Can You Match the Famous Piece of Art to Its Movement?

By: Gavin Thagard
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Match the Famous Piece of Art to Its Movement?
Image: Public Domain

About This Quiz

If we know anything about the arts, from painting to literature, it's that these creative endeavors are never stagnant. They are constantly growing and evolving with the times, as artists try to adapt and build to put their own stamp on an art period. How familiar are you with the famous paintings associated with various art movements throughout the centuries? Here's a quiz where you can find out. 

When you study art movements, you learn that they are built around common goals that artists are trying to accomplish as a collective. These goals have a built-in philosophy which provides that collective group with an ability to thread their work together into a specific period of time, as they distinguish themselves from what came before and what will come after. These changes in art give us not only a glimpse of the artists and what they were thinking but also a view of how the world was interpreted during different eras. 

Do you know how all of these different eras were defined? From the early Romanesque works to movements launched in the 20th century, will you be able to identify all of the art pieces that fall under each movement? 

If you're prepared to put your art history knowledge up against a real test, jump back in time by matching these art pieces to their movement. 

The Coronation of Napoleon
Wiki Commons by Jacques-Louis David
Jacques-Louis David painted "The Coronation of Napoleon" in which style to honor Napoleon Bonaparte?
Baroque
Realism
Romanticism
Neoclassicism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As Neoclassicism became prevalent across Europe, the style relied on the traditional hierarchy initiated by the French Royal Academy of the Arts. This hierarchy placed history paintings at the forefront, and these paintings became central in the Neoclassical movement.

The Last Supper
Wiki Commons by Leonardo da Vinci
Can you identify the movement where "The Last Supper" became a central piece?
Renaissance
Romanesque
Gothic
Rococo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though the Renaissance influenced art across the European continent, Italy proved to be the leading center of the movement. No two cities in Italy were more important during this time than Florence and Rome.

Caillebotte, Paris Street, Rainy Day
Public Domain
"Paris: A Rainy Day" was an example of what art movement from the 19th century?
Romanticism
Realism
Impressionism
Post-Impressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Impressionism was a reaction to the rapid industrialization that engulfed much of the world at the end of the 19th century. The style depicted this period of urbanization as chaotic and isolating.

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The Horse Fair
Wiki Commons by Rosa Bonheur
What movement required Rosa Bonheur to dress as a man to paint "The Horse Fair"?
Symbolism
Realism
Baroque
Gothic
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Realism was a reaction to the increasing importance of science in modern society due to the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution. The movement, which relied on ideas of empiricism and positivism, sought to capture only what the artist viewed as real.

A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte
Wiki Commons by Georges Seurat
Pointillism was a key component in creating "A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte" as part of which movement?
Primitivism
Impressionism
Neo-Impressionism
Cubism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Neo-Impressionism pushed the boundaries of the Impressionist works that preceded the former's movement. This new style tried to systematically examine the potential uses of both form and color.

Stroganoff Madonna and Child
Wiki Commons by Duccio di Buoninsegna
Do you know the movement associated with "Stroganoff Madonna and Child"?
Romanesque
Gothic
Renaissance
Rococo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term Gothic comes from the Nordic tribes that brought an end to the Western Roman Empire starting in the fifth century. In reference to art, the term contrasted this new "barbaric" style with the classical style that preceded it.

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The Night Watch
Wiki Commons by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz)
Which movement did "The Night Watch" help usher in?
Baroque
Romanticism
Symbolism
Expressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As with most early art movements, Baroque started in Italy before spreading throughout Europe near the end of the Renaissance. Important artists under this movement included Caravaggio, Diego Velazquez and Rembrandt.

The Stone Breakers
Wiki Commons by Gustave Courbet
Are you familiar with the movement most closely associated with "The Stone Breakers"?
Neo-Impressionism
Futurism
Impressionism
Realism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Realism found subjects of everyday life to be the most appealing for the artwork. On the contrary, they detested historical paintings because they weren't realistic and didn't live in the present.

