Allure of Greatness

February 2, 2025


When we look at the works of artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Picasso, we don’t just admire their technical prowess. Sure, the craftsmanship, the innovation, the creativity are all impressive—but there’s something deeper that draws us to their work. It's not just the final result, but their struggle, their dedication, and the way their creations resonate with the human experience that makes their legacy so compelling.

The Struggle

One of the things we often overlook in the stories of great artists is the sheer amount of struggle they endured to make their work known. Many great artists were not instantly celebrated. In fact, they often faced rejection, poverty, and isolation. Van Gogh, for example, only sold one painting during his lifetime, and the incredible depth of his emotional pain is embedded in his art. But we admire him, not because of the commercial success he missed out on, but because his art communicated his internal world in such a raw, authentic way that it transcended his struggles.

This journey is relatable to so many of us. We all have dreams, aspirations, and things we want to share with the world, but the road to recognition is rarely smooth. The struggles these artists faced resonate with us because, in a way, we all face obstacles—whether it’s self-doubt, external criticism, or just the overwhelming feeling of not being seen. The greats show us that the process—the fight to push through the noise—is just as important as the final outcome.

Authenticity

Great art is timeless because it’s born from a place of authenticity. Artists like Frida Kahlo didn’t just create art; they created a narrative—a raw, unfiltered glimpse into their lives, thoughts, and feelings. Frida’s surreal self-portraits are a window into her pain, identity, and strength, and this authenticity is what connects us to her.

When we see art that feels deeply personal, there’s a sense that the artist was willing to expose their soul. And in that vulnerability, we often find parts of ourselves. Whether it's the beauty of a Picasso abstraction or the emotional power of a Pink Floyd album, the universality of their art and the story behind it is something we can relate to on a human level. These artists are not just creating for the sake of beauty; they’re offering a glimpse of their truth, and in doing so, they invite us to reflect on our own.

Universality of Their Message

At some point, the work of the greats transcends their own experiences and speaks to something much bigger—something universal. Their stories, struggles, and art touch on the human condition, themes we all grapple with: love, loss, identity, struggle, resilience. This is why so many of the greatest artists of all time have such broad appeal. Whether it’s Shakespeare’s timeless exploration of the human psyche or Radiohead’s anthems about identity and self-worth, their work resonates with people across cultures, generations, and backgrounds.

The fact that these artists can communicate something that feels so deeply personal while also speaking to the collective experience is what makes them iconic. It’s the ability to take something singular and make it universal—that’s the magic. And when we see our own experiences reflected in their work, it sparks inspiration. Their journey reminds us that we, too, have something valuable to offer the world.

The Inspiration to Keep Going

Perhaps the most powerful reason we admire the art of the greats is the inspiration it provides. The path these artists took wasn’t easy, but they persevered. They faced criticism, rejection, and, in some cases, profound personal struggles—but they kept creating.

Their persistence in the face of adversity is something that inspires us to keep going in our own lives, no matter what obstacles we encounter. When we look at their work, we’re reminded that the act of creation itself—whether it’s in art, business, writing, or any other field—is a deeply personal, often difficult journey. But it’s also a rewarding one. The struggles, the failures, and the victories all play a part in creating something meaningful that can impact the world.

More Than Paint

The artworks of the greats are admired not just because of their beauty, but because of the journey behind them. We see the struggles, the authenticity, and the universal truths that connect us all. We relate to their pain, their victories, and the human experiences they communicate through their work. And, perhaps most importantly, we see their perseverance, which inspires us to keep going on our own paths.

Great art is not just about what is made—it’s about what is shared, what is revealed, and the connection it fosters between the artist and the audience. That’s why the greats endure.