1.) Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci is likely the most talented person to ever live. He perfected the concept of a Renaissance Man as he had the extraordinary capacity to embody the Renaissance Humanist ideal. Among his most iconic works are “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa.” No artist since has been able to grasp the human form as extensively as da Vinci. His genius has had an infinite imprint on human society.
2.) William Shakespeare
Shakespeare revolutionized the world’s conception of poetry and playwriting. Shakespeare’s brilliance demonstrated an unprecedented ability to understand the psychology and struggles of mankind. Moreover, his poetry qualifies him as the ultimate master of language and poetic rhythm. His story lines are still being recycled in the modern media and his eloquent dialogue is still constantly read and memorized by millions.
3.) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart remains the most remarkable composer of music to ever live. He reinvented sound through his innovation, composing sounds that make a person feel indescribable emotions. Composing over 600 works, Mozart formed a foundation for Western musical art.
4.) Walt Disney
The Disney corporation has produced an incredible amount of entertainment. Beginning with Walt Disney’s conception of “Mickey Mouse,” animation has been held to this extremely high standard ever since. Over the years, Disney has produced compelling movies, which have kept children entertained. Disney allows for children to open their minds to worlds of imagination. Walt Disney was also a screenwriter, cartoonist, director and voice actor.
5.) Marlon Brando
Observing actors throughout recorded history, it seems that Marlon Brando held the most observable talent as a performer. Brando acted on screen and on stage. His performance abilities have since been studied by aspiring actors. Brando tactfully executed a variety of roles. Actors attempt to achieve the profound realism that Brando was able to exhibit on screen. His most noteworthy roles include: “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951), “The Godfather” (1972), “Apocalypse Now” (1979), among other Oscar-winning roles.
6.) Coco Chanel
Coco was founder of the iconic fashion brand Chanel. Chanel transformed the fashion world. She empowered women by eliminated the “corseted silhouette” norm. Coco made fashion into an art, a choice and personal statement for women. During the post-WWI era, her influence was necessary, making it acceptable for women to sport casual apparel. She even popularized the iconic little black dress, a sexy yet simple option that women still choose to wear today.
7.) Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an ingenious singer and songwriter. He served as perhaps the most prominent figure of the U.S. civil rights and anti-war movement. His hit song, “Like a Rolling Stone” completely reinvented the standards of pop music in 1965. His songs have served as modern, American anthems, crossing many genres while never strictly adhering to them.
8.) Pablo Picasso
Picasso was a dynamic artist, excelling in the arts of sculpture, paint making, stage designing, poetry and ceramics. The Spanish artist co-invented collage making while establishing constructed sculpture as an art form. Although he initially had a realistic style in his art, his work evolved with experimental techniques. His distorted portrayal of reality would forever be an emblem of surrealism.
9.) John Lennon
John Lennon’s talents in singing and songwriting were extraordinary. In addition, he was a member of the Beatles, the most successful pop band that ever existed. His drastic action for political and peace activism through his music was enlightening. His music was embraced by the counterculture during the Vietnam war. He motivated people to rally for peace, and his work still inspires them to live peaceful lives.
10.) Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol created the movement of pop art. He combined media to portray the various pop culture of his time, the ’60s into the mid ’80s. He founded Interview Magazine, being a skilled writer himself. The Andy Warhol Museum is the biggest museum to hold a single artist’s work in the United States. Warhol will be remembered throughout history for his ability to convert American pop culture into art and proficiently converge mediums in so doing.
