The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo depicts biblical scenes from Genesis. The Birth of Venus by Botticelli shows Venus emerging from a nude form. The Grand Odalisque by Ingres depicts an exotic woman in an orgy manner. The Liberty leading the people by Delacroix illustrates the French Revolution
Born in Leiden in 1606, Rembrandt became a successful portrait painter in Amsterdam. Married Saskia van Uylenburgh in 1634, had four children. Moved to Amsterdam in 1631, became a citizen and established a successful workshop
Painted in 1862-1863 as "Le Bain" (The Bath). Depicts nude woman and bather with two dressed men in rural setting. Rejected by Salon jury, exhibited at Salon des Refusés. Now in Musée d'Orsay, smaller version at Courtauld Gallery
Born in 1881 in Málaga, Spain, to a painter father. Received formal art training from age seven under his father. Showed exceptional talent from early childhood, painting in naturalistic style
Pavel Tretyakov created a major Russian art museum, surpassing Western European collections. Museum's collection now exceeds 190,000 works. New building opened in 1980s for 20th-century Russian art
Las Meninas by Velázquez combines three different themes in one painting. Primavera by Botticelli depicts spring growth based on ancient mythology. The Tower of Babel by Bruegel shows Roman engineering in detail. The Storm on the Sea of Galilee by Rembrandt depicts Jesus's survival through storm