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Chasing Vermeer Trivia Quiz

The quiz is based on the novel, 'Chasing Vermeer' by author Blue Balliett. This mystery surrounds the theft of a famous painting by artist Johannes (Jan) Vermeer; two unusual kids; and a secret code! See how well you remember the story. Good luck!

A multiple-choice quiz by oneof5. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
oneof5

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
318,419

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
188

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is the name of the missing Vermeer? Hint

The Geographer

A Lady Writing

Girl with a Pearl Earring

The Astronomer

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Question 2 of 10

2. When and where does the story begin? Hint

A warm October night in Chicago

A cold November evening in Philadelphia

Christmas Eve in Santa Monica

A rainy afternoon in Seattle

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Question 3 of 10

3. How many people received a mysterious and threatening letter at the beginning of the novel? Hint

no one received a letter

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Question 4 of 10

4. Who is Charles Fort? Hint

Ms. Hussey's boyfriend

The thief

The author of 'Lo!'

The owner of the bookstore

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Question 5 of 10

5. What is unusual about Calder and Petra's birthdays? Hint

They are both born on 10/10

Their birthdays are the key for the secret code

Their bitrhdays were are on Halloween

They were both going to be 12 on 12/12

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Question 6 of 10

6. What famous artist is quoted as saying, 'Art is a lie, but a lie that tells the truth'? Hint

Johan Vermeer

Pablo Picasso

Grandma Moses

Salvador Dali

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Question 7 of 10

7. What disturbing news does Calder hear from his friend Tommy? Hint

Their teacher, Ms. Hussey, is a spy

Another Vermeer painting has been stolen

Their code has been broken by the thief

The boy who lives next door has disappeared

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Question 8 of 10

8. Instead of the painting there was a note in the box when it was opened in Chicago. What did the note say? Hint

"I am Johan Vermeer."

"The Lady will never be returned."

"You will come to agree with me."

"Charles Fort was correct."

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Question 9 of 10

9. Who has the painting of 'The Geographer' on their wall? Hint

Mr. Watch

Mrs. Sharpe

Ms. Hussey

Mr. Andalee

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is the thief's nickname? Hint

007

Glitter Man

Picasso

Delia Dell

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is the name of the missing Vermeer?

Answer: A Lady Writing

The yellow jacket worn by the 'Lady' appears in many other Vermeer paintings, so do the pearl earrings that she is wearing. 'The Geographer' and 'The Astronomer' were made to be a 'set', displayed together. Many people think it is the same man in both paintings; what do you think?

2. When and where does the story begin?

Answer: A warm October night in Chicago

Most of the novel take place in Hyde Park, the area around Chicago University in Illinois. The university was founded by John D. Rockefeller, and first opened for classes in 1892.

3. How many people received a mysterious and threatening letter at the beginning of the novel?

Answer: 3

The letter recipients are a mystery until the end of the novel- do you remember who they were?

4. Who is Charles Fort?

Answer: The author of 'Lo!'

Charles Fort's book, 'Lo!' is a compilation of articles of unusual happenings; many having to do with frogs falling from the sky!

5. What is unusual about Calder and Petra's birthdays?

Answer: They were both going to be 12 on 12/12

Their 12/12 birthdays are just one of the '12' coincidences in the novel. Some others are: The title of the missing painting contains 12 letters, all characters' names have 12 letters, '1212' was written in a date book of a murdered man with no explanation.

6. What famous artist is quoted as saying, 'Art is a lie, but a lie that tells the truth'?

Answer: Pablo Picasso

This is an interesting quote by Picasso, and gives an insight into his feelings about painting.

7. What disturbing news does Calder hear from his friend Tommy?

Answer: The boy who lives next door has disappeared

Tommy, his mom, and his new stepfather (Fred) moved away from Hyde Park and are living in New York. There are a few things that are worrying Tommy. For example, he doesn't get along well with Fred and he misses his friend Calder. Also, he is very afraid and suspicious when his neighbor, a boy named 'Frog' has gone missing. Charles Fort's book containing information about frogs and Tommy's neighbor being named Frog is another coincidence in the novel (although according to Fort- there are no coincidences!).

8. Instead of the painting there was a note in the box when it was opened in Chicago. What did the note say?

Answer: "You will come to agree with me."

The thief says that he wants certain paintings that are said to be Vermeers to be reexamined, because they are not good enough to be done by the artist. Some art critics say they were done by a very young or an old and ailing Vermeer. The thief wants the attributions corrected or he will destroy 'A Lady Writing'.

9. Who has the painting of 'The Geographer' on their wall?

Answer: Mrs. Sharpe

Mrs. Sharpe was the original owner of 'Lo!', and her husband was a Vermeer scholar. It was also Mr. Sharpe who was murdered while investigating Vermeer paintings in Europe and left the cryptic '1212' in his date book.

10. What is the thief's nickname?

Answer: Glitter Man

Fred Steadman, Tommy's stepfather is the thief. His real name is Xavier Glitts, and he is the leader of an international crime ring.

Source: Author oneof5

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor LadyCaitriona before going online.
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