The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City houses one of the world’s richest collections of paintings, spanning centuries and styles. From dramatic American history scenes to delicate Dutch masterpieces and Impressionist wonders, these works aren’t just beautiful, they’re historically and artistically significant. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss these ten standout paintings that define The Met experience.
Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851) – Emanuel Leutze
This monumental painting dramatizes a pivotal moment in the American Revolution, capturing George Washington’s daring winter crossing of the Delaware River. Its size and emotional intensity make it a must-see centerpiece in the American Wing.
Madame X (1883–84) – John Singer Sargent
One of the Met’s most talked-about portraits, Madame X caused a scandal in Paris because of its bold pose and elegant subject. Today, it is admired as a masterful example of portraiture that blends refinement with psychological depth.
The Fortune Teller (c. 1630s) – Georges de La Tour
A classic of Baroque genre painting, this work offers a scene that’s both mysterious and compelling: a young man distracted by a fortune teller while pickpockets work around him. Its use of light and narrative still captivates visitors.
Portrait of Mademoiselle Charlotte du Val d’Ognes (1801)
This luminous portrait, once attributed to Jacques-Louis David, now credited to a female contemporary, remains one of the Met’s most beloved and debated works, prized for its elegance and subtlety.
Fur Traders Descending the Missouri (1845) – George Caleb Bingham
Offering a glimpse of early American frontier life, this painting combines striking light and landscape with figures navigating the river, embodying both artistic skill and historical narrative.
Lady at the Tea Table (1885) – Mary Cassatt
Cassatt’s intimate portrait of a woman at home showcases her talent for portraying domestic life with refinement and emotional depth. As a leading American Impressionist, Cassatt’s work is a highlight of the European collection.
Woman with a Water Jug (c. 1660–62) – Johannes Vermeer
A rare masterpiece by Vermeer in the United States, this painting captures light and texture with astonishing realism. The quiet domestic scene demonstrates Vermeer’s genius in transforming everyday life into poetic art.
Woman with a Lute (c. 1662–63) – Johannes Vermeer
Another Vermeer gem in the Met’s collection, Woman with a Lute evokes a moment of musical anticipation. Its delicate composition and detail make it essential for lovers of Dutch Golden Age painting.
The Spanish Singer (1860) – Édouard Manet
An early masterpiece by Manet, this work reflects the influence of Spanish art on French painting. Its realism and vibrant presence helped secure Manet’s reputation in the 19th century.
Venus and Cupid (1520s–40s) – Lorenzo Lotto
This Renaissance masterwork combines mythic subject matter with symbolic and sometimes humorous details. Lotto’s interpretation of the classical legend is rich with cultural meaning and artistic flair.
