Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa (1503–1519) is the best-known painting in the Louvre; after it come Eugène Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People (1831), Jacques-Louis David's The Oath of the Horatii (1784) and Théodore Géricault's The Raft of the Medusa (1818).
The list below ranks the 25 best-known paintings of the Louvre, dated 1435 to 1913, by 16 painters.
The originals
The 10 famous paintings of the Louvre our artists study first
The painter, the date, the medium and the dimensions of each original, with a note from its page.
- Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) by Leonardo da Vinci, 1503–1519
- Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, 1831
- The Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David, 1784
- The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, 1818
- The Grande Odalisque by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, 1814
- The Embarkation for Cythera by Jean-Antoine Watteau, 1717
- Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine by Jacques-Louis David, 1805
- The Massacre at Chios by Eugène Delacroix, 1824
- Saint John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci, 1515
- Portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701
-
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
1. Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) by Leonardo da Vinci, 1503–1519
The Louvre, Paris1503–1519Oil on poplar panel77 × 53 cm
The work, known as Mona Lisa (La Gioconda), was created over a significant period, with the artist working on the piece between 1503 and 1519. Following the artist's passing, King Francis I acquired the work after 1519. On 21 August 1911, the painting vanished from its place, stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia. The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, 1510 Lady with an Ermine, 1490 Saint John the Baptist, 1515 To encounter this portrait, one must visit the Louvre Museum in Paris.
-
Eugène Delacroix (1798–1863)
2. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, 1831
The Louvre, Paris1831Oil on canvas260 × 325 cm
Painted in 1830, this monumental piece commemorates the July Revolution that toppled King Charles X, marking a pivotal moment in French history. The composition is a whirlwind of action, with figures arranged in a dynamic triangular formation that draws the viewer's eye to the central figure—a bare-breasted woman personifying Liberty.
-
Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825)
3. The Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David, 1784
The Louvre, Paris1784Oil on canvas329.8 × 424.8 cm
It depicts the three Horatii brothers, poised in a state of resolute determination, as they pledge their lives to the Roman cause. The painting was created during a period of burgeoning republican sentiment in France, and its themes of sacrifice and duty acted as a powerful precursor to the revolutionary fervor that would soon transform Europe.
-
Théodore Géricault (1791–1824)
4. The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, 1818
The Louvre, Paris1818Oil on canvas491 × 716 cm
The sinking of the Méduse wasn’t simply a nautical accident. It became a national outrage when it was revealed that the captain, appointed due to political connections rather than naval experience, abandoned 150 passengers and crew on a hastily constructed raft.
-
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780–1867)
5. The Grande Odalisque by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, 1814
The Louvre, Paris1814Oil on canvas91 × 162 cm
This deliberate distortion, initially criticized, contributes to the painting’s dreamlike quality and emphasizes its aesthetic rather than purely realistic intent. The subject matter – an odalisque, or concubine within a Turkish harem – reflects the growing European interest in Eastern cultures during the 19th century. However, it quickly became an emblem of Ingres’ unique style and a pivotal work in the transition between Neoclassicism and Romanticism. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable and celebrated paintings in the collection of the Louvre Museum.
-
Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684–1721)
6. The Embarkation for Cythera by Jean-Antoine Watteau, 1717
The Louvre, Paris1717Oil on canvas129 × 194 cm
The artwork depicts a lively scene of aristocratic revelry set against a pastoral landscape. Watteau's distinctive Rococo style is characterized by its lightheartedness, decorative detail, and emphasis on color and movement. This genre celebrated the carefree and pleasure-seeking lifestyle of the French aristocracy following the death of Louis XIV.
-
Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825)
7. Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine by Jacques-Louis David, 1805
The Louvre, Paris1805Oil on canvas629 × 979 cm
The painting captures the electric atmosphere of the ceremony, where every gesture and gaze is laden with political significance. In this triumph of the Neoclassical movement, David eschews the frivolous ornamentation of the preceding Rococo era in favor of a rigorous, structured composition that reflects the stability of the new empire. The composition guides the eye through a sea of meticulously rendered figures—from the regal presence of Empress Josephine to the solemn onlookers in the crowd—ensuring that the viewer's focus remains fixed on the central act of coronation.
-
Eugène Delacroix (1798–1863)
8. The Massacre at Chios by Eugène Delacroix, 1824
The Louvre, Paris1824Oil on canvas419 × 354 cm
Delacroix, deeply moved by accounts of the atrocities, sought to capture not just the facts of the battle but also its devastating emotional consequences. “The Massacre at Chios” is a quintessential example of Romantic art. The central image of the Ottoman soldier on horseback, a symbol of imperial oppression and brutality, dominates the scene. However, over time, it has come to be recognized as one of Delacroix's most important works and a cornerstone of Romantic art.
