What is the Latin word from which “intarsia” derives?
- Interstice
- Intarsiare
- Interserere
- Intersecare
Correct Answer: Interserere
Correct Answer Explanation: Intarsia derives from the Latin “interserere,” which means “to insert.” This reflects the technique of sinking spaces into wood and filling them with precisely cut pieces of contrasting woods.
What is the origin of the word “marquetry?”
- Italian
- French
- Spanish
- German
Correct Answer: French
Correct Answer Explanation: Marquetry comes from the French word “marqueter,” which means “to inlay.” This highlights the French origin of this intricate wood inlay technique, particularly prominent during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Where did intarsia originate?
- China
- Egypt
- India
- Japan
Correct Answer: Egypt
Correct Answer Explanation: While intarsia became prominent in Italy during the Renaissance, its origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Intricate inlay techniques were already in use in the 8th and 10th centuries BC, with examples found in Assyrian and Egyptian artifacts.
Which Italian city is widely recognized as the cradle of Italian intarsia?
- Florence
- Venice
- Rome
- Siena
Correct Answer: Siena
Correct Answer Explanation: Siena, with its rich artistic heritage, holds a prominent place in the history of Italian intarsia. Notable figures like Domenico di Nicolò and Antonio Barili created remarkable works for churches and palaces in this city.
What is the name given to the specific type of marquetry popularized by André Charles Boulle in the 17th and 18th centuries?
- Boulle Work
- Riesener Work
- Versailles Work
- French Work
Correct Answer: Boulle Work
Correct Answer Explanation: Boulle’s innovative technique, using intricate inlay of tortoiseshell and brass, became so iconic that it was named after him, earning the distinction of “Boulle Work.”
What innovation in the 17th century significantly impacted the production and commercialization of marquetry?
- The use of oil paints
- The use of the fret-saw
- The use of gold leaf
- The use of water-based paints
Correct Answer: The use of the fret-saw
Correct Answer Explanation: The introduction of the fret-saw in marquetry was a game-changer. This tool allowed for the creation of multiple copies from a single cutting, enabling greater efficiency and widespread adoption of the craft, particularly for commercial purposes.
What is the name of the famous Olivetan monk credited with the invention of acid solutions and stains for wood, expanding the artistic possibilities of intarsia?
- Fra Giovanni da Verona
- Fra Damiano of Bergamo
- Domenico di Nicolò
- Antonio Barili
Correct Answer: Fra Giovanni da Verona
Correct Answer Explanation: Fra Giovanni da Verona, a celebrated figure in the history of intarsia, played a pivotal role in advancing the craft by developing innovative methods of using acid solutions and stains for wood. These techniques allowed for greater color variations and a broader range of expressive possibilities.
Which of these historical figures is not a notable intarsiatore?
- Fra Damiano of Bergamo
- Domenico di Nicolò
- J. Henry Riesener
- Antonio Barili
Correct Answer: J. Henry Riesener
Correct Answer Explanation: While Fra Damiano of Bergamo, Domenico di Nicolò, and Antonio Barili all made significant contributions to the art of intarsia, J. Henry Riesener was a renowned French ébéniste (cabinetmaker) who specialized in marquetry. He is known for his exquisite furniture, particularly during the reign of Louis XV and Louis XVI.
What is the name of the French term for a cabinetmaker or furniture maker, often specializing in intricate marquetry?
- Ébéniste
- Orfevre
- Sculpteur
- Architecte
Correct Answer: Ébéniste
Correct Answer Explanation: “Ébéniste” is a French term specifically used to refer to a craftsman specializing in the creation of cabinets and other high-quality furniture, often incorporating intricate marquetry.
What is a “mihrab?”
- A decorative motif in marquetry featuring Chinese elements
- A niche in a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca for prayer
- A type of wood used for inlay
- A tool used for cutting veneers
Correct Answer: A niche in a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca for prayer
Correct Answer Explanation: A “mihrab” is a niche found in mosques, marking the direction of Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, for prayer. While not directly related to intarsia or marquetry, understanding its significance can provide context for appreciating the diverse applications of inlay across different cultures.
What is the name of the decorative style that incorporated Chinese motifs, popular in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries?
- Chinoiseries
- Rococo
- Baroque
- Renaissance
Correct Answer: Chinoiseries
Correct Answer Explanation: “Chinoiseries” refers to a decorative style prevalent in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by the incorporation of Chinese motifs and imagery in furniture, textiles, and other decorative arts.
