Art has never recognized borders. Throughout history, painters, sculptors, writers, and musicians have engaged in dialogue with one another, finding new forms of expression and inspiration in other disciplines. A work of art can become a novel, an image can give rise to a film, and, at times, a painting can be transformed into a song.
The influence of great artists extends beyond museums and continues to be felt in genres as diverse as folk, rock, pop, and alternative music. Some artists are mentioned directly in song lyrics; others become symbols, characters, or references that continue to fuel the collective imagination.
From the Renaissance to contemporary art, figures such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Basquiat have found new life in the world of music. Their works are not only part of art history, but they also live on in melodies and songs that have accompanied several generations.
Perhaps that is one of art’s greatest virtues: its ability to constantly reinvent itself and forge new dialogues. A painting can become a melody, an artist a source of inspiration, and a visual emotion a sonic experience.
This summer, we’re suggesting a different kind of playlist: eight songs to take with you on your travels and discover that the next time you visit a museum, perhaps some of the artworks will have their own soundtrack, too.
Eight songs inspired by artists that show how painting can also be heard
1. “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” – Don McLean (1971)
Inspired by Vincent van Gogh
Probably the most beautiful song ever written about an artist. Don McLean composed this tribute after contemplating *The Starry Night*, transforming Vincent van Gogh’s sensitivity, loneliness, and genius into one of the most moving ballads in popular music.
More than fifty years later, it remains the perfect soundtrack for viewing any of his paintings.
2. “Andy Warhol” – David Bowie (1971)
Inspired by Andy Warhol
Even before he met the father of Pop Art, David Bowie had already dedicated a song to him on *Hunky Dory*. More than a biography, it is a musical portrait of the artist who forever transformed the relationship between art, advertising, and popular culture.
Two icons who shared the same obsession with reinventing themselves.
3. “Magritte” – John Cale (2003)
Inspired by René Magritte
Featured on the album *HoboSapiens*, this song by John Cale evokes the world of the master of surrealism, René Magritte, an artist who transformed the way we understand images and reality.
Cale, a key figure in experimental music since his time with The Velvet Underground, connects with some of the Belgian painter’s greatest obsessions: the mystery of everyday life, the tension between appearance and reality, and art’s ability to challenge what we take for granted.
4. “Pablo Picasso” – The Modern Lovers (1976)
Inspired by Pablo Picasso
Ironic, funny, and absolutely irresistible. Jonathan Richman wrote this song imagining Picasso as a 20th-century legend, capable of winning over anyone with his charisma.
Decades later, it remains a cult classic, even covered by David Bowie.
5. “Mona Lisa” – Nat King Cole (1950)
Inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci
The most famous smile in art history inspired one of the great classics of 20th-century music. With Nat King Cole’s unmistakable voice, Leonardo da Vinci’s painting becomes an elegant reflection on mystery and beauty.
Winner of the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1951, it remains one of the great compositions in the American repertoire.
6. “Big Eyes” – Lana Del Rey (2014)
Inspired by Margaret Keane
Lana Del Rey wrote “Big Eyes” for Tim Burton’s film *Big Eyes* (2014), which tells the story of Margaret Keane, the American artist known for her distinctive portraits of children with big eyes. The song accompanies the story of an artist whose work was unfairly attributed to her husband, Walter Keane, for years.
The piece reflects some of the central themes of Keane’s career: artistic identity, the struggle for recognition, and the need to reclaim one’s own creative voice.
7. “When I Dream of Michelangelo” – Counting Crows (2008)
Inspired by Michelangelo
The song is part of the first half of the album *Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings* (2008), which has a more intimate and reflective tone.
The title “When I Dream of Michelangelo” uses the figure of Michelangelo Buonarroti as a symbol of the search for beauty, inspiration, and transcendence. “Dreaming of Michelangelo” represents the desire to attain something sublime, situated between the artistic ideal and the human experience.
8. “Music of the Spheres” – Coldplay (2021)
Inspired by Frida Kahlo
Although it appears subtly in *Music of the Spheres*, Chris Martin has acknowledged his admiration for Frida Kahlo on several occasions. She remains one of the 20th century’s greatest cultural icons, inspiring musicians, filmmakers, and writers alike.
More than just a painter, Frida has become a true global icon.
Art has never evolved in isolation. Throughout history, it has influenced disciplines as diverse as music, fashion, architecture, film, and design, fostering a constant exchange of ideas that continues to shape our visual culture. These songs are a testament to how great works continue to inspire new forms of creativity.
If you’re thinking about starting your art collection, we invite you to explore our September auction catalog, where you can find everything from Old Masters to 19th- and 20th-century art and contemporary art.
If you liked this article you may also be interested in:
