human emotion and spiritual devotion.
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15. Asmodea
Francisco Goya · 1820–1823
Oil on canvas · 123 × 265 cm
The man, equally distressed, points towards a distant town atop a mountain, possibly symbolizing Gibraltar, a refuge for Spanish liberals during the aftermath of the Peninsular War. The title "Asmodea" is likely derived from the demon king Asmodeus from the Book of Tobias, suggesting themes of temptation and destruction.
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16. The Bacchanal of the Andrians
Titian · 1524
Oil on canvas · 175 × 193 cm
Created during Alfonso I d'Este’s reign in Ferrara, the painting was commissioned as part of a larger decorative program intended to glorify the Este family’s patronage of the arts. "The Bacchanal of the Andrians" served as an inspiration for numerous artists throughout Europe, notably Rubens and Velázquez.
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17. Triptych of the Adoration of the Magi
Hieronymus Bosch · 1510
Oil on oak panel · 138 × 72 cm
The central panel depicts the serene Adoration within a humble dwelling, with Mary tenderly cradling Christ. The stark contrast between the humble setting of the Adoration and the wealth of the Magi emphasizes spiritual significance over material possessions. This artwork represents a significant investment – not only financially but also culturally.
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18. Self-Portrait
Albrecht Dürer · 1498
Oil on panel · 52 × 41 cm
The Self-Portrait by Albrecht Dürer is a significant work of the Northern Renaissance, executed in 1498. In 1636, the city of Nuremberg gifted the painting, as part of a pair, to Charles I of England. Later, in 1654, the piece was acquired by Philip IV of Spain.
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19. Portrait of Emperor Charles V at Muhlberg
Titian · 1548
Oil on canvas · 335 × 283 cm
The painting captures this momentous occasion with remarkable immediacy, reflecting the prevailing artistic sensibilities of the era. Unlike conventional equestrian depictions—where the animal dominates— Titian deliberately minimizes the horse’s movement, grounding it with only its hind legs touching the earth.
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20. Flight of the Witches
Francisco Goya · 1797
Oil on canvas · 43.5 × 30.5 cm
The Flight of the Witches was painted during a time when Francisco de Goya was exploring the themes of fear, superstition, and the human condition. For those who want to experience the power and emotion of The Flight of the Witches in their own space, AllPaintingsStore offers high-quality, handmade oil painting reproductions.
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21. The Fable of Arachne (Las Hilanderas)
Diego Velázquez · 1657
Oil on canvas · 215 × 290 cm
This intricate painting, created in 1657, tells the mythological story of Arachne, a mortal weaver who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving competition. This technique not only highlights key elements but also emphasizes the emotional states of the characters, making the scene more compelling and emotionally charged.
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22. The Cure of Folly (Extraction of the Stone of Madness)
Hieronymus Bosch · 1475
Oil on panel · 48 × 35 cm
The Cure of Folly (Extraction of the Stone of Madness) is an oil-on-panel work by Hieronymus Bosch. It is a window into a singular, unsettling vision. It exists now within the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Salvador Dalí looked toward this vision, finding a way to map the irrationality of the human mind.
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23. The Colossus
Francisco Goya · 1812
Oil · 116 × 105 cm
Painted in 1812 amidst Spain’s turbulent era, this work reflects the collective spirit of resilience and resistance during the Peninsular War.
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24. The Milkmaid of Bordeaux
Francisco Goya · 1827
Oil on canvas · 74 × 68 cm
The Milkmaid of Bordeaux is an oil on canvas painting attributed to the Spanish artist Francisco De Goya, completed between 1825–27. Additionally, a visit to the Museo del Prado —located in Madrid—offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Goya’s artistic vision firsthand The Museum Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (Spain) - A Comprehensive Guide.
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25. Saturn
Peter Paul Rubens · 1637
Oil on canvas · 182.5 × 87 cm
The composition centers on the massive, muscular figure of Saturn, whose body creates a diagonal movement from the upper left toward the lower right. The flesh of the infant appears pale against the darker, earthy tones of the titan's skin.
The collection in figures
The originals of the Museo del Prado in our catalogue
3,080 originals of the Museo del Prado — paintings and works on paper — century by century
The originals in figures
- 25 originals, ranked by fame, 10 painters of the originals, Rogier van der Weyden to Francisco Goya.
- Painters with the most originals here: Francisco Goya (8), Hieronymus Bosch (5), Diego Velázquez (3).
