Vile or Visionary?: 11 Art Controversies of the Last Four Centuries

Some artists just can’t help but court controversy. Over the last four centuries, many artists have pushed the boundaries of tradition with radical painting techniques, shocking content, or, in some cases, the use of offensive materials. Many of the most innovative artists—the ones who’ve made the biggest impact on the history of art—were viewed as radicals in their day, often vilified and criticized for taking a new perspective. Here are 11 examples of artists who faced the consequences for thinking outside the box.