Best Art History List

1. What is the name of the historic statue from Willendorf, Austria, dating back to 28,000-25,000 BCE?

Roman Emperor Augustus

Nude Woman (Venus of Willendorf), from Willendorf, Austria, ca. 28,000-25,000 BCE

Greek Goddess Athena

Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra

The historic statue from Willendorf, Austria, is famously known as the Nude Woman or Venus of Willendorf, dating back to 28,000-25,000 BCE. It is a prehistoric figurine representing a nude female figure.

Explanation

The historic statue from Willendorf, Austria, is famously known as the Nude Woman or Venus of Willendorf, dating back to 28,000-25,000 BCE. It is a prehistoric figurine representing a nude female figure.

2. Which historical monument is located in Salisbury Plain, England and dates back to ca. 2550-1600 BCE?

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy, ca. 70-80 AD

Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England,
ca. 2550-1600 BCE

The Great Wall of China, China, ca. 220-206 BCE

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, ca. 1632-1653 AD

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of standing stones, located in Salisbury Plain, England. It is believed to have been constructed between 2550 and 1600 BCE. The other options provided are also famous historical monuments but are not located in Salisbury Plain, England, nor do they date back to the same time period as Stonehenge.

Explanation

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of standing stones, located in Salisbury Plain, England. It is believed to have been constructed between 2550 and 1600 BCE. The other options provided are also famous historical monuments but are not located in Salisbury Plain, England, nor do they date back to the same time period as Stonehenge.

3. What was discovered at the Square Temple at Eshnunna in Iraq around 2700 BCE?

Pottery shards

Stone tablets

Metal tools

Statuettes of twoworshipers, from the SquareTemple at Eshnunna(modern Tell Asmar), Iraq,ca. 2700 BCE

The correct answer refers to the discovery of statuettes of two worshipers at the Square Temple at Eshnunna in Iraq around 2700 BCE, showcasing the religious and artistic practices of that time period.

Explanation

The correct answer refers to the discovery of statuettes of two worshipers at the Square Temple at Eshnunna in Iraq around 2700 BCE, showcasing the religious and artistic practices of that time period.

4. What are depicted on the War side and peace side of the Standard of Ur, found in the Royal Cemetery of Ur in Iraq around 2600 BCE?

War side (top) and peace side (bottom) of the
Standard of Ur, Royal Cemetery, Ur, Iraq, ca. 2600 BCE

The battle of Troy, ancient Greece, ca. 1200 BCE.

The signing of the Magna Carta in England in 1215 CE.

The construction of the Great Wall of China in the Qin Dynasty, ca. 200 BCE.

The correct answer refers to a historical artifact from ancient Mesopotamia, specifically the Standard of Ur, which depicts war scenes on one side and peace scenes on the other.

Explanation

The correct answer refers to a historical artifact from ancient Mesopotamia, specifically the Standard of Ur, which depicts war scenes on one side and peace scenes on the other.

5. What artifact, found at Susa, Iran and dating back to 2254-2218 BCE, is known as the Victory stele of Naram-Sin?

Code of Hammurabi, located in Babylon, Mesopotamia, 1754 BCE.

Rosetta Stone, discovered in Egypt, 196 BCE.

Victory stele of Naram-Sin,found at Susa, Iran, 2254-2218 BCE

Terracotta Army, buried in Xi'an, China, 210–209 BCE.

The correct answer is the Victory stele of Naram-Sin, which is a historical artifact found at Susa, Iran and dated to 2254-2218 BCE. The other options, including the Code of Hammurabi, the Rosetta Stone, and the Terracotta Army, belong to different time periods and locations.

Explanation

The correct answer is the Victory stele of Naram-Sin, which is a historical artifact found at Susa, Iran and dated to 2254-2218 BCE. The other options, including the Code of Hammurabi, the Rosetta Stone, and the Terracotta Army, belong to different time periods and locations.

6. What type of ancient architectural structure is located in Ur, Iraq and dates back to approximately 2100 BCE?

Ziggurat, Ur, Iraq, ca. 2100 BCE

Colosseum

Acropolis

Pyramid

Ziggurats were massive structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, typically in the form of a terraced step pyramid. The Ziggurat of Ur is one of the most well-known examples of this type of architecture, located in the ancient city of Ur in present-day Iraq. It was constructed around 2100 BCE and served as a religious center dedicated to the moon god Nanna.

Explanation

Ziggurats were massive structures built in ancient Mesopotamia, typically in the form of a terraced step pyramid. The Ziggurat of Ur is one of the most well-known examples of this type of architecture, located in the ancient city of Ur in present-day Iraq. It was constructed around 2100 BCE and served as a religious center dedicated to the moon god Nanna.

7. What artifact is associated with the seated statue of Gudea from Girsu, Iraq, ca. 2100 BCE?

Seated statue of Gudea holding temple plan, from Girsu (modern Telloh), Iraq, ca. 2100 BCE

Clay tablets

Bronze age tools

Sculpture of a warrior

The seated statue of Gudea from Girsu, Iraq, ca. 2100 BCE, is associated with a temple plan because it showcases Gudea holding a temple plan, indicating a strong connection to religious and architectural practices of that time period.

Explanation

The seated statue of Gudea from Girsu, Iraq, ca. 2100 BCE, is associated with a temple plan because it showcases Gudea holding a temple plan, indicating a strong connection to religious and architectural practices of that time period.

8. What ancient artifact contains the law code of Hammurabi and was found at Susa, Iran around 1780 BCE?

Stele with law code ofHammurabi, found at Susa,Iran, ca. 1780 BCE

The Great Pyramid of Giza, constructed around 2560 BC.

Terracotta Army, discovered in China in 1974.

Rosetta Stone, found in Egypt circa 196 BC.

The Stele with the law code of Hammurabi is a well-known ancient artifact that is significant because it contains one of the earliest written legal codes. It was discovered in Susa, Iran, and dates back to around 1780 BCE. The other options provided are also notable ancient artifacts but do not contain the Hammurabi law code as specified in the question.

Explanation

The Stele with the law code of Hammurabi is a well-known ancient artifact that is significant because it contains one of the earliest written legal codes. It was discovered in Susa, Iran, and dates back to around 1780 BCE. The other options provided are also notable ancient artifacts but do not contain the Hammurabi law code as specified in the question.

9. What is the name of the protective deity depicted in the relief sculpture from the citadel of Sargon II?

The Great Sphinx of Giza

Lamassu from the citadel of Sargon II, Dur Sharrukin (modern Khorsabad), Iraq,ca. 720-705 BCE

Colossal statue of Zeus at Olympia

The Winged Victory of Samothrace

The relief sculpture is commonly known as Lamassu, which is a deity with a human head, the body of a bull or lion, and wings. It served as a protective spirit for the citadel of Sargon II in ancient Mesopotamia.

Explanation

The relief sculpture is commonly known as Lamassu, which is a deity with a human head, the body of a bull or lion, and wings. It served as a protective spirit for the citadel of Sargon II in ancient Mesopotamia.

10. What ancient architectural artifact is known as the Ishtar Gate (restored) and is from Babylon, Iraq, ca. 575 BCE?

Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt, ca. 2580-2560 BCE

Roman Colosseum, Rome, Italy, ca. 70-80 CE

Ishtar Gate (restored), from Babylon, Iraq, ca. 575 BCE

Machu Picchu, Peru, ca. 1450 CE

The Ishtar Gate is a major archaeological artifact from ancient Babylon, showcasing intricate decoration and vibrant blue glazed bricks dedicated to the goddess Ishtar. While the Roman Colosseum, Great Pyramid of Giza, and Machu Picchu are all significant architectural structures, they are not the same as the Ishtar Gate from Babylon.

Explanation

The Ishtar Gate is a major archaeological artifact from ancient Babylon, showcasing intricate decoration and vibrant blue glazed bricks dedicated to the goddess Ishtar. While the Roman Colosseum, Great Pyramid of Giza, and Machu Picchu are all significant architectural structures, they are not the same as the Ishtar Gate from Babylon.

11. What is depicted in the processional frieze (detail) on the terrace of the royal audience hall (apadana) at Persepolis, Iran?

Battle scenes from the Trojan War painted on the walls of a temple in Athens, Greece.

Processional frieze (detail) on the terrace of the royal audience hall (apadana), Persepolis, Iran, ca. 521-465 BCE

A mural depicting the construction of the Great Wall of China during the Qin Dynasty.

