Art 3

Which of the following civilizations existed FIRST?

• Archaic Greece

• Minoan

• Mycenean

• Rome

• Cycladic

Answer explanation

The Cycladic civilization was the first of three progenitors to the ancient Greeks in the Aegean Sea (the other two being the Minoans and Myceneans). The Romans came to prominence later than all four of the Aegean civilizations. [13,1,1]

The Minoan civilization flourished on the island of

• Crete

• Sardinia

• Sicily

• Cyprus

• Malta

Answer explanation

The heart of the Minoan civilization was Knossos on the island of Crete. This city housed a great royal palace that was the origin point for the myth of the Minotaur. [13,1,2]

Which of the following art forms was NOT prevalent in the Cycladic civilization?

• marble bowls

• iron pendants

• nude sculptures

• pottery

• marble jars

Answer explanation

The Cycladic civilization produced ornate pottery, marble bowls and jars, and sculptures representing nude women. They would not have had access to iron production in this time period (3200-2000 BCE). [13,1,1]

The Minoans’ greatest architectural projects were the construction of several

• schools

• palaces

• temples

• hospitals

• obelisks

Answer explanation

The Minoans constructed four grand palaces. These were clearly built for prestige and decoration above practicality, as they served little defensive function. [13,1,2]

How did Archaic Greek art differ MOST from that of the ancient Egyptians?

• Archaic Greek art used wood as its primary medium.

• Archaic Greek art abandoned the frontal pose common in Egyptian works.

• Archaic Greek art prioritized accurate depiction of human features.

• Archaic Greek artworks often used iron.

• Archaic Greek art was almost exclusively two-dimensional.

Answer explanation

While both the Archaic Greeks and ancient Egyptians used the frontal pose, Archaic Greek marble and limestone sculptures prioritized a closer reflection of human features. [13,2,1]

“Contrapposto” is BEST described as a technique in which a

• stark contrast between light and dark is present

• dense group of lines is used to create shading effects

• horizontal beam is laid on top of two vertical posts

• figure leans on one leg to create a greater sense of realism

• plate is exposed to acid

Answer explanation

Contrapposto, or “counter positioning”, attempts to create a more realistic human figure by having the figure lean onto one leg. The ancient Greeks pioneered this method. [13,2,3]

The Parthenon’s restoration is the most famous architectural achievement of the

• Archaic Period

• Early Classical Period

• Hellenistic Period

• Middle Classical Period

• Late Classical Period

Answer explanation

The Parthenon has been an emblem of Western art and architecture for nearly 2,500 years. After its ruin by Persian invaders in 480 BCE, the Parthenon’s 447 BCE restoration is now considered one of the high points of the Greek Middle Classical Period. [14,1,0]

Which of the following regions had the MOST significant influence on Greek culture during the Hellenistic Period?

• Gaul

• Iberia

• Asia Minor

• Roman Italy

• northern Europe

Answer explanation

The Hellenistic Period led to cultural overlap as Greeks absorbed elements of foreign art from the East through their contact with Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). This period led to the creation of the Venus de Milo. [14,1,1]

Modern art historians’ primary sources for Etruscan art are

• major temples

• rural villas

• public baths

• drawing schools

• decorated tombs

Answer explanation

Most information modern art historians possess about the Etruscans comes from their tombs. This is in large part because they constructed most of their buildings out of perishable wood and brick. [14,1,2]

The ancient Romans pioneered the use of

• iron

• bricks

• concrete

• marble

• limestone

Answer explanation

The Romans’ pioneering use of concrete played a major role in their architectural achievements. Concrete allowed them to connect stones more easily and thus construct larger buildings. [14,2,2]