The War of Art Quiz | Art

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The "Alexander Mosaic" is a mosaic from the House of the Faun in Pompeii. The mosaic shows Alexander the Great's forces against Darius III's army. What battle is depicted in the mosaic?

Answer: Battle of Issus

This mosaic dates back to the age of the Romans, circa 100BC. The mosaic was discovered in Pompeii in 1841; just two years later it was relocated to Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples. In total the mosaic is comprised of about 1.5 million pieces.

2. "The Battle of San Romano" is a set of three paintings by Paolo Uccello. These paintings show the Battle of San Romano between Florentine and Sienese forces. What Florentine family's symbol, an orange fruit, is shown in the trees of the painting?

Answer: Medici

The set of paintings was originally commissioned by the Salimbeni family of Florence, but Lorenzo de' Medici liked the paintings so much that he bought them. The fruit which was known as the mala medica, or "medicinal apple", was a symbol of the Medici family. In the paintings, Uccello shows the development of linear perspective, which in the painting is not fully developed.

3. "The Surrender of Breda" by Diego Velazquez shows the Spanish victory at Breda during the Eighty Years War. This painting is also known by some by what other name?

Answer: The Lances

Velazquez was inspired to create this piece when he was visiting Ambrogio Spinola, who was an architect of the Spanish win at Breda in 1625. The painting was created between the years of 1634 and 1635. The painting is centered on what happened after the Spanish victory over the Netherlands. This painting is rather large as it measures 121 inches by 144 inches.

4. Benjamin West's "The Death of General Wolfe" dates back to the late 18th century. It shows the British General Wolfe dying during the Battle of Quebec, while being surrounded by several soldiers. What war is the scene in the painting from?

Answer: Seven Years' War

"The Death of General Wolfe" was created by Benjamin West in 1770, eleven years after the Battle of Quebec where General James Wolfe died. In the painting, General Wolfe is surrounded by a few soldiers and one Native American. There is a man running while holding a flag with the Fleur-de-lis on the left side of the canvas, signaling that the French had been defeated. West created a remarkably similar painting for George III in 1771.

5. Eugene Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" was created to commemorate the French Revolution of 1830, where the French overthrew Charles X. The painting shows an allegorical woman, Liberty, leading the French uprising. This painting was used on the cover of what Coldplay album?

Answer: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

Delacroix created this painting in 1830, just months after the successful revolution. Liberty is shown carrying the French flag and a musket, while charging with the mass of soldiers. The painting was purchased in 1831 by the French government. This painting help inspire the Statue of Liberty, which was created in 1886 by Frederic Bartholdi.

6. Trajan's Column, which is located in Trajan's Forum, is a large Roman column with a continuous frieze carved into it. The frieze specifically shows two conquests of what kingdom?

Answer: Dacian Kingdom

The column was completed in 113 AD and is located in Rome, Italy. One can enter the column through a door in the base of the column. Once inside there is a spiral staircase inside, which takes you to the top of the column where one can look around. The shaft of the column is made of 20 large drums that weigh approximately 32 tons apiece.

7. The famed Bayeaux Tapestry details the Norman invasion of England during the late 11th century.

Answer: True

The Bayeux Tapestry shows the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, invading England. The tapestry stretches over 230 feet long and has Latin captions throughout the tapestry. The tapestry is now housed in the Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux in Bayeux, France. Once a year the tapestry is placed in the Bayeux Cathedral for display.

8. Jacques-Louis David painted five versions of "Napoleon Crossing the Alps" between 1801-1805. While keeping the same composition, David modified the colors and tones in each painting. The paintings show Napoleon crossing what pass in the Alps?

Answer: Great St Bernard Pass

Napoleon led French forces over the Great St Bernard Pass during May of 1800, to gain access to Italy. The five paintings now lie in various locations: two of the copies went to Versailles, one is in Charlottenburg, and one is in Belvedere. The original painting went to the Spanish Royal Court, but was moved to the United States when Joseph Bonaparte abdicated the Spanish throne.

However, in 1949 the original was placed in the Chateau de Malmaison.

9. The "Consequences of War" was created in the 17th century by Peter Paul Rubens as his take on what war in Europe?

Answer: Thirty Years War

This piece of art was created by Rubens between the years of 1638 and 1639. Rubens was hired to create this piece of art after being commissioned by Ferdinando II de' Medici. The artwork was finished nine years before the Thirty Years War came to a close. Rubens was familiar with the royal families that were pitted against each other.

He attempted to help put an end to the Thirty Years War.

10. "The Third of May 1808" was painted by what Spanish painter in 1814?

Answer: Francisco Goya

Goya painted this artwork in honor of Spain's holding off of Napoleon's forces. The painting depicts a firing squad shooting at a number of unarmed people. Most of the painting has a dark tone to it, with the exception of one civilian who is painted in bright colors. The painting now rests at Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.

Source: Author ThurstAsh

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

The War of Art Trivia Quiz

This quiz is all about art that depicts war or a battle scene in it.

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