7 Classic Art Ideas for Your Home
Whether you’re an art connoisseur or a casual admirer, classic art can be a great way to add history, sophistication, and intriguing energy to your space. From “The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh to “Nighthawks, 1942” by Edward Hopper and more, these classic masterpieces are sure to strike up a conversation.
Keep scrolling to learn more about these 7 classic art prints, each with their own unique story, iconic background, and timeless appeal.
1. “The Great Wave at Kanagawa, 1829” by Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai’s most famous painting, “The Great Wave”, is a legendary classic art piece for a reason. Depicting a stormy sea off the coast of the Kanagawa Prefecture with Mount Fuji featured in the background, Hokusai originally painted this on a Japanese woodblock print using Prussian blue ink. Popular during Japan’s Edo period, this piece went on to inspire other famous impressionists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. If you’re looking to add a splash of fascinating history to your space, this classic art print is a magnificent choice.
Click here to see all of Katsushika Hokusai’s art on iCanvas.
2. “Woman in a Hat (1905)” by Henri Matisse
While Henri Matisse is known for many famous art pieces, we’re honing in on “Woman in a Hat (1905)” because of its surprisingly controversial feedback upon creation. This classic art piece marked a significant stylistic change in Matisse’s career – instead of using regulated brushstrokes and natural colors, he took a more expressive approach with loose strokes and brighter hues. Initially shocking viewers and receiving criticism with this “unfinished” look, this creation ultimately led to the Fauvism art movement. With its interesting history and expressive appeal, this classic art print can make an intriguing addition to your home.
Click here to see all of Henri Matisse’s art on iCanvas.
3. “Blue Nude” by Pablo Picasso
Perhaps one of the most well-known artists of all time, Pablo Picasso has an arsenal of classic art pieces with iconic appeal. Painted during his blue period, a depressing time of poverty and instability, “Blue Nude” was one of his earlier masterpieces. This creation of a woman’s back facing towards the viewer was painted after one of Picasso’s close friends passed away. Representing feelings of disengagement and isolation, Picasso was a force in putting his emotions into his artwork. If you’re looking for a classic art print that reveals a sense of reflection and contemplation, “Blue Nude” is a captivating conversation piece.
Click here to see all of Pablo Picasso’s art on iCanvas.
4. “The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh
Because “The Starry Night” is probably Vincent van Gogh’s most famous masterpiece and one of the most recognized art pieces in the world, we had to include it on this list of classic art ideas. With an unfortunately sad backstory, van Gogh painted most of his artwork while staying in the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. While suffering from hallucinations and depression, he dove into darker color schemes, with “The Starry Night” being a prime example. With a lot of the darkness in the foreground, the yellow and white colors among the swirly blue sky grab the most attention in this painting. A classic art piece with iconic imagery, this print is a must for any art lover.
Click here to see all of Vincent van Gogh’s art on iCanvas.
5. “Water Lilies, 1916” by Claude Monet
Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies, 1916” was not only part of an entire series of paintings of water lilies, but it’s also part of the most iconic examples of Impressionism. Just like all of his water lily creations, this classic art painting focuses on the surface of the water with reflections of the sky and land. Additionally, after the death of his wife in 1914, he enlarged the scale of his water lily paintings and added brighter spots of color – as seen in the print featured here. With such vibrant hues, refreshing serenity, and reflections of nature, this masterpiece is a beautiful choice to hang anywhere in your home.
Click here to see all of Claude Monet’s art on iCanvas.
6. “Nighthawks, 1942” by Edward Hopper
One of the most recognizable paintings in American art, “Nighthawks, 1942” is also Edward Hopper’s most famous pieces. Portraying people sitting inside of a late night diner in New York, he didn’t purposely incorporate themes of isolation but claims to have unconsciously painted the “loneliness of a large city”. This can be seen through his subjects, who appear to be sitting at the bar individually rather than engaging with one another. Aside from this unintentional theme, he also ambitiously captured the “night-time effects of manmade light” in this scene. Whether you hang this classic art print in your bar area at home or in another room, it’s sure to catch eyes.
Click here to see all of Edward Hopper’s art on iCanvas.
7. “Composition VII” by Wassily Kandinsky
Painted in only four days after sketching drafts were made, “Composition VII” by Wassily Kandinsky is considered to be one of his most popular pieces before World War I began. Part of an entire series of composition paintings, this one in particular was painted in 1913. According to art historians who examined this classic art piece, it combines several themes including “Resurrection, the Judgment Day, the Flood and the Garden of Eden”. A mix of abstract appeal, chaotic confusion, and geometric harmony, this colorful print is the perfect eye-catching centerpiece for any space in your home.
Click here to see all of Wassily Kandinsky’s art on iCanvas.
Are you looking for even more timeless masterpieces? Click here to see all Classic Fine Art available on iCanvas with prints from some of the world’s most famous artists.