We have seen a ton of amazing Warhammer 40k art, but Games Workshop revealed their picks of the best from the last 40 years!
Updated on October 3rd, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Warhammer 40k isn’t just grimdark lore and bolter fire; it’s also packed with jaw-dropping art that’s defined the vibe of the galaxy for decades. Games Workshop has pulled back the curtain and revealed what they think is the best art of Warhammer 40000 from the last 40 years.
That’s right, four decades of chainswords, xenos, and gothic sci-fi madness distilled into a greatest hits collection. If you’ve spent hours admiring box art more than reading the codex inside, this one’s for you.
Let’s break down what made the cut, and why it still slaps.
Best Warhammer Art Pieces
The Blood Angels stole the spotlight on the cover of the second edition Warhammer 40,000 boxed set, just as bold and brilliantly painted by John Blanche.
Then you’ve got gems like Dave Gallagher’s old Warhammer art cover for Dogs of War, which stands out.
The Emperor of Mankind Art
The Emperor, no shocker here, is front and center in some of the most striking pieces out there. One of the first big looks we got was Adrian Smith’s take on his legendary throwdown with Horus. It’s such a massive moment in Warhammer lore that multiple versions have popped up over the years, including Neil Roberts’ epic cover for Visions of Heresy.
Warhammer 40k Art: Early Codexes
Not all of the art was grimdark and brooding, though. Codex: Eldar lit up the scene with a chaotic burst of colour, thanks to Geoff Taylor’s insanely detailed work, bold blues, blazing yellows, and all the glorious xenos flair you could want.
Best Warhammer Artists:
Just like how miniature painting styles change over time, Warhammer art totally reflects the vibe of each era. Those old-school army books, Codexes, and boxed sets? Each is bursting with color and personality.
John Blanche’s Warhammer 40k Art
It all started with him, and still, one of the most unforgettable pieces of Warhammer 40k art has to be John Blanche’s depiction of the God-Emperor, chilling on the Golden Throne.
There’ve been plenty of takes on this scene over the years, but that first sepia-soaked mix of gothic flair and pure nightmare fuel? Untouchable.
Wayne England
Wayne England was another big name when it comes to the best art of Warhammer 40k. Known for his bold, saturated style, complete with oversized heads and chunky hands that practically jumped off the page.
Karl Kopinski
Karl Kopinski picked things up a bit later, cranking out a ton of iconic pieces in the 2000s with his gritty, hyper-detailed style. His Warhammer 40k art showed up everywhere: book covers, product boxes, and those awesome little sketches tucked into the margins of codexes and army books.
Alex Boyd
Alex Boyd, meanwhile, was behind loads of codex and Warhammer Armies covers. His epic showdown between Valten and Archaon is still one of the most iconic scenes from the Fantasy Battle era
Warhammer Art In the Modern Day
These days, we’re still getting absolutely stunning pieces, like the epic coronation of Roboute Guilliman, surrounded by a who’s who of modern Warhammer 40k’s heavy hitters.
Final Thoughts on the Best Warhammer 40k Art
Warhammer 40k art is just as rich as its lore, packed with drama, grit, gold armor, and enough mood lighting to make a vampire jealous. From the wild colors of the old codex covers to the gritty masterpieces of the modern era, Games Workshop’s picks for the best art of the last 40 years hit hard.
Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or just want to see how far the style has come, it’s worth taking the time to appreciate how much these artists shaped the game’s vibe.
See the Best Miniatures Over the Past 40 Years!
What piece of Warhammer 40k, old, or AoS art is your favorite? Was it on the list?
