1. The Late Supper
It was created in the late 15th century between the years, "1495-1498", by famous Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. He created this masterpiece using the Tempera medium. The Last supper is a visual interpretation of Jesus' final meal with his apostles before his death and resurrections. Leonard was a skillful painter but he hadn't worked on such a large painting and had no experience in the world of mural design and painting. Hence there were problems; the paint flaked from the wall, the materials he used dint stand the test of time.
Nevertheless, the work still stood out as a masterpiece. Leonardo's love for symmetry was shown in this mural painting. "The last supper's layout is largely horizontal and largely symmetrical with the same number of figures on either side of Jesus, (the main subject). although the painting has been a victim of neglect and abuse. It has been repeatedly restored and it's still valuable and beautiful as ever in it's depth, structure and meaning.
2. Guernica
Painted in June 1937 during the period of cubism and surrealism, this large oil painting by Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso reflects the tragedies of war and the suffering it inflicts upon the individuals. It could be said to be Picasso's reaction to the bombing of Guernica during Spanish civil war. Picasso used this mural painting to keep the memory of the fallen in Basque town, alive. Guernica is painted in blue, black and white with symbolic animals as it's subject. The 11ft tall and 7.8 metre wide oil painting, was regarded as an icon of modern art.
3. Jacob Wrestling With The Angel
Painted by Eugene Delacroix from the year 1854 - 1861, using a fresco medium. This Christian art depicts the biblical scene of Jacob's wrestle with God's angel. The confrontation of God and man is visually reflected in vibrant colours and rich green landscapes. When he started in 1854, he worked very quickly but still the masterpiece could not be completed due to other competing projects and bouts of poor health. The painting decorates the walls of the Chapel of Holy Angels in the Paris church of saint- sulpice.
4. Beethoven Frieze
Painted by Gustav Klimt in 1902. It was intended for the 14th Vienna succession exhibition but after this exhibition, the painting was preserved. The Beethoven frieze is full of symbolism, it reflects our human desire for happiness and peace in this world of suffering and conflict, where one contends with both internal and external forces. It shows that humans can find satisfaction in love and companionship. Klimt painted with bright colours; blue, reds and applied sheets of gold, silver, graphite for decorative effects. The painting was made to celebrate a famous music composer, Beethoven. It is now permanently displayed n the succession building in Vienna, Austria.
5.Saturn Devouring His Son
This oil painting by Spanish artist, Francisco Goya, depicts the Greek Myth of the Titan Cronus who ate all his children out of fear that they would overthrow his reign. Saturn devouring his son is horrific in it's form and meaning. Goya painted this directly to the walls of his house between 1819 to 1823. After his death it was transferred to canvas and it's kept in Museo del Prado, Madrid.
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