Gardner's Art Through The Ages By Helen Gardner! Trivia Quiz Questions
Approved & Edited byProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Have you read Gardner's Art through the Ages by Helen Gardner? This is to go-to a book if you want to expand your knowledge about the journey that art has taken so far. If you have indeed read it, the quiz below shouldn't be too hard for you to tackle, do give it a shot and get to see if you should take another look at the book.
Questions and Answers
1.
A waterworn stone that bears an uncanny resemblance to a human face was found in:
A.
Spain
B.
South America
C.
South Africa
D.
Willendorf
Correct Answer
C. South Africa
Explanation p.16
Rate this question:
2.
Paleolithic means
A.
Old Stone Age
B.
New Stone Age
C.
Middle Stone Age
D.
Big Stone Age
Correct Answer
A. Old Stone Age
Explanation From Greek paleo, "old," and lithos, "stone."
Rate this question:
3.
The fragments of stone plaques found in the Apollo 11 Cave in Namibia had recognizable images of
A.
Humans.
B.
Animals.
C.
Internal organs.
D.
Plants.
Correct Answer
B. Animals.
Explanation p.17
Rate this question:
4.
Animal paintings during the Paleolithic period were presented in ________ views.
A.
Frontal
B.
Aerial
C.
Composite
D.
Profile
Correct Answer
D. Profile
Explanation During the Paleolithic period, animal paintings were presented in profile views. This means that the animals were depicted from the side, showing their outline and features in a side-on perspective. This style of painting allowed for a clear representation of the animal's shape and characteristics, making it easier for early humans to identify and understand the animals they were depicting.
Rate this question:
5.
Which of the following is not a type of stone?
A.
Sandstone
B.
Lintel
C.
Sarsen
D.
Bluestone
Correct Answer
B. Lintel
Explanation a lintel is a stone beam used to span an opening, not a type of stone.
Rate this question:
6.
Stonehenge is located in
A.
France
B.
England
C.
Ireland
D.
Scotland
E.
Iceland
Correct Answer
B. England
Explanation p.28
Rate this question:
7.
A stone beam used to span an opening is a
A.
Trilithons
B.
Spandrel
C.
Heel-stone
D.
Lintel
E.
Cromlech
Correct Answer
D. Lintel
Explanation p.28
Rate this question:
8.
The Venus of Willendorf was discovered in present day
A.
Ethiopia
B.
Austria
C.
Portugal
D.
Germany
E.
Spain
Correct Answer
B. Austria
Explanation p.18
Rate this question:
9.
Because precision in dating is impossible for the Paleolithic era, art
historians usually can be no more specific than assigning an artifact a
range of:
A.
Dozens of years.
B.
A few hundred years.
C.
Several thousand years.
D.
Three to five years.
Correct Answer
C. Several thousand years.
Explanation In the Paleolithic era, dating artifacts with precision is challenging due to the lack of written records and the limited techniques available. Therefore, art historians often have to rely on relative dating methods and assign a broad range to an artifact. "Several thousand years" is the most appropriate answer as it acknowledges the significant time span that can be encompassed within the Paleolithic era, allowing for a more accurate understanding of the artifact's age.
Rate this question:
10.
Relief sculpture can be created by:
A.
Building up forms out of clay.
B.
Cutting into stone blocks or walls.
C.
Neither building up forms out of clay nor cutting into stone blocks or walls.
D.
Building up forms out of clay and cutting into stone blocks or walls.
Correct Answer
D. Building up forms out of clay and cutting into stone blocks or walls.
Explanation Relief sculpture can be created by building up forms out of clay and cutting into stone blocks or walls. This means that artists have the option to either add clay to create a raised surface or carve into a stone surface to create a design that stands out from the background. Both techniques allow for the creation of three-dimensional artwork that can be viewed from different angles.
Rate this question:
11.
The paintings in the cave at Altamira were originally discovered by:
A.
The estate owner.
B.
The estate owner's son.
C.
The estate owner's daughter.
D.
The estate owner's servant.
E.
The estate owner's wife.
Correct Answer
C. The estate owner's daughter.
Explanation p.20
Rate this question:
12.
The bison at Altamira are:
A.
300 to 400 years old.
B.
5,000 to 6,000 years old.
C.
50,000 to 75,000 years old.
