AP Art History : AP Art History

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #182 : Sculpture

What was the function of The Stele of Hammurabi?

Milkau oberer teil der stele mit dem text von hammurapis gesetzescode 369 2

Possible Answers:

It gave directions to the nearest kingdoms

It told the origin story of the sun god, Shamash

It contained a listing of all of the people who lived in Hammurabi's kingdom

It listed a code of laws for the people under Hammurabi's rule to follow

It issued a warning to any potential invaders to turn back, or else face Hammurabi's army

Correct answer:

It listed a code of laws for the people under Hammurabi's rule to follow

Explanation:

The Stele of Hammurabi lists out a code of laws for the people of Babylon to follow. There are over 300 law entries written out in the work.

Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png

Example Question #1 : Near Eastern Sculpture

Which one of the following cannot be found in the Palette of King Narmer?

Possible Answers:

Composite pose

Animal symbolism

Hieroglyphic inscription

Hieratic scale

Atmospheric perspective

Correct answer:

Atmospheric perspective

Explanation:

Hieratic scale is demonstrated by Narmer's overwhelming stature in comparison to the figures around him. Phonetic hieroglyphs at the center top of each side identify the name of the king. The bull symbolizes the power of the king. Many figures are portrayed in the composite pose: heads and legs are shown in profile while eyes and torsos are rendered frontally.

Example Question #2 : Near Eastern Sculpture

What medium was known for producing the Egyptian Blue sculptures of Ancient Egypt?

Possible Answers:

Ceramic

Turquoise

Terracotta

Faience

Lapis Lazuli

Correct answer:

Faience

Explanation:

Faience is the glazed medium that is responsible for the Egyptian Blue found in many Egyptian sculptures. Though Lapis Lazuli is known for its ultramarine color, similar to faience, it was not used often due to its scarcity.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Near Eastern Sculpture

Who are the two people depicted in The Stele of Hammurabi?

Milkau oberer teil der stele mit dem text von hammurapis gesetzescode 369 2

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png)

Possible Answers:

Shamash, the king, and the sun god Hammurabi.

Sargon, the king, and the sun god Ashur.

Hammurabi, the king, and the sun god Shamash.

Tutankhamen, the king, and the sun god Amun-Ra.

Alexander the Great, and the sun god Trajan.

Correct answer:

Hammurabi, the king, and the sun god Shamash.

Explanation:

Depicted in this stele are the king, Hammurabi, and the sun god, Shamash.  Shamash is shown here delivering the text of the message on the stele to Hammurabi.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Near Eastern Sculpture

What culture was The Stele of Hammurabi associated with?

Milkau oberer teil der stele mit dem text von hammurapis gesetzescode 369 2

Possible Answers:

Egyptians

Aztecs

Persians

Babylonians

Assyrians

Correct answer:

Babylonians

Explanation:

The Stele of Hammurabi is associated with the Babylonians, and dates back to 1792-1750 BCE.

Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png

Example Question #1 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Near Eastern Sculpture

What is this object called?

Milkau oberer teil der stele mit dem text von hammurapis gesetzescode 369 2

Possible Answers:

A cella

An apadana

A ziggurat

Cuneiform writing

A stele

Correct answer:

A stele

Explanation:

This is a stele, or a stone slab used as a site marker. This particular one (The Stele of Hammurabi) was put in a centralized meeting spot in town so that all could read its message.

Image in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png

Example Question #1 : Oceanian Sculpture

The large statues made from volcanic ash known as moai are found on __________.

Possible Answers:

the Hawaiian Islands

Samoa

Easter Island

Christmas Island

Correct answer:

Easter Island

Explanation:

The moai of Easter Island are the small eastern Polynesian Island's most famous monuments, 887 statues with giant heads that are placed all around the island. While sharing much in common with other Polynesian sculpture, the remoteness of Easter Island and its intense tribal warfare make these symbolic monuments to ancestors larger and more stylized than other similar pieces of art.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Oceanian Sculpture

What were the feathered capes (or cloaks) worn by Hawaiian noble men called?

Possible Answers:

'i'iwi cape

garments of the gods

nobility cape

'ahu'ula

 olona

Correct answer:

'ahu'ula

Explanation:

The cloaks were called 'ahu'ula. These were capes made of red, yellow, and black feathers. They were worn during both ceremonies and battles. 

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Oceanian Sculpture

The Malangan figures were not involved in ___________.

Possible Answers:

birthing rituals

affirming clan group identities

honoring the dead

negotiating land rights

Correct answer:

birthing rituals

Explanation:

The Malangan figures were single use sculptures made in an island of Papua New Guinea for malangan, a set of rituals that were used to say goodbye to the dead, affirm clan identities, and negotiate land rights.

Example Question #1 : Analyzing Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ionic order temple construction?

Possible Answers:

A narrow and stylized column

Alternating triglyphs and metopes in the frieze

A tiered base at the bottom of the column

A decorative and often elaborate volute

Relief sculpture running the length of the frieze 

Correct answer:

Alternating triglyphs and metopes in the frieze

Explanation:

Triglyphs and metopes are a characteristic of the doric order temple, but were abandoned by the time the ionic order became the favored architectural tradition in favor of an uninterrupted frieze that could house relief sculpture. 

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors