Large format works
Large format artworks have existed for centuries and were traditionally completed in the form of statues or frescoes. The 1x1 metre format originally applied to painting, however works in the 17th century systematically exceeded these dimensions. This can be seen in the Rubens' and Velasquez's canvases, where they paint life-size figures. It's evident that in recent years large format artworks have taken on a whole new meaning, where works are becoming monumental and even colossal in size. Installations and sculptures are now measuring tens of metres high, practically becoming architectural structures, which can be seen in works like Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate.
Fortunately not all large format artworks are the size of an elephant, but they do allow a huge decorative and artistic advantage. Not only is it an easy way to finish off a room or furnish a space, but it's also an excellent solution for completely restyling your home. If it's truly love at first sight, the piece will totally transform your space into a reflection of your personality. When it comes to photography, the impact of a large format print is multiplied, and gives your room an exhibition-like quality.
XXL artworks allow the artist more imaginative freedom since the surface of the canvas is larger. However, the creation of a large format artwork requires a precise technique and a mastering of the medium used. More and more contemporary artists are working with large formats, and the sensitivity in creating such a work is not the same when working with a 30x30cm canvas. Additionally, an increasing number of exhibitions are specialising in large format artworks. Monumenta at the Grand Palais is an event that occurs every two years, where an artist is invited to create a work specially for the enormous space offered by the Nave.
Photography, painting or sculpture, drawing; these artists and their enormous formats will forever influence the history of contemporary art. This preference for large scale artwork can be seen in a long list of artists including, the canadian photographer Jeff Wall, Anglo-Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor and Sino-French painter Yan Pei Ming. These three artists have certainly left a huge mark on the contemporary art market.
If you're looking for a statement artwork you're in the right place! Here's our selection of large scale paintings. You'll only need one painting to fill that blank wall that has been empty for far too long. With our selection, you won't struggle with finding the perfect artwork - we have abstract paintings, figurative paintings, modern paintings, triptychs and a wide variety of styles!
Large scale paintings have been around for centuries. In general, artists prefer using oil painting for this format because its drying time enables them to go back and rework parts of the painting as it nears completion. They also prefer painting on canvas because it's easier to transport than other supports such as wooden panels.
During the Renaissance, a number of artists painted impressive scenes, often drawn from religion or mythology, on canvases that were several meters wide. The Wedding at Cana, a work by Veronese which you can see in the Louvre, is more than 6m x 9m! In 18th century Europe, large paintings were generally reserved for history paintings. The size of the painting helped the artist (and often the patron who had commission it) make an impact and truly impress the viewer, a bigger canvas meant the subject matter was represented with dignity and gradeure. A perfect example is The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David, a huge canvas full of splendid of colours and details that the viewer almost feels overwhelmed by its splendor.
Towards the end of the 19th century artists turned to other genres. Edouard Manet used large scale canvases to paint his realistic scenes of the lower classes and Claude Monet painted expansive landscapes, for example this beautiful water lilies series which now hangs in the Museum of l'Orangerie. Later, other artists like Pablo Picasso, tackled the subject of politics in enormous modern paintings such as Guernica.
Abstract painting didn't put an end to large scale paintings, on the contrary abstract artists loved them! They had a larger surface to experiment with and the big canvases meant that the viewer could fully immerse themselves in the painter's work. The painters of the abstract expressionist movement such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock and Barnett Newman preferred using large canvases to create their abstract paintings.
Even today artists continue to choose to large scale canvas to create contemporary paintings. Gerhard Richter uses them for both his abstract paintings and figurative paintings, and Jenny Saville paints larger-than-life human bodies.
Discover our selection of large scale paintings that will give make any room seem like a statement.
