Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

Who was known for a bitter perspective in his later works?

1. Durer

2. Goya

3. Matisse

4. Rembrandt

The correct answer is: Goya

The correct response is B, as Francisco Goya is well known for the shift in tone and perspective in his later works, often reflecting a more somber and critical view of humanity. Following the political upheaval and personal tragedies in his life, Goya created pieces that conveyed themes of horror, despair, and social critique. His renowned works from this phase include "The Black Paintings," where he employed dark colors and unsettling imagery to express his disillusionment with society, war, and human morality. This stand contrasts sharply with the earlier styles of artists like Dürer, who focused more on idealization and precision in representation, and Matisse, who is celebrated for his vibrant colors and light-hearted subject matter. Rembrandt, while he did explore themes of human emotion and introspection, did not exhibit the same level of bitter perspective in his later works as Goya did. Thus, Goya's evolution into darker, more reflective themes makes him the artist recognized for a bitter perspective in his mature works.