Art History Experts Know All of the Images in This Quiz — Do You?

Gavin Thagard

Image: Wiki Commons by bgEuwDxel93-Pg at Google Cultural Institute, Museum of Modern Art

About This Quiz

Lines, shapes, color palettes, themes, and motifs: a lot goes into a work of art to take it from being just another painting or sculpture to being a piece of world history that should be respected and studied, but what does make it into the latter category certainly has a way of drawing our attention and interest. How well do you know some of history's greatest works of art? Here's a quiz where you can find out. 

Even if the field wasn't defined, the study of art has been around as long as the practice itself. In fact, as soon as artwork is produced, it's already being critiqued by its viewers, giving everyone a level of responsibility when it comes to art and the artist. After all, it's typically art that draws the most attention that finds its way into the pages of history books, as those works have a way of changing our perception of what moves us and how art relates to life.

Are you ready to test out your art history knowledge by identifying both classical and contemporary pieces? Can you name the work of Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and post-impressionists like Vincent van Gogh, along with many more?

When you're done being a critic and ready to take on the role of a historian, get started with this quiz on the most important works in art history! 

Do you recognize this painting that was stolen from the Oslo National Gallery in 1994?

"The Scream" represents Edvard Munch's attempt to project the emotions associated with death and love. In the art piece, the viewer can feel the emotions tied to the scream as it morphs the world around the skeletal figure emitting it.

This mural by Leonardo da Vinci can be found in the Santa Maria delle Grazie. What's it called?

In "Last Supper," Leonardo da Vinci captures the moment where Christ tells his followers that one of them will betray him. Because of the materials used on the painting where he applied pigments to dry plaster, preserving it has been difficult over the years, and the work is in poor condition today.

Can you identify this oil painting that was created by Johannes Vermeer during the Dutch Golden Age?

"Girl with a Pearl Earring" demonstrates Johannes Vermeer's mastery of light, which is shown to be hitting the girl from her left. The light provides a softness to her face and illuminates the large pearl earring she wears.

Painted from an asylum room at Saint-Remy-de-Provence, what's this painting known as?

Vincent van Gogh painted "Starry Night" only a year before the early death of the talented artist. He died in 1890 of a self-inflected gunshot wound to the chest, which he initially survived only to later die of infection.

Created during Gustav Klimt's "Golden Period," do you know the name of this painting?

Gustav Klimt painted "The Kiss" after receiving criticism for his three part series "Klimt University of Vienna Ceiling Paintings," which was viewed as pornographic. "The Kiss," on the other hand, was well received, becoming his most popular work.

Can you name this marble sculpture created by the Renaissance master Michelangelo?

Using a single block of marble, Michelangelo created "David" when he was only 26 years old. The artwork was intended to sit on the roof of the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, but it was too large to lift and ended up in the Palazzo della Signoria.

Inspired by a small town in Iowa, can you name this painting that was first exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago?

"American Gothic" was the result of Grant Wood's desire to rebel against the abstract art associated with Europe and New York. Relying on the Regionalism movement of the Midwest, Wood created a work that used realism to make it more relatable for viewers.

Can you name this painting that came from Antwerp's leading master in the 1500s?

"Money-Changer and His Wife," created by Quinten Massys, can be viewed in the light of early developments in capitalism. The painting shows how Christian society in the Netherlands began to ignore their religious duties for earthly pleasures.

What painting is this that captures the look of a downtown diner in the early 1940s?

Edward Hopper hoped to capture the attitude of the Great Depression with his work when he returned from studying in Europe. "Nighthawks" is one such example where he relied on a still scene full of empty spaces to bring about a feeling of isolation.

Little is known about the origin of this painting other than its artist, Sandro Botticelli. Do you know its title?

Most art historians believe that "Birth of Venus" was commissioned by the Medici family, a wealthy Italian family known for their love of art. Works like this became controversial because of their association with worldly pleasures, evident by the wealth the Medici family had acquired.

Influenced by early 20th century French art, what Japanese painting is this?

Fujishima Takeji produced "Sunrise Over the Eastern Sea" after receiving a commission to provide a decorative piece for the Showa Emperor's study. Since the commission was coming at the beginning of the emperor's accession, Takeji decided to rely on the sunrise as an inspiration.

One of the most important paintings from the Italian Renaissance, this painting was given what name?

