Sample Test 3 - Answers

For Question 1

1. Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the symbolism found in this painting?
a. The bride is revered for her purity and virginity - In order for the bride to be "revered for her purity" there would have to be a lily present in the painting
b. The eye of God watches and blesses this wedding - Single candle in the chandelier
c. This marriage is based on fidelity - That goofy little dog in the foreground
d. Like Adam in the garden, all man is sinful - Look on the windowsill
e. This home is/will be cared for by the domestic arts - See the whisk-broom on the back wall?

For Questions 2 - 3

2.Which pagan god is celebrated in this painting?
a. Jove
b. Bacchus
c. Athena
d. Apollo
e. Perseus

Remember? Bacchus/Dionysus the gods of wine. Passion and the irrational. …how about the party god.

3. Which of the following symbols is present in this painting?
a. Chastity
b. Vice
c. Loyalty
d. Good Fortune
e. Folly

For Questions 4 - 5

4. Who sculpted this work?
a. Michelangelo
b. Da Vinci
c. Bruegel
d. Sluter
e. Bronzino

5. Which of the following ancient masters was most influential on the artist that sculpted this work?
a. Phidias
b. Polyclitus
c. Polygonidius
d. Praxiteles
e. Mnesicles

For Questions 6 - 7

6. Each of the following philosophical statements may indeed be true theologically, but one can not be seen reflected in the symbolism of this painting. Which of the following statements is NOT supported by the symbolism of the painting?
a. The decay of the world necessitated the birth of Jesus. - See the ruins?
b. The shepherds hear of the birth due to their faithfulness. - The dog by the shepherds…the shepherd further back has his hands raised in the air as in "sore afraid…"
c. The holy spirit graces the birth of Christ. - Dove above
d. The divine martyrdom of Christ is foreshadowed at his birth. - There would have to be a palm branch
e. The eye of God witnessed the birth. - OK…I'll grant you this: This one is hard to see. Look in the foreground bottom right corner. It looks like a jug with a stick-like handle. Believe it or not, that's a candle….what, you expected moonshine? Fact is, a single candle in the Nativity is not all that uncommon and as you are discovering sometimes it's best to know what to expect in certain settings.

7. Which of the following is the best title for the narration?
a. Annunciation
b. Descent/Deposition
c. Pieta
d. The Excommunication
e. Nativity

Remember to learn all the narratives associated with the life of Christ.

8. It is the year 1537, and you have just finished a wonderful meal (including a generous amount of adult beverages) in the London home of a good friend. The hostess now brings out the part-books and handing each a copy requests that everyone sing. What type of music are you about to sing?
a. Saltarello
b. Mass
c. Chanson
d. Madrigal
e. Motet

9. And while we're at it... whose music are you about to sing in the above example?
a. Arcadelt
b. Farmer
c. Palestrina
d. Marenzio
e. Lassus

What's it's really asking for is an English madrigal composer.

10. What is used symbolically at the end of the Book of the Courtier?
a. Burning candle
b. A kiss
c. Light
d. A dove
e. A ritual death imposed on everyone who had to read it!

Humanities Resource of Mark Hunter