-
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
9. Saint John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci, 1515
The Louvre, Paris1515Oil on panel69 × 57 cm
The background of the painting is dark, which dramatically emphasizes the figure of Saint John, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to his expressive countenance. This careful consideration of composition and tonal harmony exemplifies Da Vinci’s meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to achieving artistic perfection.
-
Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659–1743)
10. Portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701
The Louvre, Paris1701Oil on canvas277 × 194 cm
This magnificent portrait captures the formidable presence of Louis XIV, the Sun King, in his regal splendor. Created by the renowned French Baroque painter Hyacinthe Rigaud in 1701, this artwork exemplifies the grandeur and meticulous detail characteristic of the Baroque era. Commissioned during a pivotal moment in European history, this portrait was painted in 1701, a year marked by political upheaval and the impending War of Spanish Succession. Rigaud’s portrayal of Louis XIV as a confident, majestic figure reinforces the image of stability and power that the Sun King sought to project across France and Europe.
More originals
No. 11 to No. 25: more famous paintings in the Louvre
-
11. The Death of Sardanapalus
Eugène Delacroix · 1827
Oil on canvas · 395 × 496 cm
This act of defiant destruction forms the core narrative. “The Death of Sardanapalus” is not simply a historical depiction; it's an exploration of human emotion at its most extreme.
-
12. The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne
Leonardo da Vinci · 1510
Oil painting · 168 × 130 cm
This oil painting, created around 1510, captures a serene moment of intimate interaction between three figures set against a tranquil landscape. The painting was commissioned as the high altarpiece for the Church of Santissima Annunziata in Florence. The lamb held by the Christ Child symbolizes His future sacrifice and the redemption of humanity.
-
13. The Virgin to Chancellor Rolin
Jan van Eyck · 1435
Oil on panel · 66 × 62 cm
This oil on panel composition was commissioned by Nicolas Rolin, who held the position of Chancellor of the Duchy of Burgundy. It remained in this location for several centuries, housed within the religious structure until the church was destroyed in 1793. Following this destruction, the work was moved to the Musée du Louvre in 1805.
-
14. The Wedding at Cana
Paolo Veronese · 1563
Oil on canvas · 677 × 994 cm
The scene, likely set within a majestic church or ceremonial hall, captures a moment of significance, emphasizing the unity and spiritual devotion of the gathered figures. The composition’s depth and complexity draw viewers into a bustling, vibrant world where human activity and sacred architecture intertwine seamlessly.
-
15. Basket with Oranges
Henri Matisse · 1913
Oil on canvas · 94 × 83 cm
The central focus of this painting is a bowl filled with oranges and lemons, placed on a table adorned with a floral-patterned cloth. Created in 1913, "Basket with Oranges" reflects Matisse's ongoing exploration of color and form during a pivotal period in modern art.
-
16. Gilles
Jean-Antoine Watteau · 1719
Oil on canvas (presumed) · 185 × 150 cm
Watteau revolutionized French painting with his invention of the fête galante – a genre depicting elegant outdoor gatherings infused with a sense of playful romance and gentle melancholy. This painting reflects the aristocratic tastes of early 18th-century France, where leisure, refinement, and subtle emotional expression were highly valued.
-
17. The Turkish Bath
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres · 1863
Oil on panel · 110 × 108 cm
Within this hazy, sun-drenched bathhouse, a multitude of nude figures are arranged in a rhythmic dance of limbs and light. While many of his contemporaries in the Romantic movement embraced turbulent brushstrokes and emotional distortion, Ingres remained a steadfast guardian of line.
-
18. The Ship of Fools
Hieronymus Bosch · 1500
Oil painting · 58 × 33 cm
Central to the composition is a fantastical figure with a bird-like head, perched atop a lush, mystical tree embedded with a skull, symbolizing mortality and the transient nature of human life. Produced around 1500, this painting reflects the moral and religious concerns of its time, particularly the critique of societal excess and spiritual neglect.
-
19. The Astronomer
Johannes Vermeer · 1668
Oil on canvas · 50 × 45 cm
This intimate portrait of an astronomer engrossed in study offers a glimpse into the intellectual pursuits of 17th-century scholars, rendered with Vermeer's signature luminosity and meticulous detail. These works reflect the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with scientific exploration and intellectual achievement.
-
20. Death of the Virgin
Caravaggio · 1601
Oil on canvas · 369 × 245 cm
The city pulsed with artistic fervor but also wrestled with social tensions, offering a fertile ground for an artist determined to forge his own path. Commissioned by Laerzio Cherubini for the Santa Maria della Scala church in Rome, “Death of the Virgin” initially faced resistance from ecclesiastical authorities.