- Rogier van der Weyden's Deposition (1435) – Francisco Goya's The Milkmaid of Bordeaux (1827).
- Diego Velázquez's The Surrender of Breda (1634), 307 × 367 cm – Francisco Goya's Flight of the Witches (1797), 43.5 × 30.5 cm.
- 3,089 originals of the Museo del Prado in our catalogue: 3,080 paintings and works on paper by 843 artists, 1345–1929.
The countries the painters of the Museo del Prado came from
The painters with the most originals at the Museo del Prado
Questions to the studio
Questions about the originals of the Museo del Prado
Open a question to read our answer.
Which painting in the Museo del Prado is the most famous?
Hieronymus Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights (1504) is the most famous painting in the Museo del Prado and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Diego Velázquez's Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family (1656), Francisco Goya's Saturn Devouring His Son (1819–1823) and Francisco Goya's The Third of May 1808 (1814).
What are the top 5 most famous paintings in the Museo del Prado?
In order: The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family by Diego Velázquez, Saturn Devouring His Son by Francisco Goya, The Third of May 1808 (Execution of the Defenders of Madrid) by Francisco Goya and The Haywain Triptych by Hieronymus Bosch.
How many Francisco Goya paintings are in the Museo del Prado?
8 of the 25 paintings of this ranking are by Francisco Goya: Saturn Devouring His Son (No. 3), The Third of May 1808 (Execution of the Defenders of Madrid) (No. 4), The Naked Maja (No. 6), Witches' Sabbath (No. 11), Asmodea (No. 15), Flight of the Witches (No. 20), The Colossus (No. 23) and The Milkmaid of Bordeaux (No. 24). Our catalogue lists 135 records of Goya's works at the Museo del Prado.
Are there any Hieronymus Bosch paintings in the Museo del Prado?
5 of the 25 paintings of this ranking are by Hieronymus Bosch: The Garden of Earthly Delights (No. 1), The Haywain Triptych (No. 5), The Seven Deadly Sins (No. 9), Triptych of the Adoration of the Magi (No. 17) and The Cure of Folly (Extraction of the Stone of Madness) (No. 22). Our catalogue lists 65 records of Bosch's works at the Museo del Prado.
Are there any Diego Velázquez paintings in the Museo del Prado?
3 of the 25 paintings of this ranking are by Diego Velázquez: Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family (No. 2), The Surrender of Breda (Las Lanzas) (No. 8) and The Fable of Arachne (Las Hilanderas) (No. 21). Our catalogue lists 93 records of Velázquez's works at the Museo del Prado.
What are the 10 most famous paintings in the Museo del Prado?
In order: The Garden of Earthly Delights (Hieronymus Bosch), Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family (Diego Velázquez), Saturn Devouring His Son (Francisco Goya), The Third of May 1808 (Execution of the Defenders of Madrid) (Francisco Goya), The Haywain Triptych (Hieronymus Bosch), The Naked Maja (Francisco Goya), The Triumph of Death (Pieter Brueghel the Elder), The Surrender of Breda (Las Lanzas) (Diego Velázquez), The Seven Deadly Sins (Hieronymus Bosch) and The Triumph of Death (Jan Brueghel the Elder).
Where is the Museo del Prado?
The Museo del Prado is in Madrid, Spain. Our catalogue lists 3,089 of its works by 843 artists, dated 1345 to 1929; the 25 paintings of this ranking are all in its collection.
What are the three must-see works of the Museo del Prado?
the Spanish Baroque art, the Works by Velázquez and Goya and the Works by El Greco and Bosch are the three works everyone comes to the Museo del Prado for; the museum's record also names the The Prado Mona Lisa.
What is the oldest painting in the Museo del Prado on this list?
The earliest is Rogier van der Weyden's Deposition (1435) (1435); the latest, Francisco Goya's The Milkmaid of Bordeaux (1827) (1827).
Which of these paintings is the biggest?
Diego Velázquez's The Surrender of Breda (1634), 307 × 367 cm. The smallest is Francisco Goya's Flight of the Witches (1797), 43.5 × 30.5 cm.
How is this ranking made?
The paintings of the Museo del Prado in our catalogue are ranked by how widely each one is known: the number of Wikipedia language editions with an article on it (Wikidata sitelinks), its place in our catalogue's manual ranking and the visits its page receives. The same painting catalogued several times counts once; details, copies and studies are left out.
