The Most Beautiful Picture Ever Taken, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the picture you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:19
In a world brimming with beauty captured through lenses, determining the most striking image stands as a unique challenge. Particularly, when surrounded by countless eye-catching photographs, from breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits, people often debate which picture deserves the title of 'the most beautiful.' Our system of voting enables an engaging method of sifting through these numerous wonders to highlight what truly resonates with the masses.
By casting a vote for your favorite photo, you directly influence the dynamic hierarchy of beauty as seen through collective eyes. This participatory approach not only brings diverse perspectives together but also celebrates the variety of what we, as a global community, find visually compelling. Engage in this continuous flow of aesthetic judgment and see how preferences vary and shift over time, revealing unexpected gems along the way.
What Is the Most Beautiful Picture Ever Taken?
-
166votes
"The Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry
Steve McCurryThis portrait of a young Afghan refugee became an iconic symbol of human resilience and suffering. McCurry's use of color and composition is stunning.The Afghan Girl is a iconic photograph taken by Steve McCurry in 1984. It features a young Afghan girl with piercing green eyes, draped in a red headscarf. The photograph was taken in a refugee camp near Peshawar, Pakistan, during the Soviet-Afghan War. The girl's expression is intense and her eyes captivate the viewer, making it one of the most recognizable and powerful images of all time.- Year: 1984
- Location: Peshawar, Pakistan
- Subject: Afghan girl
- Expression: Intense
- Eye color: Green
"The Afghan Girl" by Steve McCurry in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful photograph in the world
-
249votes
NASA/Bill Anders · Public domain"Earthrise" by William Anders
William AndersThis photograph, taken by an astronaut aboard Apollo 8, captured the first view of the Earth rising over the horizon of the moon. It's a powerful reminder of our planet's beauty and fragility.The photograph titled "Earthrise" by William Anders captures a stunning view of the Earth rising above the lunar horizon during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. It is considered one of the most iconic images in the history of photography, showcasing the beauty and fragility of our planet from a unique perspective in space.- Year: 1968
- Mission: Apollo 8
- Location: Lunar orbit
- Camera: Hasselblad 500EL
- Film: 70mm color transparency
"Earthrise" by William Anders in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful photograph in the world
-
320votes
Dorothea Lange · Public domain"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange
Dorothea LangeThis photograph of a destitute mother during the Great Depression has become an emblem of American poverty and perseverance. Lange's skillful use of light and shadow creates a haunting, unforgettable image.The 'Migrant Mother' is a powerful black and white photograph captured by Dorothea Lange during the Great Depression in the United States. It depicts Florence Owens Thompson, a 32-year-old mother and farmworker, with her children huddled together. The photograph has become an iconic symbol of resilience and the hardships faced by Americans during that era.- Title: Migrant Mother
- Year: 1936
- Location: Nipomo, California, United States
- Medium: Gelatin silver print
- Dimensions: 17.8 cm × 12.7 cm (7 in × 5 in)
"Migrant Mother" by Dorothea Lange in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful photograph in the world
-
413votes
Victor Jorgensen · Public domain"The Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt
Alfred EisenstaedtThis photograph captures the spontaneous joy and passion of a sailor kissing a woman in Times Square on V-J Day. It's a timeless, romantic image that still resonates today.The Kiss is a black and white photograph captured by Alfred Eisenstaedt in 1945. The image depicts a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, New York City, during the celebration of V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) at the end of World War II. The photograph has become an iconic symbol of the joy and relief that came with the end of the war. The image is spontaneous and candid, capturing a genuine moment of emotion and passion.- Title: The Kiss
- Creator: Alfred Eisenstaedt
- Year: 1945
- Location: Times Square, New York City
- Subject: Kissing sailor and nurse
"The Kiss" by Alfred Eisenstaedt in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful photograph in the world
-
59votes
John Everett Millais · Public domain"Ophelia" by John Everett Millais
John Everett MillaisThis pre-Raphaelite painting depicts the tragic death of Shakespeare's Ophelia. The lush, detailed background and ethereal beauty of the subject make it a masterpiece of Victorian art.Ophelia is a renowned painting created by John Everett Millais in 1851-1852. It depicts the tragic character Ophelia from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, lying in a stream surrounded by nature. The painting is widely considered one of Millais' masterpieces.- Year: 1851-1852
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 76.2 cm × 111.8 cm (30 in × 44 in)
- Genre: Pre-Raphaelite
- Style: Realism
-
63votes
Vincent van Gogh · Public domain"Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van GoghThis iconic painting captures the swirling energy and intense beauty of the night sky. Van Gogh's use of color and texture creates a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere.Starry Night is a renowned painting by Vincent van Gogh, created in 1889. It is a masterpiece of post-impressionist art. The painting depicts a nocturnal scene with a small village at the base of a hill, a cypress tree dominating the foreground, and a dramatic night sky filled with swirling stars and celestial bodies. The stars in the painting are depicted as vibrant orbs of light, radiating energy and movement. The brushstrokes are bold and expressive, capturing the imagination and emotions of the artist.- Year: 1889
- Art Movement: Post-Impressionism
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 73.7 cm × 92.1 cm (29 in × 36.25 in)
- Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA
-
78votes
"The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali
Salvador DaliThis surrealistic painting of melting clocks and distorted objects is a masterpiece of imagination and creativity. Dali's use of symbolism and metaphor invites endless interpretation.The Persistence of Memory is a surrealist oil painting created by Salvador Dali in 1931. It is one of Dali's most iconic works and is renowned for its dreamlike, imaginative composition. The painting depicts a barren landscape with distorted, melting pocket watches scattered across it. The watches appear to be limply draped over the branches of a tree and a strange creature-like figure is shown in the foreground. The background features a distant shoreline with calm, blue water and a dark, rocky cliff. The painting evokes a sense of timelessness and a distorted perception of reality, inviting viewers to question the nature of existence and the passing of time.- Year: 1931
