'T'errific Art Terms Trivia Quiz

Answer: Tessera

The tesserae used to create the beautiful mosaics of the Byzantine period (and indeed other periods as well) were typically made from stone, glass, marble or other natural elements. The name tessera comes from the Greek 'tessares', meaning 'four'. This refers to the typically square shape of tesserae. Some of the most amazing mosaics in history can be found in various churches in Ravenna, Italy, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and in St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.

Answer: Triptych

The term for a two-compartmented painting or carving is called a diptych, which comes from the Greek 'diptukhos' (folded in two). It is also possible to have more than three panels, in which case the work would be referred to as a polyptych. Some examples of triptychs include the van Eyck brothers' 'Altarpiece at Ghent', Bosch's 'Garden of Earthly Delights' and Monet's 'Water Lilies'.

Answer: Transept

The point at which the transepts meet the nave in a cruciform church or basilica is called the crossing. In early Christian basilicas the transepts were typically right up near the apse of the building, while in later Christian architecture the transepts were brought more towards the middle of the building to create the sense of a cross-shape.

Answer: Forger

For the most part, the label of 'truqueur' (one who practices 'trucage', a French term) is not a happy one. However, it must be noted that forgery has been a part of the art world for many centuries, and the art of copying the works of others is not necessarily a dishonorable one (in fact, this is part of the learning process).

This is especially the case with Chinese art, where it was actually encouraged that painters emulate the style and composition of their masters. It is said that even Michelangelo indulged in forgery at one point in his career, creating a sculpture of 'antiquity' and selling it to a cardinal, who later destroyed it when he found out that the piece wasn't genuine!

Answer: Tondo

It should come as no surprise to learn that the Italian word 'tondo' literally means 'round object'. The most famous tondo painting was the 'Doni Tondo', by Michelangelo. This painting can be viewed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Answer: Visual illusion

The term 'trompe l'oeil' literally means 'deceives the eye'. This technique has been used for centuries, dating back to the classical period (and most likely, beyond.) It has been a favorite of artists who appreciate the humor of things, and many clever stories have been told of trompe l'oeil paintings. My favorite 'trompe l'oeil'-related anecdote involves the ancient Greek artists Parrhasius and Zeuxis.

Answer: Tachisme

The word 'tache' is French for spot or stain. Largely a French phenomenon, the practitioners of tachisme included Fautrier, Riopelle (Canadian), Soulages and Mathieu. Tachisme is also sometimes called 'Art Informel' by art historians.

Answer: Brownish-red

Terracotta clay is most commonly a brownish-red color, so much so that the term has become synonymous with the that shade of red. However, terracotta can be found in various other colors, depending on its chemical composition (most notably depending on the amount of iron-oxide present). Terracotta work goes unglazed; it has been the favorite material historically for models made for sculptural or architectural purposes.

Answer: Turpentine

The very pungent 'spirits of turpentine' (or 'oil of turpentine') are used to dilute or thin oil paints, for varnishes, or as an ingredient in liniments. Turpentine is ultimately a product of pine and other related trees, and can be quite hazardous to your health, so be careful using it!

Answer: Egg yolk

From the 13th to the 15th centuries, tempera was the most oft-used technique for panel painting, only being abandoned when the use of oil paints became common. Most typically, egg yolks were mixed with a pigment-water concoction to create tempera paints. Some American artists revived the use of tempera in the 20th century, most notably Wyeth. Thank you for having tried this quiz. If you enjoyed it, I invite you to try the many others like it in the 'art terms' sub-section of the art category (found in the 'Humanities' category!)