From realism to abstraction – animals in art
Animal painting can range from highly personal, inspired motifs to symbolism rich in meaning. From calm, majestic big cats in their natural habitats, to birds soaring gracefully in the background of a painting, to a lap dog as an accessory – animal paintings are just as diverse as our experiences of animals themselves. At Studierenden Kunstmarkt, you’ll find animal paintings that are approachable, expressive and full of individuality.
Animal paintings – art full of life, expression & symbolism
Animal paintings are more than just beautiful subjects. They convey vitality, movement, a connection to nature – and sometimes a part of ourselves. Animals have fascinated people for centuries. In animal paintings, they become symbols of strength, freedom, intuition or connection. Here you’ll find originals that showcase precisely this diversity: expressive depictions of animals, finely observed animal paintings and modern interpretations that stir the emotions. Every animal painting at Studierenden Kunstmarkt is handmade – painted by young artists who have found their own style. Discover the works online, find your favourite motif and bring a touch of nature and soul into your home.
The special impact of an animal painting lies in the fact that it shows more than just the animal. It captures a mood and an emotion – a moment of tension in motion, a gaze full of trust. These moments move us because they reflect something deeply human. Animals present themselves to us without a mask, directly and authentically. A work of art like this can bring a sense of calm, confidence or simply joy. Some depictions of animals have an almost meditative effect, whilst others are powerful and full of energy. In any case, they bring life to a room and invite you to pause for a moment – and get a little closer to nature.
Animals in art – symbols, myths and emotions
Animals as symbols in art history
Animals have featured in art for millennia – not only as companions to humankind, but as powerful symbols of our inner world. Even in the cave paintings of Lascaux and Altamira, artists expressed their reverence for animals as a source of life, sustenance and spirituality. In Egyptian art, animals such as the falcon, the jackal and the cat represented gods and the cosmic order. Later, in Christian iconography, they took on new roles: the lamb symbolised innocence and sacrifice, the lion courage and strength, and the dove peace and the Holy Spirit.
During the Renaissance, artists such as Albrecht Dürer and Leonardo da Vinci used depictions of animals to explore the connection between nature, science and emotion. Dürer’s ‘Hare’ is still regarded today as a masterpiece of precise observation – a tribute to life itself. Rubens and Rembrandt, too, saw more in animals than just a subject: they made them the bearers of emotion and movement. The animals in their paintings breathe, react and live – they become active participants in the scene, rather than mere decoration.
During the Romantic period, animals finally acquired emotional depth. They reflected a longing for primal authenticity, for an untamed life beyond urban order. The eagle, the horse and the wolf became symbols of freedom. This symbolism continues to resonate today – many contemporary artists are revisiting it, translating it into a modern visual language and experimenting with materials, perspective and colour. This has given rise to a new generation of animal paintings that carry on the traditions of the past whilst telling new stories.
Mythical animals and their significance
Alongside real animals, mythical creatures have also played a role in art since time immemorial – often as symbols of human longings or fears. The unicorn, for example, stands for purity, innocence and the search for the marvellous. In medieval depictions, it was frequently captured by maidens – a symbol of the divine, which reveals itself only to the pure of heart. The phoenix, in turn, embodies renewal and immortality: it burns in its own fire to be reborn – a motif that continues to inspire artists today who explore themes of change, loss and new beginnings in their work.Why paintings of animals move us so much
Animal paintings in contemporary art
In modern animal painting, emotion and a spirit of experimentation come together. Young artists use colour, form and texture to capture the essence of the animal. Whether abstract colour fields or highly detailed depictions of animals: the connection between humans and animals remains the common thread in animal paintings. Here you’ll find animal paintings created from this perspective. Discover Michaela Janks nocturnal fantasy worlds featuring mythical creatures or Felix Dörrenbecher ’s delicate line drawings, which range from realism to abstraction and capture movement through duplicates.
Lukas Häring conveys dynamism and vitality in his stylised drawings of animals, whilst in Elza Slo’s works focus on naturalistic animal paintings. The SKM artists bring their own unique style to animal art – yet they all share one thing in common: a respect for nature and other living creatures.
At Studierenden Kunstmarkt, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of animal paintings – ranging from highly detailed to expressive depictions. Every piece is an original, hand-painted by young talents from renowned art colleges. You can conveniently view and compare all the artworks online and purchase your favourite piece straight away. Whether you’re drawn to classic animal paintings, are looking for a modern animal painting, or are seeking inspiration from abstract art – here you’ll find art that suits you.
If you find animal paintings fascinating, you should take a look at our article on Impressionism – which explores emotions in art – or our article on famous artists in art history. You might also be interested in the emotionally powerful works by Picasso and the background to his creative process .
