AP Art History : Analyzing nineteenth-century sculpture
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Analyzing Nineteenth Century Sculpture
The exhibition which first featured this sculpture was considered scandalous because __________________.
the subjects were depicted in quotidian poses, and some of the sculptures used non-traditional mediums
more famous sculptors were excluded from the exhibition
nudes were presented in erotic poses
the inclusion of African masks
the subjects were depicted in quotidian poses, and some of the sculptures used non-traditional mediums
In 1881 the use of quotidian poses was regarded as appropriate for an artist to do as a study in his studio, but not to present to the public. The use of mixed media in his sculpture The Little Fourteen Year Old dance was also a novelty.
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 #2 : Analyzing Nineteenth Century Sculpture
The original version of this sculpture was rejected because ____________________.
it took Rodin too long to complete the sculpture
the project was over budget
the group that commissioned the sculpture thought it was grotesque
the subject, Balzac, died before the sculpture could be completed
the group that commissioned the sculpture thought it was grotesque
The Societe des Gens de Lettres, who commissioned Rodin to sculpt Balzac rejected Rodin's sculpture because they considered Rodin's depiction insulting for being out of proportion and in the nude.
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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