A relief carving showing the coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor in the Vatican City.

The correct answer describes the specific location and historical context of the depicted scene, highlighting the cultural significance of the artwork in Persepolis, Iran during the Achaemenid Empire. The incorrect answers are deliberately chosen to mislead by referencing different historical events or locations unrelated to the subject matter.

Explanation

The correct answer describes the specific location and historical context of the depicted scene, highlighting the cultural significance of the artwork in Persepolis, Iran during the Achaemenid Empire. The incorrect answers are deliberately chosen to mislead by referencing different historical events or locations unrelated to the subject matter.

12. What is the name and origin of the ancient artifact known as the Palette of Narmer?

Stonehenge, England, 2000 BCE

Palette of Narmer, from Hierakonpolis, Egypt,
Predynastic, ca. 3000-2920 BCE

Colosseum, Rome, 70 CE

Pyramid of Giza, Babylonia, 2500 BCE

The Palette of Narmer is an ancient Egyptian artifact from Hierakonpolis, Egypt, dating back to the Predynastic period around 3000-2920 BCE. It depicts the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer.

Explanation

The Palette of Narmer is an ancient Egyptian artifact from Hierakonpolis, Egypt, dating back to the Predynastic period around 3000-2920 BCE. It depicts the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer.

13. Who was the architect behind the Stepped pyramid and mortuary precinct of Djoser in Saqqara, Egypt?

Khufu

Ramses II

Hatshepsut

Imhotep (architect), Stepped pyramid and mortuary precinct of Djoser, Saqqara, Egypt, Dynasty III, ca. 2630-2611 BCE

Imhotep is credited as the architect of the Stepped pyramid and mortuary precinct of Djoser in Saqqara, Egypt, during Dynasty III around 2630-2611 BCE. Khufu, Hatshepsut, and Ramses II were significant figures in Egyptian history, but they were not associated with this particular architectural masterpiece.

Explanation

Imhotep is credited as the architect of the Stepped pyramid and mortuary precinct of Djoser in Saqqara, Egypt, during Dynasty III around 2630-2611 BCE. Khufu, Hatshepsut, and Ramses II were significant figures in Egyptian history, but they were not associated with this particular architectural masterpiece.

14. Where are the Great Pyramids located and during which dynasty were they built?

Acropolis, Athens, Greece, Archaic Period, 800-480 BCE

Machu Picchu, Peru, Inca Empire, 1450-1470 AD

Great Pyramids, Gizeh, Egypt, Dynasty IV,
ca. 2551-2472 BCE

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, Mughal Dynasty, 1631-1648 AD

The Great Pyramids are located in Gizeh, Egypt, built during Dynasty IV, ca. 2551-2472 BCE. The other options provided belong to different historical places and time periods, making them incorrect answers.

Explanation

The Great Pyramids are located in Gizeh, Egypt, built during Dynasty IV, ca. 2551-2472 BCE. The other options provided belong to different historical places and time periods, making them incorrect answers.

15. Who is depicted in the sculpture 'Menkaure and Khamerernebty' from Gizeh, Egypt?

Queen Nefertiti and Pharaoh Akhenaten, from Luxor, Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1353-1336 BCE.

Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, from Karnak, Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1479-1458 BCE.

Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, from Alexandria, Egypt, Ptolemaic Period, 48-47 BCE.

Menkaure andKhamerernebty (?), fromGizeh, Egypt, Dynasty IV,ca. 2490-2472 BCE

The sculpture 'Menkaure and Khamerernebty' depicts the Egyptian pharaoh Menkaure and his queen, Khamerernebty. It dates back to Dynasty IV, around 2490-2472 BCE, and is located in Gizeh, Egypt. The other options are incorrect pairings of historical figures from different time periods and locations in Egyptian history.

Explanation

The sculpture 'Menkaure and Khamerernebty' depicts the Egyptian pharaoh Menkaure and his queen, Khamerernebty. It dates back to Dynasty IV, around 2490-2472 BCE, and is located in Gizeh, Egypt. The other options are incorrect pairings of historical figures from different time periods and locations in Egyptian history.