-
21. The Marriage at Cana
Paolo Veronese · 1563
Oil on canvas · 666 × 990 cm
The painting's composition is framed by towering classical columns and arches, which not only create a sense of grandeur but also serve as a backdrop for the bustling activity. This emotional depth, combined with the painting's technical mastery, makes "The Marriage at Cana" a powerful and moving work of art.
-
22. Basket of Peaches
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin · 1768
Oil on canvas · 39 × 32 cm
Arranged alongside are a dark glass, likely holding wine or cordial, a simple knife, and two walnuts. Painted during the height of his career, Basket of Peaches exists within a fascinating artistic landscape.
-
23. The Rape of the Sabine Women
Nicolas Poussin · 1637
Oil on canvas · 159 × 206 cm
The artwork captures the moment when Romulus, the founder of Rome, orchestrated the abduction of Sabine women to ensure the survival and growth of his city. This event, steeped in legend and history, was a popular subject among Renaissance and Baroque artists, symbolizing both the brutality and necessity of founding a new society.
-
24. The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons
Jacques-Louis David · 1789
Oil on canvas · 323 × 422 cm
Created in 1789, the painting exemplifies Jacques-Louis David’s mastery of Neoclassical style —characterized by its clarity, precision, and restrained elegance. The story of Brutus was a potent symbol of sacrifice for the greater good, aligning with the revolutionary ideals of liberty and republicanism.
-
25. La Belle Jardiniere
Raphael · 1507
Oil on oak panel · 118 × 81 cm
The composition is carefully balanced, with the Madonna gently cradling the infant Jesus, both figures radiating calmness and tenderness. The figures are positioned to create a harmonious flow, guiding the eye naturally across the scene and emphasizing the central theme of maternal care and divine innocence.
The collection in figures
The originals of the Louvre in our catalogue
2,682 originals of the Louvre — paintings and works on paper — century by century
The originals in figures
- 25 originals, ranked by fame, 16 painters of the originals, Jan van Eyck to Henri Matisse.
- Painters with the most originals here: Leonardo da Vinci (3), Eugène Delacroix (3), Jacques-Louis David (3).
- Jan van Eyck's The Virgin to Chancellor Rolin (1435) – Henri Matisse's Basket with Oranges (1913).
- Paolo Veronese's The Wedding at Cana (1563), 677 × 994 cm – Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin's Basket of Peaches (1768), 39 × 32 cm.
- 2,833 originals of the Louvre in our catalogue: 2,682 paintings and works on paper by 698 artists, 1180–1913.
The countries the painters of the Louvre came from
The painters with the most originals at the Louvre
Two museums
The Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay: two collections of originals
The Louvre
- Originals in our catalogue
- 2,833
- Painted between
- 1180 – 1913, most from the 17th century
- Most famous originals
- Mona Lisa (La Gioconda), Liberty Leading the People, The Oath of the Horatii
- Most originals by
- Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes, Eustache Le Sueur, Eugène Delacroix
The Musée d'Orsay
- Originals in our catalogue
- 1,598
- Painted between
- 1819 – 1952, most from the 19th century
- Most famous originals
- The Origin of the World, The Luncheon on the Grass, Dance at the Moulin de la Galette
- Most originals by
- Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne
Questions to the studio
Questions about the originals of the Louvre
Open a question to read our answer.
What is the best-known painting of the Louvre?
Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa (1503–1519) is the most famous painting in the Louvre and No. 1 of this ranking, ahead of Eugène Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People (1831), Jacques-Louis David's The Oath of the Horatii (1784) and Théodore Géricault's The Raft of the Medusa (1818).
Which five paintings of the Louvre are the most famous?
In order: Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) by Leonardo da Vinci, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, The Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David, The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault and The Grande Odalisque by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.
Which Leonardo da Vinci paintings hang in the Louvre?
3 of the 25 paintings of this ranking are by Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) (No. 1), Saint John the Baptist (No. 9) and The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne (No. 12). Our catalogue lists 31 records of Vinci's works at the Louvre.
How many Eugène Delacroix paintings are in the Louvre?
3 of the 25 paintings of this ranking are by Eugène Delacroix: Liberty Leading the People (No. 2), The Massacre at Chios (No. 8) and The Death of Sardanapalus (No. 11). Our catalogue lists 42 records of Delacroix's works at the Louvre.
Are there any Jacques-Louis David paintings in the Louvre?
3 of the 25 paintings of this ranking are by Jacques-Louis David: The Oath of the Horatii (No. 3), Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine (No. 7) and The Lictors Returning to Brutus the Bodies of his Sons (No. 24). Our catalogue lists 37 records of David's works at the Louvre.
What are the 10 most famous paintings in the Louvre?