D.
13,000 to 14,000 years old.
E.
20,000 to 25,000 years old.
Correct Answer
D. 13,000 to 14,000 years old.
Explanation p.20
Rate this question:
13.
The bison at Altamira are unique because:
A.
They are dead.
B.
They are portrayed in a herd.
C.
They do not stand on a common ground line.
D.
They are separate images, and some are portrayed in an aerial view.
E.
Both C and D.
Correct Answer
E. Both C and D.
Explanation p.20 "floating bison" likely created individually at different times
Rate this question:
14.
A ground line is:
A.
A line on the wall.
B.
A line on the ground.
C.
A painted or carved baseline on which figures rest.
D.
Something else.
Correct Answer
C. A painted or carved baseline on which figures rest.
Explanation p.20
Rate this question:
15.
Paleolithic painters did not use brushes made from:
A.
Bristles.
B.
Twigs.
C.
Bone.
D.
Reeds.
Correct Answer
C. Bone.
Explanation see Materials and Techniques inset on Paleolithic Cave Painting on p.21
Rate this question:
16.
In Paleolithic paintings, representations of human hands are:
A.
Never seen.
B.
Unusual.
C.
Common.
D.
In every painting.
Correct Answer
C. Common.
Explanation In Paleolithic paintings, representations of human hands are common. This is because hand stencils and handprints were frequently depicted in these artworks. These handprints were made by placing the hand against the cave wall and blowing or spraying pigment over it, leaving a negative impression. The prevalence of hand representations suggests that they held significance for the Paleolithic people, possibly as a form of personal or communal identity, or as a way to establish a connection with the spiritual realm.
Rate this question:
17.
The bulls at Lascaux display a twisted perspective because:
A.
The horns are in profile but the bodies are frontal.
B.
The bodies are in profile but the horns are frontal.
C.
The body and horns are shown in profile.
D.
The bodies are shown from aerial view but the horns are in profile.
Correct Answer
B. The bodies are in profile but the horns are frontal.
Explanation p.23, with a twisted perspective, or a composite view, the painter's approach is not consistently optical (seen from a fixed viewpoint) but rather descriptive (in this case it tells the fact that cattle have 2 horns)
Rate this question:
18.
The remains of the oldest known settled communities have been found in:
A.
Syria.
B.
Egypt.
C.
Mesopotamia.
D.
Anatolia.
Correct Answer
C. Mesopotamia.
Explanation The correct answer is Mesopotamia because it is widely recognized as the region where the oldest known settled communities were found. Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq, was home to ancient civilizations such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria. These civilizations developed advanced agricultural techniques, invented writing systems, and built complex cities with organized governments. The discovery of artifacts and archaeological sites in Mesopotamia provides evidence of the earliest forms of human settlement and urbanization in history.
Rate this question:
19.
Innovations of the Neolithic age include:
A.
Metalwork.
B.
Painting.
C.
Metalwork and painting.
D.
Weaving.
E.
Weaving and metalwork.
Correct Answer
E. Weaving and metalwork.
Explanation During the Neolithic age, significant advancements were made in various areas. One of these advancements was in the field of metalwork, where people began to work with metals such as copper and bronze. Another innovation during this time was the development of weaving, which allowed for the creation of textiles and clothing. Therefore, the correct answer is weaving and metalwork, as both of these innovations were present during the Neolithic age.
Rate this question:
20.
The great circular stone tower at Jericho was:
A.
5 feet high.
B.
13 feet high.
C.
18 feet high.
D.
28 feet high.
E.
50 feet high.
Correct Answer
D. 28 feet high.
Explanation The great circular stone tower at Jericho was 28 feet high. This information is not explicitly mentioned in the question, but it is the only option provided that fits the description of being "great" and "high."
Rate this question:
21.
Çatal Höyük was one of the first experiments in:
A.
Suburban living.
B.
Communal living.
C.
Urban living.
D.
Rural living.
Correct Answer
C. Urban living.
Explanation p.26
Rate this question:
22.
A burin is
A.
A wall painting.
B.
A material, image, or object found in the everyday environment and incorporated into a work of art.
C.
A pointed tool used for engraving or incising.
D.
A bas relief.
E.
A terracotta tablet.
