Masterpiece Trivia Quiz

Answer: Michelangelo

Found in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, The Pieta by Michelangelo, is a magnificent example of marble sculpture. This work shows the dead body of Jesus, cradled in the lap of his mother, The Virgin Mary. In 1972 a mentally disturbed man attacked this work of art with a geologist's hammer while claiming that he, himself, was Jesus.

The statue underwent careful restoration and is one of the first sculptures to be seen when entering the Basilica.

Answer: Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) was one of history's most prolific artists, producing over 4,000 pieces of art in his lifetime. His work was seen on the covers of Boys Life, Life Magazine, The Country Gentleman and, most notably, The Saturday Evening Post. His work depicted American culture, patriotism, and family life.

Answer: Auguste Rodin

The Kiss is an 1889 marble sculpture created by the world-famous French sculptor, Auguste Rodin. The sculpture is thought to depict the lead female character in Dante's "Inferno", who falls in love with her husband's brother. Despite the name, the two people depicted are not actually kissing, just like in the book in which they die without ever consummating their love.

Answer: WWII

"The Sistine Madonna" is often considered to be one of Raphael's greatest works. It is just one of the many European artworks that were stolen, lost, or destroyed during World War II. For many years it held the record for the highest price paid for a painting.

It was smuggled out of Germany and ended up in the hands of the Russians, who finally returned it to the German people in 1955, after the death of Stalin. The cherubs seen at the bottom may be the most recognizable feature of the painting.

Answer: Grandma Moses

This untitled work is one of the earliest works painted by Anna Mary Robertson Moses, better known as Grandma Moses. Despite not having any training her work is displayed in the White House, as well as in museums around the world. Norman Rockwell used her image in his painting "Christmas Homecoming" which appeared on the cover of the "Saturday Evening Post" on Dec. 25, 1948.

The character of Granny in the popular 1960's television show "The Beverly Hillbillies" was named Daisy Moses in tribute to Grandma Moses who passed away shortly before the show began. Most of her work depicts landscapes, still life, and the routine activities of everyday life.

Answer: The dining room in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent

To see the beautiful painting known as "The Last Supper" by Da Vinci, you would have to visit the dining room, or refectory in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent in Milan, Italy. Many people mistakenly think that this painting is a fresco that was painted onto wet plaster.

Instead, this artwork was applied to dry plaster and then covered with a layer of tempera. The painting is in terrible condition because of the method used to paint it. The dry fresco technique used to make this masterpiece started decaying within about 50 years.

Answer: It was a cigar advertisement

This oil painting is just one of a group of 16 oil paintings made by C.M. Coolidge for Brown & Bigelow Cigars. All the paintings anthropomorphize dogs, depicting them in a variety of daily activities. These paintings are famous more for their original topic than for the technique used to create them.

Answer: Woodcarving

Woodcarving is an ancient art form found all over the world. It can consist of a carving on a panel of wood, such as the artwork depicted, or it can be a three dimensional sculpture. Any type of wood can be used, depending on the effect desired. These pieces of art can be found in museums and churches around the world.

Answer: Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw is a maritime art form that consists of intricate carvings using the teeth and/or tusks of various aquatic animals. The tusks of adult male walrus are often used. The powder horn depicted shows an intricately-carved map of the northeastern area of North America and the North Atlantic. Silver, wood, and semi-precious stones are sometimes used for additional decoration.

Answer: Tapestry

Tapestry is considered a textile art and can be woven on almost any type of loom, although a vertical loom is usually used. Wool, cotton, silk, silver, and gold threading may be used. Popular topics are religious, historical, or royal figures and events.

Although tapestry may be used on the floor as a rug, it is usually hung on the wall for decoration, and sometimes for insulation against outside weather.