AP Art History : Understanding terminology that describes nineteenth-century sculpture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Nineteenth Century Sculpture

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris monumentalizes French soldiers by referencing __________.

Possible Answers:

Greek temples

Roman triumphal monuments

Egyptian statuary

Medieval cathedrals

Correct answer:

Roman triumphal monuments

Explanation:

L'Arc de Triomphe, in English the Triumph Arch, was begun in 1806 during Napoleon Bonaparte's rule to recognize the sacrifice of French soldiers during the Revolutionary Wars. Through a series of governmental changes, the project went on under the supervision of many architects, all of whom kept the general theme of a Roman triumphal arch for the project. Completed in the 1830s, the Arc remains one of the key symbols of Paris, commemorating French heroism in different ways.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Nineteenth Century Sculpture

Dega bronze sculptures 01102010 natartgallery sofia 09

What is the medium of this sculpture?

Possible Answers:

Ceramic

Bronze

Marble

Ivory

Correct answer:

Bronze

Explanation:

This sculpture is cast in Bronze, a brownish metal with some luster.

This work is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sculptures_by_Edgar_Degas#/media/File:Dega_Bronze_Sculptures_01102010_NatArtGallery_Sofia_09.jpg

Example Question #3 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Nineteenth Century Sculpture

Rodin balzac nasher dallas 1

What technique was used to reproduce this sculpture?

Possible Answers:

Bas-relief

Lost wax

Spin casting

Incarnation

Correct answer:

Lost wax

Explanation:

Rodin frequently used the lost wax technique to produce many of his bronze sculptures. The technique involved making a negative of an existing sculpture, that is then filled with wax that is replaced with bronze as the metal is poured into the cast.

Work is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rodin_Balzac_Nasher_Dallas_1.jpg

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