The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh crowned the greatest artwork of all time

The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh has been voted the greatest artwork of all time, according to a new survey undertaken by Brits. The painting is one of the most recognized pieces of art in the world and was created in 1889 during his stay at the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Banksy's Girl With Balloon came in second place with 42% of the vote. The series of artworks depict a young girl reaching for a heart-shaped balloon and first appeared around London in 2002. In 2018, the painting was sold for more than £1m at auction, with the canvas shredding itself moments after it was sold.

The French sculptor Auguste Rodin is in third place with his most famous work, The Thinker. The bronze sculpture was created in 1904 and depicts a nude male figure sitting on a rock.

Take a look at some of the most popular pieces of artwork:

Classic paintings and sculptures including The Scream by Edvard Munch and The Night Watch by Rembrandt also feature in the top 20 list, alongside more contemporary works such as The Splash by David Hockney and Louise Bourgeois' Maman.

The survey was conducted by Jacksons of Yorkshire, who have teamed up with the charity Create to launch the Feeding Creativity campaign, which aims to help people facing challenges by providing the chance to get involved in creative art projects.

Nicky Goulder, CEO of Create, said: "It is clear from the research that Brits not only love great art but also understand the value of creativity. People need to create. Creativity impacts wellbeing, emotional and mental health.

"It allows us to express ourselves, and to be heard. It raises aspirations and - according to industry leaders including the World Economic Forum - is a core skill for business.

"There is significant evidence for the role that arts and cultural engagement play in improving health through life. It is shocking to think that many don't have the opportunity to explore their creativity and create their own masterpieces whether it be through writing, painting, drawing or the performing arts.

"Too many are denied the vital benefits provided by the creative arts, and it is often the most disadvantaged children and adults in society who are the most excluded. We need to ensure that everyone has access to the life-enriching power of creativity."

The 20 greatest artworks according to the survey:

1. The Starry Night by Van Gogh - 44%

2. Girl with Balloon by Banksy - 42%

3. The Thinker by Auguste Rodin - 36%

4. The Scream by Edvard Munch - 35%

5. Water Lilies by Claude Monet - 33%

6. Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch - 32%

7. The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusa - 27%

8. Going to the Match by L.S. Lowry

9. Whistler's Mother by James McNeill Whistler - 24%

10. Angel of the North by Anthony Gormley - 24%

11. The Night Watch by Rembrandt - 22%

12. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí - 22%

13. Fearless Girl by Kristen Visbal - 18%

14. Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird by Frida Kahlo - 17%

15. Guernica by Picasso - 15%

16. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt - 15%

17. Jimson Weed by Georgia O’Keefe - 12%

18. Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor - 12%

19. The Splash by David Hockney - 12%

20. Maman by Louise Bourgeois 9%

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• artwork
• van gogh
• banksy