While looking at the oil paintings is, of course, the most straightforward and effective way to connect with these art pieces, it is certainly not the only one. No matter how long or how closely you examine the piece, there are often tons of meanings and connotations that escape your gaze. Books on visual culture can be helpful in filling the gaps, especially if they are written by art experts and scholars. If you prefer cinema, there are also many movies dedicated to exploring the lives and work of famous artists. These can help you better understand the meaning behind some famous oil paintings.

Best Movies Dedicated to Famous Oil Paintings

Frida (2002)

Works by the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo mesmerize with their colorful palette and complex meanings. This American biopic dives into the hardships of Frida’s personal life, which affected her art, and explores the sources of her inspiration. The star-studded movie is a great starting point to understand why Frida ultimately became even more famous than her husband, Diego Rivera. It also effectively paints the social and cultural context in which Frida’s masterpieces were created.

Girl with a Pearl Earring (2003)

Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is certainly not the only famous oil painting depicting a woman with an enigmatic expression. Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring is a mysterious painting that deserves no less attention. Believed to depict an imaginary character – a young woman wearing an impressively large pearl earring and exotic dress – this painting is considered one of the most famous oil paintings by Vermeer.

Even though the painting is a ‘tronie,’ meaning it does not depict a real person, the 2003 movie reflects on the story that could be behind the creation of this artwork. While entirely fictional in regard to the characters and their relationships, the movie is a great opportunity to immerse into the daily life of the 17th-century house where Vermeer’s works were created.

Pollock (2000)

The art pieces by Jackson Pollock, an abstract expressionist painter, can be difficult to interpret and understand. The movie starring Ed Harris gives a glimpse of the artist’s struggle with alcohol addiction, his personal life, and, more importantly, his creative process. Based on the biography book published in 1989, it is filled with accurate details and facts. A must-watch for everyone admiring Pollock’s unique style, this movie is also great entertainment for art novices and everyone appreciating high-quality, thoughtful films.