The world's most famous paintings: 'Mona Lisa,' 'Starry Night' and more ... The religious meaning and symbolism behind the painting have made it a masterpiece in Western art history.

Painted in an era when religious imagery was still a dominant artistic theme, ... the "Creation of Adam" rounds out the top 10 most famous paintings list. VCG/Corbis/Getty Images.

Madrid is the only city in this roundup where you’ll find two of the most 10 famous paintings, the first being “Guernica” at No. 5 and “Las Maninas” here at No. 9.

Madrid is the only city in this roundup where you’ll find two of the most 10 famous paintings, the first being “Guernica” at No. 5 and “Las Maninas” here at No. 9.