- Movement: Surrealism
- Medium: Oil paint on canvas
- Dimensions: 24 cm × 33 cm (9.5 in × 13 in)
- Location: Museum of Modern Art, New York
-
84votes
Jacques-Louis David · Public domain"Napoleon Crossing the Alps" by Jacques-Louis David
Jacques-Louis DavidThis heroic portrait of the French emperor captures his power and determination. David's use of dramatic lighting and composition make it an unforgettable image.Napoleon Crossing the Alps is an oil on canvas painting created by Jacques-Louis David. The artwork shows Napoleon Bonaparte on horseback leading his army through the treacherous and majestic mountainous terrain of the Alps. The dramatic composition highlights Napoleon's commanding presence and determination. The painting skillfully combines historical accuracy with romanticized elements, emphasizing the triumph and heroism of the moment. The use of vibrant colors and dramatic lighting adds to the emotive power of the image.- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 2.6 m × 2.2 m (8.5 ft × 7.2 ft)
- Year: 1801
- Style: Neoclassical
- Subject: Napoleon Bonaparte crossing the Alps
-
911votes
Sandro Botticelli · Public domain"The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli
Sandro BotticelliThis Renaissance painting depicts the goddess Venus emerging from a seashell. The graceful, idealized figure and lush landscape make it a masterpiece of classical art.The Birth of Venus is a famous painting by the Italian artist Sandro Botticelli. It depicts the mythological goddess Venus, emerging from the sea as a fully grown woman. The painting is renowned for its exquisite beauty and intricate details, capturing the grace and elegance commonly associated with Botticelli's style. The composition shows Venus standing on a seashell, being blown to the shore by the wind gods Zephyrus and Aura. A nymph named Chloris awaits her on land, ready to dress her in a flowing robe. The Birth of Venus is considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance period.- Year: 1484–1486
- Medium: Tempera on canvas
- Dimensions: 172.5 cm × 278.9 cm (67.9 in × 109.6 in)
- Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
- Art movement: Italian Renaissance
-
105votes
Katsushika Hokusai · Public domain"The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai
Katsushika HokusaiThis iconic Japanese print captures the power and beauty of the ocean. The stylized waves and dynamic composition make it a masterpiece of ukiyo-e art.The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a woodblock print created by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai during the Edo period. It is one of the most well-known and iconic works of Japanese art around the world. The print depicts a massive, towering wave about to engulf three fishing boats and Mount Fuji in the background. The composition, perspective, and use of color make it a striking representation of the power and beauty of nature.- Year created: 1830-1833
- Medium: Woodblock print
- Dimensions: 25.7 cm × 37.8 cm (10.1 in × 14.9 in)
- Location: Currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
- Style: Ukiyo-e
Missing your favorite picture?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful picture
-
CompositionThe arrangement of elements in the frame should be visually appealing and well-balanced, following photographic guidelines such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing.
-
LightingThe lighting should enhance the subject and scene, creating dimension, depth, and form to the picture. This can include factors like the time of day (e.g., golden hour), the direction and quality of light, shadows, and highlights.
-
ColorsThe colors in the picture should be vibrant, complementary, and aesthetically pleasing. They can enhance the mood and atmosphere of the scene, adding depth and emotion to the image.
-
SubjectThe subject of the photograph should be captivating and thought-provoking. It can evoke emotions and tell a story, making the viewer connect and engage with the image.
-
EmotionA beautiful picture can evoke a strong emotional response from the viewer. This can be through the facial expressions or body language of subjects, the mood created by the atmosphere and lighting, or through any symbolic elements that connect to the viewer's emotions.
-
Technical qualityThe image should demonstrate technical excellence, with appropriate focus, sharpness, and exposure. Noise, lens distortions, and other technical issues should be minimal or unnoticeable.
-
CreativityA beautiful image can stand out for its originality and unique perspective. The photographer's creative vision should be apparent, revealing something new or inspiring about the subject matter.
-
ImpactA truly beautiful image should leave a lasting impression on the viewer, making them remember and appreciate the photograph. This may be due to a dramatic scene, a powerful message, stunning visuals, or a combination of these elements.
-
ContextThe context of the photograph should also be considered, as it may convey cultural, historical, or personal significance that adds depth and meaning to the image.
-
TimelessnessA beautiful photograph should have a timeless quality, with the ability to remain captivating and relevant to viewers across generations and cultures.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful picture ever taken. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or picture is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2181 views
- 186 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each picture once every 24 hours. The rank of each picture is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Trendings topics
Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!
More information on most beautiful picture ever taken
The art of photography has been a medium for capturing the beauty of the world around us. From the mesmerizing landscapes to the stunning portraits, photography has the power to evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression on its viewers. Over the years, many photographers have captured some of the most beautiful moments in history, immortalizing them through their lenses.
The question of what is the most beautiful picture ever taken is subjective and open to interpretation. It could be a breathtaking landscape, a powerful portrait, or a moment frozen in time. With so many stunning images to choose from, it's no wonder that this question has sparked endless debates and discussions among photography enthusiasts.
At StrawPoll, we host thousands of polls and rankings on various topics, including photography. Our community of users has shared their opinions on the most beautiful pictures ever taken, and the results are always fascinating. Join us as we explore the world of photography and discover some of the most stunning images ever captured.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