Correct Answer
C. A pointed tool used for engraving or incising.
Explanation see p.17, 1-3: Human with feline head
Rate this question:
23.
The Makapansgat pebble found in South Africa in 1925 is considered art
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation The Makapansgat pebble found in South Africa in 1925 is not considered art. It is actually an archaeological artifact that holds historical and cultural significance. The pebble is believed to have been used as a tool by early humans and carries evidence of their activities. While it may have aesthetic qualities, its primary value lies in its archaeological and anthropological importance rather than being classified as art.
Rate this question:
24.
The earliest known paintings were portable.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation The statement suggests that the earliest known paintings were portable. This means that these paintings were able to be easily moved or carried from one place to another. This is likely true because early humans would have needed to transport their artwork as they moved from one location to another. Additionally, the use of portable paintings would have allowed for greater accessibility and sharing of artistic expressions among different communities and cultures.
Rate this question:
25.
Male humans were the most common subjects in Paleolithic art.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation The statement "Male humans were the most common subjects in Paleolithic art" is false. Paleolithic art, which refers to the art created by early humans during the Paleolithic period, often depicted a variety of subjects including animals, abstract symbols, and both male and female humans. The art from this period provides important insights into the lives and beliefs of early humans, showcasing their diverse interests and creative abilities.
Rate this question:
26.
Most animals painted during the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic eras are presented in profile.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation During the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic eras, most animals were depicted in profile in the paintings. This means that the animals were shown from a side view, with only one side of their body visible. This style of representation was commonly used by ancient artists during these periods, possibly because it allowed for a clear and recognizable depiction of the animals' features and characteristics. The profile view also allowed artists to capture the animals' movement and anatomy in a simplified yet effective manner. Therefore, the statement that most animals painted during these eras were presented in profile is true.
Rate this question:
27.
The Venus of Willendorf is naturalistic in its shape and proportion.
A.
True
B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation The Venus of Willendorf is not naturalistic in its shape and proportion. This prehistoric sculpture depicts a female figure with exaggerated features such as large breasts, a rounded belly, and no visible facial features. The proportions are not realistic, with an emphasis on fertility and abundance rather than anatomical accuracy. Therefore, the correct answer is false.
Rate this question:
28.
Identify:
A.
Spotted horses and negative hand imprints, wall painting in the cave at Pech-Merle, Lot, France, ca. 22,000 BCE. Paleolithic.
B.
Rhinoceros, wounded man, and disemboweled bison, painting in the well, Lascaux, Dordogne, France, ca. 15,000–13,000 BCE. Paleolithic.
C.
Aurochs, horses, and rhinoceroses, wall painting in Chauvet Cave, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Ardèche, France, ca. 30,000–28,000 or ca. 15,000–13,000 BCE. Paleolithic.
D.
Hall of the Bulls (left wall), Lascaux, Dordogne, France, ca. 15,000–13,000 BCE. Paleolithic.
Correct Answer
D. Hall of the Bulls (left wall), Lascaux, Dordogne, France, ca. 15,000–13,000 BCE. Paleolithic.
Explanation The given answer correctly identifies the location, time period, and artistic style of the artwork. The Hall of the Bulls is a famous cave painting in Lascaux, France, dating back to the Paleolithic era, specifically between 15,000 and 13,000 BCE. The painting depicts various animals, including bulls, horses, and deer, and is renowned for its detailed and realistic representation. This artwork provides valuable insights into the artistic skills and cultural practices of early humans during the Paleolithic period.
Rate this question:
29.
Identify:
A.
Human figure, from Çatal Höyük, Turkey. Neolithic.
B.
Human figure, from Ain Ghazal, Jordan. Neolithic.
C.
Human figure, from Jericho, Jordan River valley. Neolithic.
D.
Human figure, from La Madeleine, Dordogne, France. Paleolithic.
E.
Human figure, from La Magdelaine, Tarn, France. Paleolithic.
Correct Answer
B. Human figure, from Ain Ghazal, Jordan. Neolithic.
Explanation The correct answer is the human figure from Ain Ghazal, Jordan, is from the Neolithic period. This can be determined by the fact that Ain Ghazal is located in Jordan, which is known to have been inhabited during the Neolithic period. Additionally, the mention of "Neolithic" in the description of the figure suggests that it belongs to that time period.
Rate this question:
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.