What is the term for a wooden frame used to press and hold veneers in place during gluing, ensuring a smooth and even surface?
- Cauls
- Veneers
- Marquetry
- Intarsia
Correct Answer: Cauls
Correct Answer Explanation: “Cauls” are essential tools in marquetry, serving as wooden frames that apply pressure to glued veneers, ensuring a flat and even surface after the glue dries.
Which of the following is NOT a type of wood traditionally used in intarsia or marquetry?
- Ebony
- Walnut
- Satinwood
- Oak
- Cherry
Correct Answer: Oak
Correct Answer Explanation: While ebony, walnut, satinwood, and cherry are all commonly used in intarsia and marquetry, oak, with its porous structure and less consistent color, is less commonly used for inlay work.
What is the name of the decorative motif often used in French marquetry, featuring pastoral scenes and figures?
- Shepherd Games
- Chinoiseries
- Boulle Work
- Rocaille
Correct Answer: Shepherd Games
Correct Answer Explanation: “Shepherd Games” is a term used to describe a decorative motif prevalent in French marquetry, often depicting pastoral scenes of shepherds, sheep, and idyllic landscapes.
What are the German terms for inlay and veneering?
- “Einlegen” and “Furnieren”
- “Intarsiare” and “Marquettare”
- “Incrustare” and “Impiallacciare”
- “Holzschnitzerei” and “Verzierungen”
Correct Answer: “Einlegen” and “Furnieren”
Correct Answer Explanation: “Einlegen” and “Furnieren” are German terms that correspond to the English “inlay” and “veneering,” respectively, highlighting the influence of these crafts across different languages and cultures.
The choir stalls of which Italian cathedral, designed by Giuliano da Majano and completed by Domenico del Tasso, demonstrate the impressive scale and detail that could be achieved in Italian intarsia?
- The Cathedral of Siena
- The Cathedral of Florence
- The Cathedral of Perugia
- The Cathedral of Orvieto
Correct Answer: The Cathedral of Perugia
Correct Answer Explanation: The choir stalls of the Cathedral of Perugia, a masterpiece of Italian intarsia, showcase the impressive scale and intricate detail achieved by Giuliano da Majano and Domenico del Tasso.
Which of these works exemplifies the integration of carving and intarsia?
- The panels from Monte Oliveto Maggiore
- The chair-back from S. Ambrogio, Milan
- The panels in the sacristy of the Cathedral of Florence
- The choir stalls at the Certosa, Pavia
Correct Answer: The choir stalls at the Certosa, Pavia
Correct Answer Explanation: The choir stalls at the Certosa of Pavia, a masterpiece of intarsia, integrate both carving and intarsia techniques, creating a harmonious blend of intricate details and graceful arabesques.
Which of these works showcases Fra Giovanni da Verona’s mastery of perspective?
- The choir stalls of S. Domenico, Bologna
- The panels from Monte Oliveto Maggiore
- The choir stalls of the Cathedral of Perugia
- The panels in the sacristy of the Cathedral of Florence
Correct Answer: The panels from Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Correct Answer Explanation: Fra Giovanni da Verona, known for his mastery of intarsia, demonstrated his exceptional skill in perspective through his works, particularly in the panels from Monte Oliveto Maggiore, depicting buildings, landscapes, and everyday objects.
What is the name of the renowned French ébéniste whose Cabinet of the Dauphin, now lost, was celebrated for its elaborate marquetry of ebony, gold, and mirror panels?
- André Charles Boulle
- J. Henry Riesener
- Pierre Boulle
- Charles Riesener
Correct Answer: André Charles Boulle
Correct Answer Explanation: André Charles Boulle, a master of marquetry, created the Cabinet of the Dauphin, a masterpiece of intricate inlay that showcased the grandeur and sophistication of the French royal court.
Which of these works is considered a prime example of French marquetry craftsmanship during the 18th century?
- The choir stalls at the Certosa, Pavia
- The panels from Monte Oliveto Maggiore
- J. Henry Riesener’s bureau secretary in the Wallace Collection
- The “Kriegsstube” at Lübeck
Correct Answer: J. Henry Riesener’s bureau secretary in the Wallace Collection
Correct Answer Explanation: J. Henry Riesener, a renowned French ébéniste, created exquisite pieces of furniture, including his bureau secretary in the Wallace Collection, known for its exquisite marquetry and delicately carved ormolu mountings.
What is the name of the public hall in Lübeck that features intarsias by Antonius Evers?