The Swing
WikiCommons
Known for its coloring, "The Swing" was painted by Jean-Honore Fragonard, a master of what art movement?
Rococo
Realism
Symbolism
Baroque
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Rococo movement came about after the death of Louis XIV of France, who was a patron of the arts and inspired artists to take residence in the court of Versailles. With Louis dead, these artists left the court for town houses across Paris.

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The Scream
Wiki Commons
Have you studied enough art to recognize the movement associated with "The Scream"?
Cubism
Expressionism
Symbolism
Primitivism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Originating in Germany, Expressionism started at the beginning of the 20th century, evolving from the Symbolist movement that came before it. Expressionism sought to capture the anxiety and feeling of isolation that engulfed those who felt lost as the world globalized around them.

Apse of Sant Climent de Taull
Wiki Commons by Master of Taüll
This 12th century painting, known as "Apse of Sant Climent de Taull," was created during which movement?
Baraque
Gothic
Renaissance
Romanesque
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Romanesque, as the name suggests, created art in the manner of the Romans. The term, however, wasn't first used to describe such art until art historians reflected back on the period in the early 19th century.

The Oxbow
Wiki Commons by Thomas Cole
A representation of the earth's grandeur, do you recall what movement saw the creation of "The Oxbow" by Thomas Cole?
Futurism
Realism
Romanticism
Post-Impressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you want to find the roots of Romanticism, look no further than the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His views that people are born free despite being forced into chains influenced Romantic artists to look for freedom wherever they could find it.

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Poppies
Wiki Commons by Claude Monet
Can you name the movement connected to Claude Monet and his painting "Poppies"?
Primitivism
Impressionism
Baroque
Symbolism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A contrast to Realism, Impressionism looked at the fleeting moments of life that pass us by. The movement conveyed this theme of elusiveness by utilizing broken brush strokes and placing figures randomly throughout the composition.

"The Blue Boy" by Thomas Gainsborough
Wiki Commons by Thomas Gainsborough
Were you paying enough attention in art history class to remember the movement related to "The Blue Boy"?
Romanticism
Realism
Renaissance
Rococo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Artists who were part of the Rococo movement utilized softer pastel colors in their artwork. This coloring style, evident in "The Blue Boy," reflected the lightheartedness associated with the wealthy classes across France.

Las Meninas
Wiki Commons by Diego Velázquez
"Las Meninas," created by the brilliant Spanish painter Diego Velazquez, was part of what movement?
Baroque
Impressionism
Post-Impressionism
Neo-impressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Baroque was derived from the Portuguese term "barroco," meaning an irregularly shaped pearl. This term fit the Baroque period, as the movement was known for its lavish yet unique style.

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Sleeping Gypsy
Wiki Commons by Henri Rousseau
How familiar are you with the movement that saw the creation of "Sleeping Gypsy"?
Futurism
Expressionism
Primitivism
Symbolism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As with most Modern art, Primitivism relied less on aesthetic and more on diverse cultural attitudes. Specifically, Primitivism found inspiration from non-Western traditions found in more tribal settings.

Basket of Apples
Wiki Commons by Paul Cézanne
Which style did Paul Cezanne use to paint "Basket of Apples"?
Post-Impressionism
Symbolism
Realism
Cubism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While Post-Impressionists relied on the subjective approach to art used by Impressionists, they did not have a unified aesthetic that defined their work. Instead, they sought to explore the thoughts of the artists.

Death of Marat
Wiki Commons by Jacques-Louis David
Painted during the French Revolution, "Death of Marat" came out of what movement?
Romanticism
Realism
Neo-Impressionism
Neoclassicism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No painter was more influential during the Neoclassical movement than Jacques-Louis David. His paintings, such as "Death of Marat," became closely connected to the French Revolution, a period that allowed David to expand his influence over art.

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Mona Lisa
Wiki Commons
Do you remember the movement associated with "Mona Lisa"?
Gothic
Renaissance
Romanesque
Rococo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" contrasted many societal norms associated with 16th century Europe. Instead of depicting a member of the higher classes, da Vinci's painting shows a woman of lower status as an individual rather than as an object of admiration.

