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Las Meninas Trivia Quiz

It has been called the "theology of painting" and has been said to incarnate the "philosophy of art." Enjoy this quiz on one of the greatest masterpieces ever painted!

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

Author
rkirzner

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
256,408

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
542

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. "Las Meninas" was painted by which of the following artists? Hint

Salvador Dali

El Greco

Diego Velazquez

Francisco Goya

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Question 2 of 10

2. It can be found in which of the following museums? Hint

The Louvre, Paris

Museo del Prado, Madrid

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Reina Sofia, Madrid

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Question 3 of 10

3. The primary character in the painting is clearly the girl in the center. What is her name? Hint

the Infanta Magdelena

the Infanta Margarita

Maribarbola

the Princesa Maria

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Question 4 of 10

4. Who is shown painting a picture on the left side of the canvas? Hint

Juan de Pareja

Phillip IV

Francisco Goya

Diego Velazquez, himself

5. Behind the Infanta is one of the biggest mysteries of the painting - a representation of the King and Queen (not looking very royal). Which of the following is a possible explanation for their presence in the painting? Hint

It is a portrait of the King and Queen

It is a mirror, reflecting the King and Queen who are watching the scene

All of these are possible

It is a mirror reflecting a portrait of the King and Queen, shown on the left

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Question 6 of 10

6. All of this talk about Las Meninas is fascinating, but what does the title actually mean? Hint

The Princesses

The Mysteries

The Royalty

The Maids of Honor

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Question 7 of 10

7. The spectator's eye really is never drawn to the entire upper section of the painting. What are hanging on the wall above the scene? Hint

Other paintings by Velazquez

Paintings by Velazquez's son

Portraits of past kings

Potted Plants

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Question 8 of 10

8. Las Meninas reflects a particular affinity of Velazquez's for painting which of the following? Hint

the color red

Dwarves

Cats

French royalty

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Question 9 of 10

9. Also on your trip to the Prado, you may notice some people who are 'in-the-know' and who are standing with their backs to the painting, looking at it through a mirror. What are they looking at? Hint

The Infanta Margarita's skirt

Maribarbola's face

the dog

the mirror in the painting

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Question 10 of 10

10. The red cross on Velazquez's clothing represents what organization? Hint

The Order of Salamanca

The Painter's Guild

The Order of Santiago

The Order of Merlin

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Nov 03 2024 : Luckycharm60: 10/10
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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. "Las Meninas" was painted by which of the following artists?

Answer: Diego Velazquez

Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez was born in Seville in 1599 and rose to the position of court artist for Phillip IV. The other artists listed are also of Spanish origin.

2. It can be found in which of the following museums?

Answer: Museo del Prado, Madrid

Las Meninas takes up an entire wall, in a room full of other masterpieces by Velazquez. Being in this room of the Prado is a very humbling experience!

3. The primary character in the painting is clearly the girl in the center. What is her name?

Answer: the Infanta Margarita

Even though the Infanta Margarita is surrounded by figures who are larger than she, the spectator's eyes are drawn to her. Maribarbola is the name of the dwarf on the right side of the painting, and the other two choices are made-up.

4. Who is shown painting a picture on the left side of the canvas?

Answer: Diego Velazquez, himself

It is a self-portrait. In this painting, he essentially painted himself into the Royal Family. Juan de Pareja was Velazquez's servant, Phillip IV the King by whom he was employed, and Goya a Spanish painter very influenced by Velazquez.

Answer: All of these are possible

This is a mystery. Is it just a painting? It doesn't look like one. Is it a mirror reflecting the King and Queen who are standing and watching the scene? If so, then where is the spectator? Right next to the King and Queen? That seems like a very forward-thinking idea.

Then again, perhaps it is a mirror reflecting the painting which is being painted on the left side of the canvas. Then who are Diego Velazquez, the Infanta Margarita, and Maribarbola looking at??

6. All of this talk about Las Meninas is fascinating, but what does the title actually mean?

Answer: The Maids of Honor

Interesting that the painting is named after the two girls who are tending to the Infanta Margarita. It makes the spectator continue to ponder what the painting is all about.

7. The spectator's eye really is never drawn to the entire upper section of the painting. What are hanging on the wall above the scene?

Answer: Paintings by Velazquez's son

Had you even noticed that there is an upper part of the painting? Interesting that there is a whole section in which nothing is "happening..."

8. Las Meninas reflects a particular affinity of Velazquez's for painting which of the following?

Answer: Dwarves

Upon visiting the Prado, you will notice that the room that houses Las Meninas has just as many paintings of Little People as it does of royalty. Velazquez painted these members of the royal household with respect and dignity, and in a somber manner, so as not to provoke laughter. Cats, French royalty, and (for the most part) the color red do not appear in Las Meninas, nor did Velazquez have a particular affinity for painting them.

Answer: The Infanta Margarita's skirt

When you stand far back enough and look at the "Las Meninas" through a mirror, the Infanta's skirt seems to come out of the canvas. It is just one part of the magic of the painting!

10. The red cross on Velazquez's clothing represents what organization?

Answer: The Order of Santiago

This was painted onto Velazquez's self portrait after his death. Legend says that it was painted by Juan de Pareja, his faithful servant and student.

I hope that you have learned from this quiz... but it only explores a tiny fraction of the majesty of the painting. Take some time to look at the painting and let it inspire you.

Source: Author rkirzner

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