- The “Hornzimmer”
- The “Kriegsstube”
- The “Grosse Halle”
- The “Rathaus”
Correct Answer: The “Kriegsstube”
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Kriegsstube” in Lübeck, a public hall, features intarsias created by Antonius Evers, showcasing the use of inlay in public settings.
Which of these works demonstrates the influence of painting on marquetry design?
- The “Kriegsstube” at Lübeck
- The “Hornzimmer” at Coburg
- The choir stalls of S. Domenico, Bologna
- The panels from Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Correct Answer: The “Hornzimmer” at Coburg
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Hornzimmer” at Coburg features intarsias inspired by designs by Lucas Cranach, a renowned German painter, showcasing the influence of painting on marquetry design.
What is the total cost of labor for the choir of S. Maria Maggiore, Bergamo?
- 2771 lire 8 soldi 2 denari
- 3152 lire
- 1132 scudi d’oro larghi
- 7000 lire Imperiali
Correct Answer: 7000 lire Imperiali
Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of labor for the choir of S. Maria Maggiore, Bergamo, a significant project in Italian intarsia, amounted to 7000 lire Imperiali, reflecting the considerable time and skill required for such intricate work.
What was the estimated total loss sustained by André Charles Boulle when his workshops were burnt?
- 504,571 livres
- 60,000 livres
- 383,780 livres
- 28,000,000 reals
Correct Answer: 383,780 livres
Correct Answer Explanation: The fire that destroyed André Charles Boulle’s workshops resulted in a significant loss, estimated at 383,780 livres, encompassing his collection of drawings, paintings, and art objects, as well as the tools and materials essential for his craft.
What was the approximate value of Pierre Boulle’s collection of drawings, paintings, and art objects when his workshops were burnt?
- 504,571 livres
- 60,000 livres
- 383,780 livres
- 28,000,000 reals
Correct Answer: 60,000 livres
Correct Answer Explanation: Pierre Boulle’s collection of drawings, paintings, and art objects, an integral part of his artistic legacy, was valued at 60,000 livres when his workshops were destroyed by fire.
What is the name of the German town that became a significant center for ebony and ivory inlay in the 17th century, producing cabinets and other furniture sought after throughout Europe?
- Nuremberg
- Augsburg
- Berlin
- Munich
Correct Answer: Augsburg
Correct Answer Explanation: Augsburg, a city in Germany, gained renown in the 17th century as a prominent center for ebony and ivory inlay, producing cabinets and other intricate furniture that were highly sought after across Europe.
Which of these periods saw the use of satinwood gaining popularity in inlay in England?
- The 16th century
- The 17th century
- The 18th century
- The 19th century
Correct Answer: The 18th century
Correct Answer Explanation: The use of satinwood in inlay became popular in England toward the end of the 18th century, marking a period of delicate and refined designs, influenced by the elegant styles of the time.
What is the name of the Spanish royal palace that features four rooms entirely decorated with marquetry, a testament to the extravagance of Spanish royal patronage?
- The Alhambra
- The Escorial
- The Prado
- The Alcázar of Seville
Correct Answer: The Escorial
Correct Answer Explanation: The Escorial, a grand royal palace in Spain, showcases the extravagance of Spanish royal patronage with four rooms entirely decorated with marquetry, demonstrating the artistic and luxurious tastes of the time.
What was the cost of the stalls for the Cathedral of Orvieto?
- 2771 lire 8 soldi 2 denari
- 3152 lire
- 1132 scudi d’oro larghi
- 7000 lire Imperiali
Correct Answer: 3152 lire
Correct Answer Explanation: The cost of the stalls for the Cathedral of Orvieto, a significant commission in Italian intarsia, was 3152 lire, reflecting the value placed on such intricate and time-consuming craftwork.
How much did Domenico di Nicolò receive for a tabernacle made of gesso?
- 42 lire
- 32 lire 10 soldi
- 1132 scudi d’oro larghi
- 7000 lire Imperiali
Correct Answer: 42 lire
Correct Answer Explanation: Domenico di Nicolò, a renowned intarsiatore, received 42 lire for a tabernacle made of gesso, demonstrating the financial value placed on his artistry and the materials used.
Over how many days did Domenico di Nicolò work on a window above the pulpit in the Cathedral of Orvieto?
- 32.5
- 15
- 25
- 50
Correct Answer: 32.5
Correct Answer Explanation: Domenico di Nicolò’s work on a window above the pulpit in the Cathedral of Orvieto spanned 32.5 days, highlighting the time commitment and meticulousness required for intricate inlay work.
Between which years were the choir stalls at the Certosa of Pavia constructed?