16. What ancient Egyptian artifact is known as the Seated Scribe?

Seated scribe (Kay?), fromhis mastaba at Saqqara,Egypt, Dynasty V, ca. 2450-2350 BCE

Golden Mask of Tutankhamun

Rosetta Stone from the British Museum

Great Pyramid of Giza

The Seated Scribe is a well-known ancient Egyptian artifact that depicts a man seated in a cross-legged position with a papyrus scroll on his lap. It is a statue made of painted limestone and is known for its realistic portrayal of the scribe's features and clothing. The other options provided are also significant artifacts from ancient Egypt, but they do not refer to the Seated Scribe specifically.

Explanation

The Seated Scribe is a well-known ancient Egyptian artifact that depicts a man seated in a cross-legged position with a papyrus scroll on his lap. It is a statue made of painted limestone and is known for its realistic portrayal of the scribe's features and clothing. The other options provided are also significant artifacts from ancient Egypt, but they do not refer to the Seated Scribe specifically.

17. What is depicted in the relief in the mastaba of Ti, Saqqara, Egypt?

Ti riding a camel through the desert

Ti watching a hippopotamushunt, relief in the mastaba of Ti, Saqqara,Egypt, Dynasty V, ca. 2450-2350 BCE

Ti farming in the fields

Ti fishing in the Nile River

The relief in the mastaba of Ti, Saqqara, Egypt, depicted Ti watching a hippopotamus hunt during the Fifth Dynasty around 2450-2350 BCE.

Explanation

The relief in the mastaba of Ti, Saqqara, Egypt, depicted Ti watching a hippopotamus hunt during the Fifth Dynasty around 2450-2350 BCE.

18. What is the name of the mortuary temple located in Deir el-Bahri, Egypt, built during Dynasty XVIII around 1473-1458 BCE?

Temple of Luxor, Egypt, constructed during the New Kingdom era.

Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, built during the Old Kingdom period.

Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahri,
Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1473-1458 BCE

Valley of the Kings, Egypt, known for its tombs and burial chambers of pharaohs.

The correct answer refers to the Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, a significant ancient Egyptian structure located in Deir el-Bahri, which was built for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut during the New Kingdom era of Dynasty XVIII, between approximately 1473-1458 BCE. The other options presented are notable historical sites in Egypt, but they do not match the specific details provided in the question.

Explanation

The correct answer refers to the Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, a significant ancient Egyptian structure located in Deir el-Bahri, which was built for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut during the New Kingdom era of Dynasty XVIII, between approximately 1473-1458 BCE. The other options presented are notable historical sites in Egypt, but they do not match the specific details provided in the question.

19. Where is the Temple of Ramses II located?

Temple of Julius Caesar, Rome, Italy, ca. 44 BCE.

Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Dynasty XIX,
ca. 1290-1224 BCE

Temple of Cleopatra VII, Alexandria, Egypt, ca. 51-30 BCE.

Temple of Alexander the Great, Athens, Greece, ca. 356-323 BCE.

The Temple of Ramses II is located in Abu Simbel, Egypt, dating back to Dynasty XIX, approximately 1290-1224 BCE. It is a significant ancient Egyptian temple complex.

Explanation

The Temple of Ramses II is located in Abu Simbel, Egypt, dating back to Dynasty XIX, approximately 1290-1224 BCE. It is a significant ancient Egyptian temple complex.

20. What is the name of the temple with a hypostyle hall dedicated to Amen-Re in Karnak, Egypt?

Hatshepsut Temple, Luxor, Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1479-1458 BCE.

Hypostyle hall, temple ofAmen-Re, Karnak, Egypt,Dynasty XIX, ca. 1290-1224 BCE

Temple of Seti I, Abydos, Egypt, Dynasty XIX, ca. 1290-1279 BCE.

Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahari, Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1479-1458 BCE.

The correct answer is the Temple of Amen-Re in Karnak, Egypt, which is known for its hypostyle hall and dedication to the god Amen-Re during Dynasty XIX around 1290-1224 BCE.

Explanation

The correct answer is the Temple of Amen-Re in Karnak, Egypt, which is known for its hypostyle hall and dedication to the god Amen-Re during Dynasty XIX around 1290-1224 BCE.

21. What is depicted in the fowling scene from the tomb of Nebamun?

Agricultural scene, from the tomb of Tutankhamun, Memphis, Egypt, Dynasty XIV, ca. 1332-1323 BCE.

Maritime scene, from the tomb of Nefertari, Luxor, Egypt, Dynasty XIX, ca. 1295-1250 BCE.

