Take Inspiration from Famous Murals
Without a doubt, murals have been around as long as people. From the cave paintings at Lascaux Grottoes in southern France to the street art murals of today, people have been leaving signs of their own existence around the world. Although murals mainly cover interiors and exteriors of public buildings such as churches and museums, they have spilled onto streets and architecture within cities. Due to their cultural and historic significance, some murals have become undeniably famous and recognizable.
Take inspiration from famous murals – whether in subject matter, color palette, or an exact replica – to enliven a blank wall. Here are a few examples to get started.
The Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo Buonarroti
From 1508 to 1512, Michelangelo masterfully painted the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. It is regarded as one of the major artistic accomplishments of human civilization. The ceiling contains 33 fully painted panels, The Creation of Adam being the most famous.
The Last Supper – Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper adorns the wall of a convent dining hall in Milan, Italy. Despite restoration efforts, the mural is in poor condition due to humidity, dust, and location. It has inspired imitations by other artists such as Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, and countlessly reproduced and printed on home goods.
Detroit Industry – Diego Rivera
via Detroit Institute of Arts
In 1932, the Detroit Institute of Arts commissioned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera to create a mural for the museum. The work pays tribute to Detroit’s labor force and manufacturing industry, placing emphasis on the auto industry. It is considered to be a National Historic Landmark.
The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Eduardo Kobra
via Move Minneapolis
With a team of five painters, Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra created this mural depicting singer Bob Dylan during three phases of his career. The images are overpainted with kaleidoscope-like colors and patterns, commanding attention and making it visible from afar.
Find even more images on our website, or gather inspiration from our Pinterest page!
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