Art History on Portraits

16 The reader can conclude from the information in paragraph 3 that Stuart —

• worried that his portrait would not please Washington

• was determined to create a portrait of Washington

• was nervous in the presence of Washington

• shared similar interests with Washington

17 The author includes the details in paragraph 5 most likely to —

• explain why this particular portrait of Washinton is so well known

• express regret that the painting of Washington became famous only after Stuart's death

• demonstrate that Washington was an important figure in history

• emphasize that most of Washington's portraits were left unfinished

What is the best summary of the selection?

• In 1796 painter Gilbert Stuart had the opportunity to paint a portrait of George Washington. It had been difficult to arrange time for the two men to get together. While Stuart painted Washington, the two men talked about horses.

• The most famous portrait of George Washington was painted by Gilbert Stuart, who lived from 1755 to 1828. Stuart painted portraits of other famous people as well. He never finished his portrait of Washington, but Stuart kept the original and sold copies of it anyway.

• An accomplished painter who completed hundreds of portraits, Gilbert Stuart lived from 1755 to 1828. Stuart wanted the subjects of his portraits to feel relaxed so that he could

  create a portrait of them that looked natural. One of Stuart’s most famous paintings is a portrait of President George Washington.

• During his career Gilbert Stuart painted portraits of many famous people, including George Washington. Although Stuart was unable to complete a portrait of Washington during the time they had together in 1796, the work became the most popular portrait of Washington ever painted.

Even unfinished, Stuart’s original portrait is considered the definitive representation of George Washington. People have always believed that the portrait truly captures this great man’s presence. The image was used on the dollar bill beginning in 1869 and has been featured there ever since. This means just about everyone in the United States has seen this work of art. While it is an amazing portrait, surely even Stuart would be amazed by its lasting popularity. The author includes the details in most likely to-

• explain why this particular portrait of Washington is so well known

• express regret that the painting of Washington became famous only after Stuart’s death

• demonstrate that Washington was an important figure in history

• emphasize that most of Washington’s portraits were left unfinished

Stuart was a painter who lived from 1755 to 1828. He was known for both his talent as a painter and his charm as a person. He painted the portraits of approximately 1,000 people during his lifetime. Many distinguished and famous people sat for a portrait with him. But instead of making his subjects sit perfectly still, as was commonly practiced at the time, Stuart engaged them in interesting conversation. He wanted his subjects to feel at ease in order to capture their most natural expression and pose. Only then would Stuart paint the person. Which words from paragraph 2 help the reader understand the meaning of engaged?

• charm as a person

• sat for a portrait

• practiced at the time

• interesting conversation

Even unfinished, Stuart’s original portrait is considered the definitive representation of George Washington. People have always believed that the portrait truly captures this great man’s presence. The image was used on the dollar bill beginning in 1869 and has been featured there ever since. This means just about everyone in the United States has seen this work of art. While it is an amazing portrait, surely even Stuart would be amazed by its lasting popularity. The author includes the details in paragraph 5 most likely to —

• explain why this particular portrait of Washington is so well known

• express regret that the painting of Washington became famous only after Stuart’s death

• demonstrate that Washington was an important figure in history

• emphasize that most of Washington’s portraits were left unfinished

Which of the following best describes the primary focus of portrait art in history?

• A) Capturing the physical likeness of the subject

• B) Depicting the subject's social status

• C) Expressing the artist's personal style

• D) Conveying the subject's personality and essence

In the context of art history, what does the term 'portraiture' refer to?

• A) The art of landscape painting

• B) The depiction of inanimate objects

• C) The creation of images of individuals

• D) The use of abstract forms

Which of the following is a common characteristic of Renaissance portraits?

• A) Use of vibrant colors and abstract forms

• B) Focus on religious themes

• C) Realistic representation and attention to detail

• D) Emphasis on modern and contemporary styles

What is the significance of the Mona Lisa in the history of portrait art?

• A) It is the first known portrait in history

• B) It represents the epitome of abstract art

• C) It is renowned for its use of perspective and expression

• D) It was the first portrait to use oil paints