Fowling scene, from the tomb of Nebamun, Thebes,
Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1400-1350 BCE

Hunting scene, from the tomb of Khufu, Giza, Egypt, Dynasty IV, ca. 2589-2566 BCE.

The fowling scene specifically refers to a scene of bird hunting, which was a popular activity depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs to showcase the wealth and leisure of the deceased individual.

Explanation

The fowling scene specifically refers to a scene of bird hunting, which was a popular activity depicted in ancient Egyptian tombs to showcase the wealth and leisure of the deceased individual.

22. What is depicted in the detail of a fresco from the tomb of Nebamun?

Hunters and gatherers

Priests and pharaohs

Musicians and dancers, detail of a fresco from the tomb of Nebamun, Thebes, Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1400-1350 BCE

Farmers and traders

The correct answer refers to the detail of a fresco from the tomb of Nebamun in Thebes, Egypt, which shows musicians and dancers during Dynasty XVIII, around 1400-1350 BCE.

Explanation

The correct answer refers to the detail of a fresco from the tomb of Nebamun in Thebes, Egypt, which shows musicians and dancers during Dynasty XVIII, around 1400-1350 BCE.

23. Who were the individuals depicted in the artwork from Tell el-Amarna, Egypt?

Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony, from Rome, Italy, ca. 30 BCE

Tutankhamun, Ankhesenamun, and Ay, from the Valley of the Kings, Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1332-1323 BCE

Hatshepsut, Amenhotep III, and Ramses II, from Luxor, Egypt, Dynasty XIX, ca. 1292-1069 BCE

Akhenaton, Nefertiti, and three daughters, from
Tell el-Amarna, Egypt, Dynasty XVIII, ca. 1353-1335 BCE

The correct answer describes the individuals accurately and provides the specific location and time period of the artwork. The incorrect answers are historical figures from different time periods and locations, not matching the details of the artwork in question.

Explanation

The correct answer describes the individuals accurately and provides the specific location and time period of the artwork. The incorrect answers are historical figures from different time periods and locations, not matching the details of the artwork in question.

24. What is the canon of proportions?

A musical term for harmony.

A digital camera brand.

A rule of proportion. Egyptians followed a rule of proportion for the human body, art very organized, not open to creativity

A type of religious scripture.

Canon of proportions refers to a rule of proportion used in art, particularly observed in Egyptian art where strict organization and adherence to predefined proportions were important.

Explanation

Canon of proportions refers to a rule of proportion used in art, particularly observed in Egyptian art where strict organization and adherence to predefined proportions were important.

25. What is a composite view (twisted perspective)?

The figure is shown entirely in profile.

The figure is shown entirely from a bird's eye view.

The figure is shown entirely from the back.

Part of figure is shown in profile, part of figure shown frontally.

A composite view (twisted perspective) involves showing different parts of a figure from different perspectives, typically combining a profile view with a frontal view.

Explanation

A composite view (twisted perspective) involves showing different parts of a figure from different perspectives, typically combining a profile view with a frontal view.

26. What is cuneiform?

A type of musical instrument.

A system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, in wedge-shaped characters.

A form of ancient currency.

A style of architecture.

Cuneiform is a system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, characterized by wedge-shaped characters impressed into clay tablets.

Explanation

Cuneiform is a system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, characterized by wedge-shaped characters impressed into clay tablets.

27. What is hierarchy of scale in art?

A technique used to measure the dimensions of a sculpture.

An artistic convention in which greater size indicates greater importance.

A method of arranging elements in a composition based on their color.

A style of painting using only shades of grey.

Hierarchy of scale is a common artistic technique where larger objects or figures are depicted as more important or significant within a composition.

Explanation

Hierarchy of scale is a common artistic technique where larger objects or figures are depicted as more important or significant within a composition.

28. What is a hypostyle hall?

A type of Scandinavian pastry.

A style of dance originating from South America.

A medieval weapon used in battle.

A hall with a roof supported by several columns.

A hypostyle hall is a architectural term referring to a hall or room with a roof supported by multiple columns, often seen in ancient Egyptian temples and other structures.

Explanation

A hypostyle hall is a architectural term referring to a hall or room with a roof supported by multiple columns, often seen in ancient Egyptian temples and other structures.