Artists Who Got Rich Before They Died

These artists were famous long before they passed away.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The starving artist is a stereotype that has infected the psyche of the public. The common idea is that to pursue a career in visual art is akin to signing an agreement to live on Ramen noodles and baked beans for the rest of your days. Even if you achieve success, it won't be until long after you're gone. If you're lucky, maybe your grandchildren will receive a few bucks for your hard work. 

Is the concept of the unrecognized artist a self-reinforcing idea? Many famous artists have achieved fame and fortune before passing into the next dimension, among them Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Michelangelo. What did they do to achieve such recognition in their lifetimes? Read on to find out which famous creatives made our list of 20 Artists Who Got Rich Before They Died.

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Georgia O'Keeffe

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Salvador Dalí

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Ansel Adams

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Andy Warhol

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Richard Avedon

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Damien Hirst

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Balthus

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Jasper Johns

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Francis Bacon

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Willem de Kooning

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Mark Rothko

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Michelangelo

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Rembrandt

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Pablo Picasso

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