The Thankful Poor
Wiki Commons by Henry Ossawa Tanner
"The Thankful Poor" relied on everyday subjects to connect the piece to which art movement?
Romanticism
Impressionism
Realism
Futurism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Thankful Poor" is an example of how Realist painters carefully studied nature to create their scenes. The painting uses immense light to fill the room while capturing the intense act of prayer occurring between the two subjects.

Portrait of Pablo Picasso
Wiki Commons by Juan Gris
Are you able to identify the style used by Juan Gris to paint "Portrait of Pablo Picasso"?
Symbolism
Dadaism
Fauvism
Cubism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cubism was heavily influenced by Paul Cezanne, who experimented with the hidden architecture of form. Pulling from Cezanne, Cubist artists, such as Pablo Picasso, used fragmented geometric forms to create a series of vantage points in an art piece.

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Death of the Virgin
Wiki Commons by Caravaggio
A master of light and shadow, what art movement was "Death of the Virgin" by Caravaggio painted during?
Renaissance
Baroque
Romanesque
Symbolism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As shown in "Death of the Virgin," Baroque art pulled from religious motifs to capture a feeling of meaningfulness. Caravaggio accomplished this by the typical Baroque use of rich colors while exploring realism that relied on everyday people as models.

Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus
Wiki Commons by Simone Martini
Does your love of art extend back far enough to identify the movement associated with "Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus"?
Romanesque
Renaissance
Gothic
Rococo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though the Gothic style is typically viewed in terms of architecture, it did find its way into paintings as well. "Annunciation with St. Margaret and St. Ansanus" was one such example, which utilized the luxurious patterns and an intricate frame often associated with French Gothic.

La Recolte des Foins, Eragny
Wiki Commons by Camille Pissarro
Can you identify the art movement that saw the creation of "La Recolte des Foins, Eragny"?
Neo-Impressionism
Symbolism
Expressionism
Romanticism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pointillism was one of the major techniques explored in the Neo-Impressionist movement by artists like Camille Pissarro in "La Recolte des Foins, Eragny." The technique required that an artist observe and separate colors for an image then apply them through a series of tiny dots.

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The Stolen Kiss
Wiki Commons by Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Under which movement did Jean-Honore Fragonard paint "The Stolen Kiss"?
Neoclassicism
Rococo
Futurism
Baroque
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coming from the Venetian School, Rococo artists found erotic subjects appealing, which was depicted in their artwork. These subjects were often the result of a life of leisure that many in the upper French society enjoyed in the early-18th century.

Improvisation 28
Wiki Commons by Wassily Kandinsky
Wassily Kandinsky hoped to find the transformative power of art when he created "Improvisation 28," which was part of what movement?
Symbolism
Cubism
Expressionism
Futurism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Expressionists like Wassily Kandinsky hoped to not only capture their own expressive feelings in their art but also to elicit a response from viewers. Kandinsky accomplished this by relying on an avant-garde style that utilized complete abstraction.

Insane Woman
Wiki Commons by Théodore Géricault
Mental patients were occasionally a subject in art of which movement, like in "Insane Woman" by Theodore Gericault?
Romanticism
Realism
Gothic
Renaissance
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Theodore Gericault displayed in "Insane Woman" the interest that Romantic artists had in those considered to have a deranged state of mind. His piece looked at how mental states reflect the true character of a subject.

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In a Villa at the Seaside
Wiki Commons by Berthe Morisot
What movement provided Berthe Morisot with the framework to create "In a Villa at the Seaside"?
Symbolism
Neo-Impressionism
Post-Impressionism
Impressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Occasionally, works within the Impressionist movement sought to represent an escape from the city life. That's the case for "In a Villa at the Seaside," which shows a scene of a seaside resort with a woman relaxing under a shaded veranda.

"Ophelia" by John Everett Millais
Wiki Commons by Web Gallery of Art
You might know that "Ophelia" by John Everett Millais depicts a tragic scene from a Shakespeare play, but do you know the movement it's associated with?
Symbolism
Romanticism
Realism
Expressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Some Realist painters, like John Everett Millais, broke away from strict Realist practices that ignored historical and fictional subjects. While sticking to other traditions of Realism, these artists started a group known as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Dynamism of a Car
Wiki Commons by Luigi Russolo
How familiar are you with the art movement that includes "Dynamism of a Car"?
Futurism
Symbolism
Expressionism
Cubism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Futurist artists found inspiration in progress and modernity that came to define the 20th century. As machines rose to prominence, these artists wanted to separate themselves from any traditional artistic associations.

