Quiz: History Of Art Trivia Questions!

1. Which of the following techniques was not used to create the focal point in Schlemmer's "Bauhaus Stairway"?

Color/contrast

Directional line

Human face

Central placement in the composition

2. Which type of balance is reflected in this rose window?

Actual balance

Radial balance

Horizontal blanace

Diagonal balance

Actual balance only pertains to 3-D arts. Horizontal balance is applied to compositions that are oriented from side to side. Vertical balance deals with issues of balance from top to bottom. Diagonal balance divides visual weight between opposing corners of a composition.

Explanation

Actual balance only pertains to 3-D arts. Horizontal balance is applied to compositions that are oriented from side to side. Vertical balance deals with issues of balance from top to bottom. Diagonal balance divides visual weight between opposing corners of a composition.

3. Which of the following terms is not represented in "Ethel Scull, Thirty Six Times" by Andy Warhol?

Unity

Variety

A single focal point

Rhythm

Since there is no clear focal point, we would refer to this composition as afocal.

Explanation

Since there is no clear focal point, we would refer to this composition as afocal.

4. Concerning the principle of balance, which of the following does not apply to Polykleitos' sculpture, "Doryphoros"?

Actual balance

Pictorial balance

Asymmetry

Symmetry

Both pictorial balance and symmetry do not apply

As posed, the sculpture is asymmetrical since, if divided down the middle, side a is not a mirror image of side b. Doryphoros has actual balance since it is a sculpture. Only 2-D art or some relief sculpture can have pictorial balance.

Explanation

As posed, the sculpture is asymmetrical since, if divided down the middle, side a is not a mirror image of side b. Doryphoros has actual balance since it is a sculpture. Only 2-D art or some relief sculpture can have pictorial balance.

5. Which of the following techniques to establish a focal point was not used in Goya's "Third of May"?

Human face

Gore

Scale

Subordinate areas

There is nothing about the scale of any elements within this composition that would create emphasis. Techniques for creating a focal point include the use of : the human face, central placement of an object in the picture plane, emphasis created by color or contrast, gore, violence, or nudity, a directional line pointing towards an object, scale, or hazy subordinate areas (negative space).

Explanation

There is nothing about the scale of any elements within this composition that would create emphasis. Techniques for creating a focal point include the use of : the human face, central placement of an object in the picture plane, emphasis created by color or contrast, gore, violence, or nudity, a directional line pointing towards an object, scale, or hazy subordinate areas (negative space).

6. Which of the following is reflected in Alice Neel's "The Family", ?

A Western canon of proportions, ala Doryphoros

A violation of Western canons for the sake of expression

A predominant Western aesthetic preference for naturalism

Neel violates the predominant Western preference for naturalism and faithfulness in representation. The canon of proportions of Classical Greece is not reflected here ( 7 heads tall, 2 heads wide). There is no clear hierarchy, as the father does not loom overly large in relation to his family; nor is he centrally placed in the composition. Neel has stylized this family for the sake of expression.

Explanation

Neel violates the predominant Western preference for naturalism and faithfulness in representation. The canon of proportions of Classical Greece is not reflected here ( 7 heads tall, 2 heads wide). There is no clear hierarchy, as the father does not loom overly large in relation to his family; nor is he centrally placed in the composition. Neel has stylized this family for the sake of expression.

7. Which of the following is true of the ratio of 1:1.618, reflected in the golden rule?

A. it reflects a proportion which is repeated throughout nature

B. things that reflect this proportion are said to be beautiful

C. artists choose rectangular formats as they are most visually pleasing

D. all of the above are true

E. only a. & b. are true

The ratio of 1:1.618 is reflective of the golden rule. This ratio is repeated throughout nature and reflects beauty. The golden rule, golden section, golden mean is also reflected in the ideal shape of a rectangle.

Explanation

The ratio of 1:1.618 is reflective of the golden rule. This ratio is repeated throughout nature and reflects beauty. The golden rule, golden section, golden mean is also reflected in the ideal shape of a rectangle.