What Do The Following Symbols Traditionally Represent In Art History?
It would be very sad to be an artist and not really understand the history of art. Trust me, knowledge is power. The quiz below is on the different symbols of art. All the best
- 1.
The sun?
- A.
Life and strength
- B.
A journey
- C.
Death and sadness
- D.
The passing of time
Correct Answer
A. Life and strengthExplanation
The sun can be seen in many ways, depending on where it is shown in the sky. When the sun is rising or fully risen it symbolises themes such as power, life, enlightenment, strength and will.
A setting sun can symbolise death and rebirth, as it always returns.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
A clock?
- A.
A ticking noise
- B.
Hands
- C.
Masculinity
- D.
The passing of time
Correct Answer
D. The passing of timeExplanation
The clock as the passing of time is an obvious one, but it can also have extra meaning within that; such as the mechanistic way of life, the struggle to control time and the domination of time over the conciousness of industrial society.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
A closed book?
- A.
Weight
- B.
Futility of knowledge
- C.
Transfer of knowledge
- D.
History
Correct Answer
B. Futility of knowledgeExplanation
A closed book can symbolise the futility of knowledge, or hidden knowledge that is not available.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
An open book?
- A.
Futility of knowledge
- B.
Letting go
- C.
Transfer of knowledge
- D.
A messy nature
Correct Answer
C. Transfer of knowledgeExplanation
An open book can symbolise the sharing of knowledge and scholarship.
It can be a symbol of power, as it can only share knowledge with the initiated;- those who can read!Rate this question:
-
- 5.
A house?
- A.
Shelter
- B.
Self
- C.
Openess
- D.
Cities
Correct Answer
B. SelfExplanation
The house can be a symbol of self, and the way it is depicted can symbolise aspects of the artists personality or attitude.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Dolphins?
- A.
Seafood
- B.
Wisdom and prophecy
- C.
Behaviour
- D.
Playfulness
Correct Answer
B. Wisdom and prophecyExplanation
In Ancient Greece dolphins were linked with Apollo and his gifts of wisdom and prophecy.
They symbolise a unity between Apollo and Aphrodite, between masculine and feminine.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
The number 3? (This question has more than one right answer)
- A.
Birth, life and death
- B.
Past, present and future
- C.
Mind, body and soul
- D.
Heaven, Earth and humanity
Correct Answer(s)
A. Birth, life and death
B. Past, present and future
C. Mind, body and soul
D. Heaven, Earth and humanityExplanation
All four! 3 is considered to be an important number in many cultures; symbolising birth, life and death, past, present and future, and mind, body and soul across cultures.
It also represents Heaven, Earth and humanity in Chinese culture and the Holy Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in Christianity
The number three can be presented in many ways, including the actual symbol "3", the inclusion of three repeated objects or elements, or as a triangle.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
The stars?
- A.
The spiritual and divine
- B.
Old age
- C.
Reconcilliation
- D.
Twists and turns
Correct Answer
A. The spiritual and divineExplanation
The answer "The spiritual and divine" suggests that the stars are associated with spirituality and divinity. This could be because throughout history, many cultures have believed that the stars hold a special significance and are connected to higher powers or deities. The stars are often seen as symbols of guidance, enlightenment, and transcendence, which are all aspects of spirituality and divinity.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Nov 05, 2013Quiz Created by
C3093885
Back to top