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In history we get to know how different works of art were formed and the story behind them. The quiz below is the third in the series of history questions aimed at helping you pass the exams that are almost here. Give it a go and find out new things about human history.
Questions and Answers
1.
Where did Gothic Architecture begin?
A.
a. Île-de-France
B.
b. Burgundy
C.
c. Tuscany
D.
d. Southern England
Correct Answer
A.
a. Île-de-France
Explanation Gothic architecture began in Île-de-France. This region, located in northern France, was the birthplace of the Gothic style in the 12th century. The famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is a prime example of Gothic architecture and showcases the innovative features of this style, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Île-de-France became the center of Gothic architectural development, and the style later spread throughout Europe.
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2.
Gothic originally meant
A.
a. dark and evil.
B.
b. full of light.
C.
c. frightening and macabre.
D.
d. a fourth-century Germanic people.
Correct Answer
D.
d. a fourth-century Germanic people.
Explanation The word "Gothic" originally referred to a fourth-century Germanic people. This term was later used to describe their architectural style, which was characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Over time, the term "Gothic" also came to be associated with a style of literature and art that was dark, mysterious, and often focused on themes of horror and the supernatural.
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3.
Where was the first European university?
A.
a. Rome
B.
b. Madrid
C.
c. London
D.
d. Bologna
Correct Answer
D.
d. Bologna
Explanation The first European university was located in Bologna. Bologna University, also known as Alma Mater Studiorum, was founded in 1088 and is considered the oldest university in the Western world. It played a significant role in the development of legal studies and the establishment of academic freedom.
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4.
Which side of Chartres Cathedral is contemporary to the reconstruction of St. Denis?
A.
a. north
B.
b. south
C.
c. east
D.
d. west
Correct Answer
D.
d. west
Explanation The west side of Chartres Cathedral is contemporary to the reconstruction of St. Denis.
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5.
Giotto did an important series of frescoes in which chapel in Padua?
A.
a. Altneuschul
B.
b. Scrovegni (Arena)
C.
c. Holy Cross
D.
d. Santa Trinita
Correct Answer
B.
b. Scrovegni (Arena)
Explanation Giotto did an important series of frescoes in the Scrovegni (Arena) chapel in Padua.
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6.
How did female artists typically learn to paint during the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance?
A.
A. guilds
B.
B. apprenticeships
C.
C. from their husbands or fathers
D.
D. convents
Correct Answer
C. C. from their husbands or fathers
Explanation During the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance, female artists typically learned to paint from their husbands or fathers. This was because women were often excluded from formal artistic training and were not allowed to join guilds or apprenticeships. Instead, they relied on the guidance and teachings of male family members who were already established artists. This limited access to education and training for female artists was a reflection of the societal norms and expectations of the time, which placed women in domestic roles rather than professional ones.
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7.
Which is the first life-size freestanding bronze nude in European art since antiquity?
A.
a. Botticelli’s Birth of Venus
B.
b. Michelangelo’s David
C.
c. Donatello’s David
D.
d. Verocchio’s David
Correct Answer
C.
c. Donatello’s David
Explanation Donatello's David is considered the first life-size freestanding bronze nude in European art since antiquity. This sculpture, created in the 15th century, marked a significant departure from the traditional portrayal of David in art. Donatello's David is depicted as a young, confident, and victorious figure, standing in a relaxed contrapposto pose. The sculpture showcases Donatello's mastery of bronze casting and his innovative approach to capturing human anatomy and expression. Its realism and naturalism set a new standard for artistic representation during the Renaissance period.
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8.
Who changed Florentine painting more than anyone since Giotto?
A.
a. Fra Angelico
B.
b. Paolo Uccello
C.
c. Sandro Botticelli
D.
d. Masaccio
Correct Answer
D.
d. Masaccio
Explanation Masaccio is considered to have changed Florentine painting more than anyone since Giotto. He introduced a more naturalistic style, using techniques such as linear perspective and chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in his paintings. His innovative approach to composition and his focus on human anatomy greatly influenced future generations of artists and marked a significant shift in the development of Renaissance art.
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9.
Which is the term for showing strong highlights and shadows on a form to make it appear three dimensional?
A.
a. atmospheric perspective
B.
b. Chiaroscuro
C.
c. high relief
D.
d. trompe l’oeil
Correct Answer
B.
b. Chiaroscuro
Explanation Chiaroscuro is the term used to describe the technique of using strong highlights and shadows on a form to create a sense of three-dimensionality. It is commonly used in visual arts, particularly in painting and drawing, to create a sense of depth and volume. This technique involves the skillful manipulation of light and shadow to create a dramatic effect and enhance the realism of the artwork.
