1. Mona Lisa – Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci worked on his masterpiece over a period of 20 years. He carried it with him everywhere. The enigmatic smile has captured the imagination of the world. It has been stolen twice and now resides in the Louvre, Paris. When the Mona Lisa visited America in the 1960s, it gained a prominence close to that of the then US president JFK.

2. The Scream – Edvard Munch

A painting that symbolises the anguish and pain of modern life. It has become one of the most famous pictures of modern times.

3. Creation of Adam – Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo

Michelangelo took four years to pain the Sistine chapel. He chose scenes from the Old Testament. This is the moment of God creating Adam.

4. Sunflowers – Vincent Van Gogh

The genius of Vincent Van Gogh is captured in this painting of 12 sunflowers. Has become one of the most recognisable of his works.

5. Ceci N’est pas une Pipe – Rene Margritte

A classic example of modern surrealist art.

6. Poppies in a Field – Claude Monet

Claude Monet is one of the great impressionist painters. This wonderful pastoral scene captures the essence of how the impressionists captured the beauty and simplicity of nature.

7. The Last Supper – Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci paints one of the most famous scenes in the bible – The last Supper. It is after Christ has said one of the disciples will betray him.

8. The Girl With a Pearl Earing – Jan Vermeer

Jan Vermeer painted this iconic portraits (somewhat reminiscent of the Mona Lisa) and a wonderful example of the Baroque style and the use of light.

9. Le Moulin de la Gallette – Jean Renoir

A leading impressionist, Auguste Renoir captures the buzz and excitement of this outdoor scene in Paris.

10. Peace – Picasso

The simplicity of this symbol of peace by Pablo Picasso, remains one of the most powerful pieces of art.

Other contenders for the most famous painting include:

• Crocefissione (Raffaello Sanzio)
• Pop art – Andy Warhol
• The Peristence of Memory – Salvador Dali
• The Golden Christ – Paul Gauguin