AP Art History : Seventeenth- and Eighteenth Century Sculpture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Seventeenth And Eighteenth Century Sculpture

Equestrian statues were favored by absolute monarchs in the seventeenth century because __________.

Possible Answers:

they showed the subject interacting with a lowly animal

they conveyed a sense of grandeur and power about the monarch being depicted

they showed that the subject was an expert rider of horses

they depicted the subject as an everyday person

Correct answer:

they conveyed a sense of grandeur and power about the monarch being depicted

Explanation:

Equestrian statues, even when life-size, created a portrait of their subjects on massive scales. While commonplace in Rome, they were hardly made after the fall of Rome until the Renaissance, and in the age of absolutism in the seventeenth century, they were made all across Europe to commemorate and celebrate monarchs. These statues made the monarchs depicted in them appear intimidating, grandiose, and worthy of their position as absolute monarchs.

Example Question #1 : Seventeenth And Eighteenth Century Sculpture

Psyche Revived by Love's Kiss, sculpted by Antonio Canova in 1787, is an example of what style of sculpture?

Possible Answers:

Art Deco sculpture

Baroque sculpture

Rococo sculpture

Neoclassical sculpture

Byzantine sculpture

Correct answer:

Neoclassical sculpture

Explanation:

At first glance, Psyche Revived By Love's Kiss resembles an Ancient Greek sculpture from the Hellenistic period. Given that this sculpture was completed in 1787 - firmly in the 18th century, we must concede that it is neither Ancient Greek nor Ancient Roman. This sculpture is, in fact, an example of Neoclassical sculpture. Neoclassicism as an artistic style was inspired by Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman art and architecture. This style of sculpture is still being produced today.

Example Question #2 : Seventeenth And Eighteenth Century Sculpture

Works done in the Neoclassical style during the 19th century shared certain characteristics, such as its dramatic emotion, with which other 19th century artistic style?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Romanticism

Rococo

Art Deco

Art Nouveau

Correct answer:

Romanticism

Explanation:

Romanticism and Neoclassicism were both very popular styles during the 19th century. They also shared certain characteristics. Many Neoclassical sculptures, for example, were dynamic and full of drama and emotion, such as Psyche Revived by Love's Kiss. Romanticism is known for its drama, dynamism and the sheer emotion of its compositions, though it is fair to say that emotion was seen as an essential part of Romanticism, whereas it was more of an additional feature to Neoclassicism.

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