The house of the originals
The Museo del Prado in Madrid: history and collections of the originals
The Museo del Prado (Museo Nacional del Prado, National Museum of Painting and Sculpture, Prado) — national art museum — in Madrid, Spain. Its highlights: Spanish Baroque art, Works by Velázquez and Goya, Works by El Greco and Bosch, The Prado Mona Lisa. Our catalogue lists 3,080 of its paintings and works on paper, by 843 artists, dated 1345 to 1929.
The History of Museo del Prado
The origins of the Museo del Prado are tied to the Royal Collection of Spain, tracing back to the 18th century. This transition transformed a scientific endeavor into a repository for the Spanish Crown's most significant treasures. The institution was founded as a museum of paintings and sculpture in 1819, established with the specific aim of showing the works of art belonging to the Spanish Crown. In 1868, the institution was nationalized and acquired the name Museo del Prado. Located in central Madrid, Spain, it remains the main Spanish national art museum. The collection has grown through various expansions, including significant work by Rafael Moneo, which added new spaces for temporary exhibitions and visitor reception. The building acts as a vessel for history, where the symmetry of the facade and the grandeur of the interiors reflect the royal patronage that shaped its existence.
The Architecture of the Villanueva Building
The structure was conceived in 1785 to house the Natural History Cabinet. This intentional use of light creates a sense of openness within the stone walls. The building has undergone various expansions to accommodate its growing collections. Significant work was carried out by Rafael Moneo, who added new spaces for temporary exhibitions and visitor reception. These additions allow the institution to grow alongside the needs of its collections while maintaining the integrity of the original design. The symmetry of the facade and the grandeur of the interiors reflect the royal patronage that shaped its existence.
The Spanish Baroque Collection
This collection contains the most significant holdings of the era, presenting a continuous dialogue of light and shadow. His ability to capture the essence of his subjects through light creates a sense of immediacy that remains palpable to those standing before the canvases. Beyond the influence of Velázquez, the museum features the works of Rubens, Zurbarán, and Murillo. These artists contribute to the weight of the Spanish Baroque, offering varied perspectives on the human condition. The collection traces the evolution of this style through its intense, dramatic canvases and its focus on the visceral details of life and faith. the Surrender of Breda, 1634 - Diego Velázquez the Fable of Arachne (Las Hilanderas), 1657 - Diego Velázquez Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) or the Royal Family, 1656 - Diego Velázquez
European Artistic Traditions
The collection extends beyond the Spanish borders, gathering significant contributions from across the European continent. These works create a dialogue between different artistic traditions, allowing the viewer to witness the evolution of Western visual language. The presence of Titian and Rubens adds layers of richness to the European narrative held within these halls, grounding the institution in a broader continental history. Nearby, the ethereal, spiritual intensity of El Greco provides a stark contrast to the more grounded traditions of the north. These artists represent the diverse currents of thought and technique that have shaped European art through the centuries. Artemis, 1634 - Rembrandt van Rijn the Garden of Earthly Delights, 1500 - Hieronymus Bosch
Exhibitions and Research
The museum maintains a continuous dialogue with the present through temporary exhibitions that expand the scope of the permanent collection. Recent displays have focused on the work of Antonio Muñoz Degrain, offering a contemporary perspective alongside the historical holdings. These programs ensure the institution remains an active site of artistic inquiry rather than a static repository. The upcoming calendar features several significant engagements. From 26/5/2026 to 20/9/2026, the exhibition A la manera de Italia España y el gótico mediterráneo will be on view. This is followed by Prado. Siglo XXI, which runs from 9/6/2026 to 27/9/2026. Additionally, the works of Valeriano D. Bécquer (1834-1870) will be presented in the exhibition Los cuadros de costumbres, scheduled from 13/7/2026 to 4/10/2026. Research efforts continue to refine the understanding of the collection's history and provenance. These scholarly pursuits support the presentation of works in new contexts, allowing for a deeper examination of the relationships between different artistic traditions and eras.
5 facts about the home of the originals
- Which architect designed the neoclassical halls of the Museo del Prado?Juan de Villanueva
- Which artist's work 'Artemis' is noted for its masterful use of chiaroscuro?Rembrandt van Rijn
- In which city is the Museo del Prado located?Madrid
- Which artist is the most extensively represented in the museum's collection according to Wikipedia?Francisco Goya
- The Prado's version of the Mona Lisa is attributed to which group?The workshop of Leonardo da Vinci
The Museo del Prado: every original we catalogueThe museums of Madrid
To read
Three articles on the originals and their painters
How the originals are ranked
The originals of the Museo del Prado 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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