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Vincent van Gogh, Some Basics Trivia Quiz

Some simple, introductory questions on the life and art of this troubled artist.

A multiple-choice quiz by Clevercalvin. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
Clevercalvin

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
343,473

Updated
Dec 15 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
722

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Although Vincent van Gogh was born in Holland, most of his artistic life was spent away from his home country. Where was this? Hint

Russia

France

Hawaii

India

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Question 2 of 10

2. In contrast to his later works, what are the main characteristics of van Gogh's early works? Hint

Bright colours and agressive brushstrokes

Dark, sombre colours with meticulous shading and brushwork

Thick, impasto paint applied in spontaneous daubs

An abstract style using flat planes and mono-tones

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Question 3 of 10

3. Van Gogh only went for formal art training in his late twenties; where did he go? Hint

The Montessorri School of France 1886

Gauguin's School of Fine Art in 1853

The Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp in 1886

The Louvre Art Academy in 1890

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Question 4 of 10

4. Many prints are seen hanging on the walls of his studio in some of van Gogh's paintings. What prints were these? Hint

Japanese woodblock prints

Gutenburg moveable type prints

Early Christian calligraphy prints

Andy Warhol screenprints

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Question 5 of 10

5. Van Gogh was a very prolific painter, at one point producing a painting a day. Which work is considered (by many) to be his first formal painting? Hint

Starry Night. 1885

The Courtesan, 1885

Bedroom in Arles, 1885

The Potato Eaters, 1885

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Question 6 of 10

6. While in the South of France, van Gogh convinced one of his contemporaries to come and spend time with him; who was this? Hint

Paul Gauguin

Honore Daumier

Henri Toulouse Lautrec

Paul Cezanne

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Question 7 of 10

7. Vincent van Gogh had a brother who worked in an art gallery. What was his name? Hint

Phillipe

Paul

Theo

Auguste

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Question 8 of 10

8. At this point (1850 - 1900) in the history of art a lot of new styles were emerging. Into which category was Vincent van Gogh slotted? Hint

Fundamentalism

Fauvism

Dutch Post Impressionism

Abstractism

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Question 9 of 10

9. While in the South of France, van Gogh rented a room in a building that would feature in many of his paintings. What was this place known as? Hint

The Yellow House

The Moulin Rouge

The Cafe on the Place Du Forum, Arles

Julien "Pere" Tunguy's House

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Question 10 of 10

10. How did van Gogh die? Hint

He slit his wrists.

He was shot.

He overdosed on Absinthe.

He stabbed himself.

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Although Vincent van Gogh was born in Holland, most of his artistic life was spent away from his home country. Where was this?

Answer: France

France has always been very influential in the art and fashion world. Many continental artists either vacation or study in France for various reasons including the 'light' and Parisian influence. Many European movements at the time had their roots in the French art establishment.

2. In contrast to his later works, what are the main characteristics of van Gogh's early works?

Answer: Dark, sombre colours with meticulous shading and brushwork

His subject matter was also heavy and almost depressing. It is in these early works, and especially the charcoal drawings, that his depiction of form and volume can be seen to develop.

3. Van Gogh only went for formal art training in his late twenties; where did he go?

Answer: The Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp in 1886

Vincent rejected formal schooling, preferring to learn on his own. It was of necessity that he obtained his Matriculation from the school for a better theoretical grounding. His work after Antwerp shows far more experimentation with colour and light.

4. Many prints are seen hanging on the walls of his studio in some of van Gogh's paintings. What prints were these?

Answer: Japanese woodblock prints

These prints were flooding the European markets from the East. They had a profound influence on many artists and the way they structured their compositions.

5. Van Gogh was a very prolific painter, at one point producing a painting a day. Which work is considered (by many) to be his first formal painting?

Answer: The Potato Eaters, 1885

While in Neunen, over a period of two years, he produced more than 200 watercolours and drawings.

6. While in the South of France, van Gogh convinced one of his contemporaries to come and spend time with him; who was this?

Answer: Paul Gauguin

Although the two did not get on from the start, Vincent held Gauguin in high regard and valued his input. Although they disagreed on many points, Gauguin had a profound influence, not only on van Gogh's style, but also his philosophies. There is speculation that the failed friendship caused van Gogh to settle deeper into his depression, evident in the darker nature of his later works.

7. Vincent van Gogh had a brother who worked in an art gallery. What was his name?

Answer: Theo

Theo was Vincent's younger brother who ended up being a form of benefactor to him. It was due to Theo's 'patronage' that van Gogh could continue his artistic development.

8. At this point (1850 - 1900) in the history of art a lot of new styles were emerging. Into which category was Vincent van Gogh slotted?

Answer: Dutch Post Impressionism

Impressionism got its name after a painting by Claude Monet, "Impression, soleil levant" (Impression, Sunrise) of 1872. The impressionists used a style of minimal detail and manipulation of light to create only an impression of their subject. This style gave rise to even more experimenting with light and colour later in the 19th century and into the 20th.

9. While in the South of France, van Gogh rented a room in a building that would feature in many of his paintings. What was this place known as?

Answer: The Yellow House

The Yellow House was located at No. 2 Place Lamartine in Arles. The light in this location was perfect for where van Gogh was at this point in his artistic development. He painted many pictures of the room in which he lived and of the house itself.

10. How did van Gogh die?

Answer: He was shot.

During the last years of his life, Vincent's depression took a tighter hold on him as evidenced in his dark and broody paintings. There is ongoing controversy over whether he shot himself or whether he was shot by someone else. What is clear is that he did not die immediately, but succumbed to infection a day later.

Source: Author Clevercalvin

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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