The ten best-known paintings of the Louvre are Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) (Leonardo da Vinci), Liberty Leading the People (Eugène Delacroix), The Oath of the Horatii (Jacques-Louis David), The Raft of the Medusa (Théodore Géricault), The Grande Odalisque (Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres), The Embarkation for Cythera (Jean-Antoine Watteau), Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon I and Coronation of the Empress Josephine (Jacques-Louis David), The Massacre at Chios (Eugène Delacroix), Saint John the Baptist (Leonardo da Vinci) and Portrait of Louis XIV (Hyacinthe Rigaud).
Where is the Louvre?
The Louvre is in Paris, France. Our catalogue lists 2,833 of its works by 698 artists, dated 1180 to 1913; the 25 paintings of this ranking are all in its collection.
What is the difference between the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay?
They cover different centuries. The 2,682 paintings of The Louvre in our catalogue are dated 1180 to 1913, most of them from the 17th century; the 1,552 of the Musée d'Orsay are dated 1819 to 1952. The best-known paintings of the Musée d'Orsay are The Origin of the World, The Luncheon on the Grass and Dance at the Moulin de la Galette.
What are the big 3 at the Louvre?
the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory are the three works everyone comes to the Louvre for; the museum's record also names the Seated Scribe and the Michelangelo's Slaves. Of the three, the Mona Lisa is a painting of this ranking (No. 1).
What is the oldest painting in the Louvre on this list?
Jan van Eyck's The Virgin to Chancellor Rolin (1435), dated 1435. The most recent is Henri Matisse's Basket with Oranges (1913), dated 1913.
Which of these paintings is the biggest?
Paolo Veronese's The Wedding at Cana (1563), 677 × 994 cm. The smallest is Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin's Basket of Peaches (1768), 39 × 32 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 Louvre in our catalogue. Several records of one painting count once; details, copies and studies are excluded.
The house of the originals
The Louvre in Paris: history and collections of the originals
The Louvre (Musée du Louvre, Louvre Palace, Louvre Museum) — national art museum — in Paris, France. Its collection counts over 500,000 works. Its highlights: Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Seated Scribe, Michelangelo's Slaves. Our catalogue lists 2,682 of its paintings and works on paper, by 698 artists, dated 1180 to 1913.
The Origins and History of the Louvre
The history of the Louvre begins with its role as a grim medieval stronghold. Built in 1190, this fortress served to guard the edges of Paris. Its primary function was defensive, providing a fortified position on the Right Bank of the Seine to protect the city's perimeter. The transition from a military structure to a site of royal residence occurred through several centuries of change. In 1546, Francis I converted the fortress into the primary residence of the French kings. This shift marked the beginning of the site's evolution from a defensive bastion into the Louvre Palace. The purpose of the buildings shifted from protection to habitation, and eventually to the preservation of art. The museum was founded after the site's purpose transitioned from a royal home to a public institution. This evolution reflects the changing needs of the French state and the shifting landscape of the city.
The Architecture of the Louvre Palace
Originally built in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II, the site began as a grim medieval stronghold. These rugged military walls were constructed to guard the edges of Paris. The architecture reflects a collision of human history and royal opulence, as the fortress was eventually replaced by the grandeur of a palace. The scale of the site is immense, making it the largest museum in the world. Located in Paris, France, the building sits adjacent to the Tuileries Gardens. The transition from a military structure to a royal residence occurred through centuries of change, moving from a defensive bastion to a site of habitation and eventually to the preservation of art.
Major Departments and Collections
The museum is organized into ten distinct departments. The collections database encompasses more than 500,000 works held within the Musée du Louvre and the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix. These holdings include sculptures located in the Tuileries and Carrousel gardens. the Egyptian Antiquities collection remains one of the most extensive in the world. It offers a look into the lives of ancient Egyptians, from the nobility and priests to ordinary people. Nearby, the Department of Near Eastern Antiquities covers a wide geographical expanse, stretching from North Africa to the Indus river. This collection represents a massive accumulation of human history spanning several millennia. The holdings are distributed across various specialized areas. Some objects are held in the museum's permanent galleries, while others are part of the national recovery of works.
5 facts about the home of the originals
- In what year was the Louvre fortress built to guard the edges of Paris?1190
- Which French king converted the fortress into the primary residence of the French kings in 1546?Francis I
- The Louvre is located on the Right Bank of which river?The Seine
- Which artist painted the 'Mona Lisa'?Leonardo da Vinci
- How many distinct departments is the museum organized into?10
To read
Three articles on the originals and their painters
The painter of the first original
Masterpieces of Genius: The Top 25 Leonardo da Vinci Artworks
3 of the 25 originals are by Leonardo da Vinci.
The other great museum in Paris
25 Must-See Impressionist Masterpieces at Musée d'Orsay, Paris
1,598 originals in our catalogue.
The painter with the most originals here
Masterpieces of Emotion: The Top 25 Eugène Delacroix Artworks
3 of the 25 originals are by Leonardo da Vinci.
How the originals are ranked
The originals of the Louvre 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.
Go on