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The Princess de Broglie
Wiki Commons by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres [Public domain]
Are you capable of naming the movement connected to "The Princess de Broglie"?
Rococo
Baroque
Impressionism
Neoclassicism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Coming during a time when new ideas were flowing across the Western world, Neoclassicism relied heavily on the ideals of the Enlightenment. The movement's focus turned to classical societies, like Greece and Rome, as it tried to capture the geometric harmony of classical art.

The Love Letter
Wiki Commons by Johannes Vermeer
Do you recall the art movement that brought us "The Love Letter" by Johannes Vermeer?
Neoclassicism
Baroque
Renaissance
Romanticism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Baroque art cannot be understood without looking at the importance of drama within the movement. The style was able to incorporate drama by utilizing contrasts between light pouring in and intense shadows.

The School of Athens 20
WikiCommons by Antoine Taveneaux
This artwork, referred to as "The School of Athens," represents which art movement?
Rococo
Neoclassicism
Romanesque
Renaissance
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Renaissance represented a period of high learning, and no painting depicted this concept better than "The School of Athens" by Raphael. In the piece, Raphael brings together a congregation of the great thinkers of ancient societies from Plato and Aristotle.

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Wander Above the Sea of Fog
Wiki Commons
Can you name the art movement where "Wanderer Above the Sea Fog" found a home?
Romanticism
Realism
Symbolism
Futurism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Seeking to express its view on human freedom, Romanticism pushed the notion that the imagination will lead to one being free over reason. The artists associated with this movement believed that the imagination was a pure expression of how we all feel.

Madame Bergeret
Wiki Commons by François Boucher
Have you studied enough about art movements to name the one tied to "Madame Bergeret"?
Neoclassicism
Rococo
Impressionism
Neo-impressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No artist was more popular during the height of the Rococo movement than Francois Boucher, who painted "Madame Bergeret." Boucher became known for his depiction of aristocrats, who he portrayed with a sense of elegance.

The Kiss
Wiki Commons by Gustav Klimt
Which 20th century art movement does "The Kiss" by Gustave Klimt belong to?
Cubism
Fauvism
Symbolism
Expressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Symbolism, artists found that they could be more expressive by inserting meaning behind the elements within their work like forms, lines and colors. This movement was one of the forerunners of Modern art because it brought about psychological truth through a hidden world.

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The Gleaners
Wiki Commons by Jean-François Millet
Are you familiar with the art movement associated with "The Gleaners"?
Romanticism
Renaissance
Realism
Impressionism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As seen in "The Gleaners," realist painters often traveled to the countryside to find subjects that more closely reflected their style. Jean-Francois Millet even took up residence in a village called Barbizon, where he established the Barbizon School to better explore this style.

Starry Night 14
WikiCommons by Vincent van Gogh [Public domain]
One of the most famous pieces of art, "The Starry Night," was produced as part of which movement?
Symbolism
Post-Impressionism
Cubism
Futurism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Evocative colors that relied on emotional expression was an important component of Post-Impressionism. Using a range of rich colors, these artists were able to capture a more imaginative view of what they were representing.

A Bar at the Folies-Bergère
Wiki Commons By Édouard Manet
What art movement inspired Edouard Manet to create "Bar at the Folies-Bergere"?
Impressionism
Post-impressionism
Symbolism
Cubism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Impressionists used very pure colors to more accurately capture how light reflects across the world around us, but this technique required them to paint distorted images. At the time of the movement, they were often criticized for what was perceived as unfinished work.

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The Abbey in the Oakwood
Wiki Commons by Caspar David Friedrich
Under which movement do art historians classify "The Abbey in the Oakwood"?
Impressionism
Realism
Neoclassicism
Romanticism
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though some art historians say Romanticism began in the 1750s, its birth wasn't clear until it fully separated itself from Neoclassicism. However, this separation wasn't evident until the beginning of the 19th century.

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