AP Art History : Answering other questions about Ancient Grecian and Roman 2D art

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Ancient Grecian And Roman 2 D Art

The main reason few ancient Roman paintings survive is __________.

Possible Answers:

the paint used by Romans has not easily survived

Roman painting is of such a low artistic quality it was not preserved

most Roman artwork was destroyed by early Christians

Romans so favored sculpture that they did not have many paintings

Correct answer:

the paint used by Romans has not easily survived

Explanation:

The visual arts in Ancient Rome were well-respected across a number of genres, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Painting, according to ancient sources, was valued as highly as the other forms of art, but very little of it has survived to the present day. Among the well-preserved examples of Roman painting are those from the sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were all buried under volcanic ash, rather than having the paint exposed to the elements.

Example Question #2 : Answering Other Questions About Ancient Grecian And Roman 2 D Art

______________ was/were the frequent subject of art during the time period of Imperial Rome. 

Possible Answers:

Gods/Deities

War Heroes

Individuals of the Republic

The emperor, Caesar

Correct answer:

The emperor, Caesar

Explanation:

The emperor (or Caesar) was often the subject of imperial art. The Romans saw their emperor as both a religious and political figure and celebrated their position through their art forms. Similar to the pharaohs of Egypt, the emperor was considered a "God" in his own right. 

Example Question #13 : 2 D Art

What was the main function of Roman art?

Possible Answers:

To show emotional connection

The expression of moral ideals

To demonstrate ancestral history

Decoration

Correct answer:

Decoration

Explanation:

The Romans were proud of their art and used it mostly for showing off to others and decoration. After Pompeii was excavated, it was obvious that the Romans liked adding decoration to not only their home, but also everyday objects such as utensils and furniture.

Example Question #14 : 2 D Art

What was NOT considered inspiration for classical Greek art and sculpture?

Possible Answers:

Beauty 

National pride 

Battles

Religion

Correct answer:

Battles

Explanation:

Classical Greek art took inspiration from beauty, nationalism and religion. These elements can be found throughout their architecture, paintings and sculptures. The beauty of Greek women were captured through paintings and sculptures of their form. Gods and deities are found throughout various pieces of art as well.

Example Question #15 : Ancient Grecian And Roman 2 D Art

Which group of people is largely credited for inspiring Roman art and architecture?

Possible Answers:

Babylonians

Mesopotamians

Greeks

Turks

Correct answer:

Greeks

Explanation:

Art and architecture in Rome was greatly influenced by the Greeks. Greece was conquered by Rome in 146 BC and since then, Roman art was interwoven with Greek art.

Example Question #3 : Answering Other Questions About Ancient Grecian And Roman 2 D Art

Vase paintings in Greece were not held in the highest regard, and are rarely mentioned in the era's literature.

What is so important about vase paintings that vases continued to be produced throughout the Greek states?

Possible Answers:

They were in high demand as status symbols.

They were extremely fragile and therefore often broke and needed to be replaced.

They were extremely popular and therefore worth a lot of money.

None of the other answers is correct.

They were simple means to convey religious ideals throughout the empire.

Correct answer:

They were simple means to convey religious ideals throughout the empire.

Explanation:

Most people in Ancient Greece could not read, and vase paintings were a simple and cheap method of conveying religious stories and myths that the common person could understand.

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