Pieces of Art That Shook Up the World

Last updated May 16, 2022 | By Robert Wilson
Pieces of Art That Shook Up the World image

There are pieces of art that come along every once in a while that completely change the way we see the world. They make us think about things in a new way and challenge our perceptions. These pieces can be controversial, or they can simply be beautiful works of art that leave a lasting impression on us. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most famous pieces of art that have ever been created and discuss what made them so special. We hope that you enjoy reading about them as much as we enjoyed writing about them! 

Giotto di Bondone - Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy

The Scrovegni Chapel, also known as the Arena Chapel, is a small church in Padua, Italy. It was built in the early 14th century by the wealthy Italian banker, Giovanni Scrovegni. The chapel is famous for its frescoes, which were painted by the Italian artist Giotto di Bondone.The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. They are some of the most well-known and iconic paintings from the Medieval period. What makes them so special is their lifelike quality - it seems as if you could reach out and touch the people and animals depicted in the paintings. Giotto's use of light and shadow gives his work a sense of depth and realism that was unprecedented at the time.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio - "Death of the Virgin"

The "Death of the Virgin" is a painting by the Italian artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. It was painted in 1606 and is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The painting depicts the moment after the Virgin Mary has died, with her body being carried away by two angels. Jesus Christ is shown standing at her side, looking upon her with sorrow. The work caused quite a stir when it was first unveiled, due to its depiction of death and its use of light and shadow. Many people found it too graphic and disturbing to be considered art. However, today it is widely recognized as one of Caravaggio's most masterful works.

Pablo Picasso - "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon"

"Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" is a painting by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. It was painted in 1907 and is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, United States. The painting depicts five nude women, four of whom are prostitutes from the brothel in which Picasso lived at the time. The fifth woman is believed to be a representation of Picasso's mistress. The work caused quite a stir when it was first unveiled, due to its depiction of nudity and its use of Cubist style. Many people found it too graphic and disturbing to be considered art. However, today it is widely recognized as one of Picasso's most masterful works.

Marcel Duchamp - "Fountain"

"Fountain" is a sculpture by the French artist Marcel Duchamp. It was created in 1917 and is currently on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, United States. The sculpture is a urinal, which Duchamp signed with the pseudonym "R. Mutt". The work caused quite a stir when it was first unveiled, due to its everyday object as a work of art. Many people found it too graphic and disturbing to be considered art. However, today it is widely recognized as one of Duchamp's most masterful works.

Frida Kahlo - "Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird"

"Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird" is a painting by the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It was painted in 1940 and is currently on display at the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City, Mexico. The painting depicts Kahlo wearing a necklace of thorns, with a hummingbird hovering above her. The work caused quite a stir when it was first unveiled, due to its depiction of violence and its use of bright colors. Many people found it too graphic and disturbing to be considered art. However, today it is widely recognized as one of Kahlo's most masterful works.

What do these pieces of art have in common? They all caused quite a stir when they were first unveiled, due to their graphic and disturbing content. However, today they are all widely recognized as masterpieces. Each of these artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in art, and as a result, changed the course of art history.

More Controversial Works.