Unlike previous artists, Michelangelo moved away from the traditional way of depicting the creation of Adam as a glorified event. Instead, in his "Creation of Adam," the moment that life is given to the first man is crafted with a humanistic touch.

A painting created by Antoine-Jean Gros, this oil on canvas painting is referred to as what?

Trying to gain the favor of the ruler of France, Antoine-Jean Gros painted "Napoleon at the Pesthouse at Jaffa" as a mythic tale of Napoleon Bonaparte during the height of his reign. The painting depicts an incident where a disease decimated part of Napoleon's army during the Near Eastern campaigns.

This famous political artwork by Pablo Picasso is called what?

Pablo Picasso wasn't afraid to shy away from the political with his work, and "Guernica" is a perfect example, depicting his views on the Nazi bombing of Guernica in 1937. The painting shows how innocent people are affected by the tragedies of war.

Can you identify this artwork that shows both the horrors and necessity of the French Revolution of 1830?

Eugene Delacroix used Romantic feelings associated with the early-19th century to tell both classical and contemporary stories with his art. "Liberty Leading the People" is an example of a contemporary event, where he was able to capture Liberty in an allegorical manner as she leads a charge forward.

Are you able to identify this work that depicts a Spanish massacre?

By 1808, Spanish citizens were tired of their new French occupiers, leading to a deadly clash between the citizens and the French soldiers. When the rebellion was finally suppressed, the French soldiers executed unarmed civilians, which is shown in Goya's "Third of May, 1808."

This painting depicts the subject of a Shakespearean play. Do you know its title?

John Everett Millais was obsessed with the visual reality that can be found in nature, recording every detail he possibly could. In "Ophelia," this style is evident as Millais brings a fictional story to life.

What do you call this major example of the pointillist genre of paintings?

Originally exhibited in Paris, "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" required a considerable amount of effort from Georges Seurat to complete. Even before starting the painting, the artist created a series of drawings and oil sketches to guide him through the process.

Do you know the name of this art piece that captures the life of ordinary people?

Part of the Realism movement of the late-19th century,"The Thankful Poor" moved away from artwork that only followed the lives of the higher classes of society. Using contrasting shadows, the painting shows the deep concentration of the older man against the thankful expression of the younger boy.

This painting satirizing the middle-class in England is called what?

By the 18th century, England had a growing middle-class that was becoming increasingly prosperous in their country. One of six paintings from "Marriage a la Mode," William Hogarth's work "Breakfast Scene" depicts how money affected the morals of this middle class.

Pieter Bruegel uses his mastery of landscapes to create this work known as what?

A master of contrasting styles, particularly landscapes, Pieter Bruegel shows the changing of seasons with his "Hunter in the Snow," which is part of a series of six paintings from the artist. In the painting, Bruegel is able to capture a deep view of the landscape through his use of line and shape.

This art portrait from the Romantic artist Theodore Gericault is called what?

While preparing to paint "Insane Woman," Theodore Gericault studied woman held at insane asylums as well as heads from the victims of the guillotine. He did this because he believed that character was best revealed during a state of madness or right at the point of death.

An influential work in the Neoclassical style that arose in the late-18th century, do you recognize this painting?

Jacques-Louis David was a master at using noble events from the past to inspire virtue during the time he lived. "Oath of the Horatii" tells the story of three sons from Rome who swear an oath to fight to the death for their city, but they are oblivious to their female relatives who mourn in the background.

Do you recognize this painting that depicts a story from the Book of Judges in the Bible?

"Jael and Sisera" is an oil on canvas painting created by Artemisia Gentileschi in 1620. The painting tells the Biblical story of Jael driving a tent peg into the head of Sisera, an enemy warlord who was seeking refuge from the Israelites.

Joseph Wright was influenced by the Scientific Revolution in this piece of art known as what?

The Scientific Revolution was at its height in the 18th century, influencing both thought and art around the world. Using science as a theme and dramatic candlelight, Joseph Wright shows how the planets revolve around the sun in "A Philosopher Gives a Lecture at the Orrery."

Paolo Veronese used classical architecture in many of his works such as this one. What's it called?

"Christ in the House of Levi" was created by Paolo Veronese to be displayed in the dining hall at Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice. The art piece was going to be called "Last Supper," but the Holy Office of the Inquisition accused Veronese of impiety because of those painted around Christ, forcing him to change the name.