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10.
Which artist studied Alberti’s theoretical treatises and wrote his own on perspective, geometry, and volumetric construction?
A.
a. Sandro Botticelli
B.
b. Andrea Mantegna
C.
c. Giovanni Bellini
D.
d. Piero della Francesca
Correct Answer
D.
d. Piero della Francesca
Explanation Piero della Francesca is the correct answer because he was an artist who studied Alberti's theoretical treatises and wrote his own on perspective, geometry, and volumetric construction.
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11.
Which four artists define the High Renaissance?
A.
a. Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Titian
B.
b. Donatello, Botticelli, Raphael, and Leonardo
C.
c. Donatello, Mantegna, Masaccio, and Michelangelo
D.
d. Raphael, Donatello, Masaccio, and Brunelleschi
Correct Answer
A.
a. RapHael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Titian
Explanation The correct answer is a. Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Titian. These four artists are widely considered to be the defining figures of the High Renaissance period in art history. They were known for their mastery of technique, their innovative approaches to composition, and their contributions to the development of perspective and naturalism in art. Their works, such as Raphael's "School of Athens," Leonardo's "Mona Lisa," Michelangelo's "David," and Titian's "Assumption of the Virgin," continue to be celebrated as some of the greatest achievements of the Renaissance.
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12.
Which of the following interests of Leonardo occupied much of his time when he worked for the court of the Duke of Milan?
A.
a. military and civil engineer
B.
b. painter
C.
c. sculptor
D.
d. musician
Correct Answer
A.
a. military and civil engineer
Explanation During his time working for the court of the Duke of Milan, Leonardo's main interests were focused on military and civil engineering. This can be seen in his numerous projects and designs for fortifications, weapons, and machinery. He also worked on various architectural projects and urban planning initiatives for the city. Leonardo's engineering skills were highly valued by the Duke, and he dedicated a significant amount of his time to these pursuits.
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13.
Which theme gave Raphael early fame?
A.
a. Virgin and Child
B.
b. the life of Jesus
C.
c. Old Testament themes
D.
d. Greek mythology
Correct Answer
A.
a. Virgin and Child
Explanation Raphael gained early fame through his depictions of the Virgin and Child. This theme was popular during the Renaissance and Raphael's skill in capturing the tenderness and beauty of the mother and child relationship helped him establish his reputation as a talented artist. His ability to convey emotion and create lifelike figures made his Virgin and Child paintings highly sought after and contributed to his success in his early career.
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14.
Which work has Michelangelo’s signature?
A.
a. David
B.
b. Pietà
C.
c. Sistine Ceiling
D.
d. Last Judgement
Correct Answer
B.
b. Pietà
Explanation Michelangelo's signature can be found on his sculpture called Pietà.
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15.
Whose Last Supper was criticized because it was too grandiose, vulgar, and included dogs and foreign soldiers?
A.
a. Tintoretto’s
B.
b. Titian’s
C.
c. Leonardo’s
D.
d. Veronese’s
Correct Answer
D.
d. Veronese’s
Explanation Veronese's Last Supper was criticized because it was too grandiose, vulgar, and included dogs and foreign soldiers.
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16.
What inspired the spiral turned columns of Bernini’s Baldacchino?
A.
a. a tornado
B.
b. the Hall of One Hundred Columns at Persepolis
C.
c. columns from Solomon’s Temple
D.
d. columns from Djoser’s funerary complex
Correct Answer
C.
c. columns from Solomon’s Temple
Explanation The spiral turned columns of Bernini's Baldacchino were inspired by columns from Solomon's Temple.
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17.
Which artist introduced intense new realism and a dramatic use of light and gesture to Italian Baroque art?
A.
a. Annibale Caracci
B.
b. Giovanni Battista Gaulli
C.
c. Bartolomé Estaban Murillo
D.
d. Caravaggio
Correct Answer
D.
d. Caravaggio
Explanation Caravaggio is the correct answer because he is known for introducing intense new realism and a dramatic use of light and gesture to Italian Baroque art. His use of chiaroscuro, or the contrast between light and dark, created a sense of depth and drama in his paintings. His realistic depictions of everyday people and subjects also set him apart from other artists of his time.
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18.
Which female artist was elected to the Florentine Academy of Design at age 23?
