The Magnificent 12: Famous Paintings Inspired by Fish (1) "The Goldfish" (1912) by Henri Matisse: This work by the French artist displays his fascination with the exotic and ornamental. The painting features a goldfish bowl placed amidst vibrant, decorative objects. Matisse often used the motif of goldfish to explore the themes of tranquility and introspection. (2) "The Dream" (1910) by Vasily Kandinsky: This painting by the Russian artist displays a surrealistic tableau of humans, animals, and fish. It's representative of his early exploration into abstract art and was heavily inspired by folk art and fairy tales of his homeland. (3) "Fish Magic" (1925) by Paul Klee: This Swiss-German artist's painting is a mix of symbols including fish, human figures, and celestial bodies. This work displays Klee's interest in the subconscious and his inspiration from Surrealism and Expressionism. (4) "The Fisherman's Family" (1875) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir: A French artist, Renoir beautifully portrays a family of fishermen in this work. Fish here serve as symbols of their livelihood, indicating their close relationship with nature. (5) "Two Disciples at the Tomb" (1905) by Henry Ossawa Tanner: This African-American artist uses fish as a religious symbol in this painting. The fish, in Christian symbolism, is a sign of Christ's presence and of faith. (6) "Fish" (1942) by M.C. Escher: Known for his intricate patterns and illusions, Dutch artist Escher presents a tessellation of fish in this artwork. The artwork beautifully illustrates the artist's keen interest in mathematics and geometry. (7) "Fishermen on the Lagoon (Moonlight)" (1879) by Ralph Wormeley Curtis: This American artist's work depicts fishermen at work under the moonlight, providing an ethereal and serene view of their relationship with fish and the sea. (8) "Ophelia among the Flowers" (1905-08) by Odilon Redon: The French symbolist artist presents a dreamlike composition where Ophelia is shown with flowers and fish. The fish symbolize a state of dreaming and the unconscious. (9) "Les Poissons Rouges" (1911) by Henri Matisse: Another of Matisse's famous fish paintings, here the goldfish serve to provide a soothing ambiance, creating an environment of peaceful reflection in their bowl. (10) "I Saw Three Fish Within a Castle" (1929) by Paul Klee: This is a fantastical depiction of a dream or fairy tale by Klee. Here, the fish are placed in an unexpected and mysterious location, thus invoking a sense of magical realism. (11) "Fish and Snake" (1907) by Natalia Goncharova: This Russian avant-garde artist's painting portrays a fish and a snake, common symbols in Christian iconography, to explore themes of good and evil. (12) "The Goldfish Window" (1916) by Childe Hassam: This American impressionist's painting showcases a goldfish in a bowl in front of a window, drawing a connection between the indoor domestic space and the outside world.