A painting that's recognized for its use of light and shadow, can you identify this work by Rembrandt?

In "Night Watch," Rembrandt brings to life a civic-guard group as they prepare for a parade that's about to take place. The artist brilliantly animates the scene in a fashion that displays excitement through the use of contrasting movements by the characters depicted.

Depicting Christ during one of his sermons, what's the title of this print by Rembrandt van Rijn?

Rembrandt van Rijn became a master of prints, where he used both etching and engravings to create his works. "Christ with the Sick around Him, Receiving the Children" is one such example that relies on contrasting light and dark to draw attention to Christ.

Capturing the transition of city life, can you recall the name of this Impressionist painting by Gustave Caillebotte?

By 1877, when "Paris: A Rainy Day" was finished, the city of Paris had gone through a major transitional period. Under Napoleon III, Paris was largely remodeled to accommodate the growing population in the city, which had reached nearly 1.5 million residents.

What's the title of this mysterious painting by Diego Velazquez that was created during the Baroque period in Spain?

"Las Meninas" has become famous for its obscure meaning, which has left art historians confused for years. Much of the confusion lies in the mirror, which shows the reflection of King Philip IV and Queen Mariana, where they appear to be in the viewer's space of the painting.

Have you studied enough art to name this masterpiece by Raphael that was commissioned by Pope Julius II?

"School of Athens" was painted by the Renaissance painter Raphael inside the Palace of the Vatican, which was an important painting commission to be given by the pope. The painting was intended to make the pope not only look like a religious figure but as a man of knowledge as well.

An example of American Modernism, this artwork is known by which title?

"A Storm" is a pastel on paper artwork created by the American-born artist Georgia O'Keeffe. In a scene using dramatic expression, O'Keeffe creates an image that contrasts the deep blues of the water with the yellow and red outline of a lightning strike.

A ceiling fresco located in the nave of Sant'Ignazio in Rome, can you name this artwork?

A lay brother of the Jesuit order, Fra Andrea Pozzo created "Glorification of Saint Ignatius" as a dedication to the founder of the Jesuit order. The ceiling decoration extends the church's architecture, as it gives off the illusion that it's opening up to Heaven.

What's the name of this piece of art created to show the contrast in the American character of 1860?

America was facing a bloody Civl War when Frederic Church painted "Twilight in the Wilderness" in 1860. The painting emphasizes an idealistic and peaceful view of a country torn apart by a growing internal conflict.

Do you recognize this work created by Rosa Bonheur after studying animal anatomy?

Rosa Bonheur spent over a year sketching the design for "The Horse Fair" at a horse market in Paris on Boulevard de I'Hopital. To avoid attention that might come her way, she dressed as a man while attending the market.

Painted by the still-life artist Pieter Claesz, what's the name of the piece of Dutch art?

Dutch painters in the 17th century used art to depict the triviality of worldly pleasures by referencing them to death. "Vanitas Still Life" is one such example, where the beauty of the objects are countered by the presence of a skull and a cracked walnut.

One of Jan Vermeer's interior masterpieces, name this piece of art?

Jan Vermeer used his artwork to give viewers a glimpse of the peaceful and comfortable life associated with citizens of the United Provinces. In "The Letter," Vermeer places the viewer outside of a drawn curtain to create the sense of a private scene happening inside.

This dramatic piece of Italian art is noted for its use of perspective. What's it called?

"Conversion on the Way to Damascus" depicts the moment Saint Paul was converted to follow Christ. Unlike most religious painting from the time, Caravaggio tries a different approach with his religious scene, drawing viewers in by putting them as close as possible to the action.

Can you identify this piece of art created by Louise Bourgeois around the theme of infidelity?

Seven total versions of "Maman" were created after a commission was given to Louise Bourgeois by The Unilever Series. The original version was sculpted from steel, while the remaining six are made of bronze.

Depicting Mary, the mother of Jesus, in a realistic manner, do you know the name of this painting by Elisabetta Sirani?

Elisabetta Sirani's "Virgin and Child" varies from previous paintings depicting Mary and Jesus in a much more heavenly way. Instead, here, the mother and child share a humanly glance, as the child prepares to crown his mother, hinting at the notion of her place in God's kingdom.

About HowStuffWorks Play


Explore More Quizzes