A.
a. Judith Leyster
B.
b. Lavinia Fontana
C.
c. Sofonisba Anguissola
D.
d. Artemisia Gentileschi
Correct Answer
D.
d. Artemisia Gentileschi
Explanation Artemisia Gentileschi was elected to the Florentine Academy of Design at the age of 23. She was an Italian Baroque painter and one of the most important female artists of her time. She was known for her powerful and dramatic paintings, often depicting strong female figures. Her inclusion in the Florentine Academy of Design was a significant recognition of her talent and skill as an artist.
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19.
Which artist is known for his many personal self-portraits?
A.
a. Franz Hals
B.
b. Caravaggio
C.
c. Rembrandt
D.
d. Rubens
Correct Answer
C.
c. Rembrandt
Explanation Rembrandt is known for his many personal self-portraits. He created over 90 self-portraits throughout his career, which is a remarkable number compared to other artists. These self-portraits allowed Rembrandt to explore different expressions, emotions, and styles, making them an important part of his artistic development. His self-portraits are highly regarded for their realistic and introspective qualities, capturing the artist's own likeness and inner thoughts. Rembrandt's self-portraits are considered a significant contribution to the genre and have influenced many artists who came after him.
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20.
The French Academy considered the work of which artist to be the perfect embodiment of classical principles?
A.
a. Watteau
B.
b. Fragonard
C.
c. Bernini
D.
d. Poussin
Correct Answer
D.
d. Poussin
Explanation The French Academy considered the work of Poussin to be the perfect embodiment of classical principles. Poussin was known for his adherence to classical ideals and his works often depicted historical or mythological subjects in a balanced and harmonious manner. His paintings were characterized by their clarity, order, and restraint, which were highly valued by the French Academy and considered to be the epitome of classical art.
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21.
Which ancient Americans developed the most advanced writing system?
A.
a. Olmec
B.
b. Aztec
C.
c. Nazca
D.
d. Maya
Correct Answer
D.
d. Maya
Explanation The Maya developed the most advanced writing system among the ancient Americans. Their system consisted of hieroglyphic symbols that represented both sounds and ideas. They were able to record historical events, religious beliefs, and astronomical observations in their writing. The Maya also used their writing system to create books called codices, which contained important information about their culture and society. This advanced writing system demonstrates the intellectual sophistication of the Maya civilization.
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22.
Which of the following was the first truly urban settlement in Mesoamerica?
A.
a. Chichén Itzá
B.
b. Teotihuacan
C.
c. Cahokia
D.
d. Machu Picchu
Correct Answer
B.
b. Teotihuacan
Explanation Teotihuacan was the first truly urban settlement in Mesoamerica because it was one of the largest cities in the ancient world, with a population of over 100,000 people. It had a well-planned layout, with a grid-like street system and monumental architecture, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Teotihuacan was a center of trade, art, and religion, and its influence spread throughout the region. It was a thriving urban center before other settlements like Chichén Itzá, Cahokia, and Machu Picchu were established.
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23.
In Aztec belief, who is “she of the serpent skirt”?
A.
a. Huitzilopochtli
B.
b. Coyolxauhqui
C.
c. Quetzalcoatl
D.
d. Coatlicue
Correct Answer
D.
d. Coatlicue
Explanation Coatlicue, also known as "she of the serpent skirt," is a prominent figure in Aztec belief. She is often depicted as a fearsome goddess with a skirt made of snakes. She is associated with fertility, life, and death, and is considered the mother of the gods. Coatlicue plays a significant role in Aztec mythology and is revered as a powerful and complex deity.
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24.
Which was considered by the Incas to be a worthy gift to the gods?
A.
a. smoke
B.
b. cloth
C.
c. obsidian
D.
d. a human heart
Correct Answer
B.
b. cloth
Explanation The Incas considered cloth to be a worthy gift to the gods. Cloth held great significance in Inca culture and was often used in religious rituals and ceremonies. It was seen as a valuable and sacred material that represented wealth, status, and spirituality. The Incas believed that offering cloth to the gods was a way to show respect and honor, and to seek blessings and protection.
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25.
Which of the following describes the roads built around Pueblo Bonito?
A.
a. wide and straight
B.
b. concentric
C.
c. radiating
D.
d. following the terrain
Correct Answer
A.
a. wide and straight
Explanation The correct answer is a. wide and straight. This suggests that the roads built around Pueblo Bonito were designed to be spacious and direct, possibly indicating a well-planned and organized civilization.
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