- 1486 and 1501
- 1550 and 1570
- 1600 and 1620
- 1700 and 1720
Correct Answer: 1486 and 1501
Correct Answer Explanation: The choir stalls at the Certosa of Pavia, a masterpiece of Italian intarsia, were constructed between 1486 and 1501, a period of flourishing artistic activity in Italy.
What was the cost of the choir stalls of the Cathedral of Ferrara?
- 2771 lire 8 soldi 2 denari
- 3152 lire
- 1132 scudi d’oro larghi
- 7000 lire Imperiali
Correct Answer: 2771 lire 8 soldi 2 denari
Correct Answer Explanation: The choir stalls of the Cathedral of Ferrara, a significant project in Italian intarsia, cost 2771 lire 8 soldi 2 denari, reflecting the considerable expense associated with such intricate and time-consuming work.
What was the cost of the choir stalls of the Cathedral of Savona?
- 2771 lire 8 soldi 2 denari
- 3152 lire
- 1132 scudi d’oro larghi
- 7000 lire Imperiali
Correct Answer: 1132 scudi d’oro larghi
Correct Answer Explanation: The choir stalls of the Cathedral of Savona, a significant commission in Italian intarsia, cost 1132 scudi d’oro larghi, reflecting the value placed on such intricate and time-consuming craftwork.
What is a “counterchange” pattern in marquetry?
- A pattern where the colors are reversed, creating a “male” and “female” version of the same design
- A pattern that is very simple and easy to create
- A pattern that is very expensive to produce
- A pattern that is very rare
Correct Answer: A pattern where the colors are reversed, creating a “male” and “female” version of the same design
Correct Answer Explanation: A “counterchange” pattern in marquetry is a technique where the colors are reversed, creating two versions of the same design, often referred to as “male” and “female.” This technique adds complexity and depth to marquetry designs.
What is the main difference between intarsia and marquetry?
- Intarsia is made from wood and marquetry is made from stone
- Intarsia uses larger pieces of wood and marquetry uses thinner veneers
- Intarsia is made in a flat surface and marquetry is made in a curved surface
- Intarsia is made from a single piece of wood and marquetry is made from multiple pieces of wood
Correct Answer: Intarsia uses larger pieces of wood and marquetry uses thinner veneers
Correct Answer Explanation: Intarsia and marquetry are both forms of wood inlay, but they differ in the thickness of the wood used. Intarsia involves sinking spaces into wood and filling them with larger, precisely cut pieces of contrasting woods. Marquetry uses thinner veneers of different colored woods, typically cut with a fret-saw to create intricate patterns.
What is the main limitation of intarsia and marquetry in terms of color?
- Both techniques can only use a limited range of colors
- Intarsia can use a wide range of colors, but marquetry can only use a limited range
- Marquetry can use a wide range of colors, but intarsia can only use a limited range
- Both techniques can use a wide range of colors
Correct Answer: Both techniques can only use a limited range of colors
Correct Answer Explanation: While both intarsia and marquetry can achieve beautiful and intricate designs, the range of colors they can utilize is limited to the natural colors of the woods used. Techniques like staining and scorching can enhance color, but the palette is still significantly constrained compared to techniques like painting.
What is the artistic capability of intarsia and marquetry in terms of representing realistic figures?
- Both techniques are not capable of representing realistic figures
- Intarsia is capable of representing realistic figures, but marquetry is not
- Marquetry is capable of representing realistic figures, but intarsia is not
- Both techniques are capable of representing realistic figures
Correct Answer: Both techniques are capable of representing realistic figures
Correct Answer Explanation: Despite the limitations of color, both intarsia and marquetry can achieve remarkable realism in representing figures. Skilled artisans can use perspective, shading, and the arrangement of wood grains to create illusionistic effects and depict figures with surprising accuracy.
Why was the text on intarsia and marquetry written in 1903?
- To demonstrate the latest innovations in wood inlay
- To revive appreciation for traditional techniques and provide guidance for contemporary designers
- To showcase the artistic achievements of the French ébénistes
- To compare the artistic capabilities of intarsia and marquetry
Correct Answer: To revive appreciation for traditional techniques and provide guidance for contemporary designers
Correct Answer Explanation: The text on intarsia and marquetry written in 1903 reflects a period of renewed interest in historical arts and crafts. The author, F. Hamilton Jackson, aimed to revive appreciation for these traditional techniques and to provide guidance for contemporary designers and craftspeople, ensuring the continuity of these valuable skills and artistic expressions.