Home
Listening
Listen to an Academic Talk Test #039
Listen to an Academic Talk
1. What is the main subject of the talk?
A) The life of the artist Caravaggio
B) An artistic technique using light and shadow
C) The use of color in Renaissance art
D) Differences between painting and sculpture
2. According to the professor, what is one effect of using chiaroscuro?
A) It makes paintings appear flatter.
B) It creates the illusion of three dimensions.
C) It requires the use of many different colors.
D) It makes the subject matter less emotional.
3. What can be inferred about art from the Middle Ages?
A) It often appeared less realistic than Renaissance art.
B) It used more dramatic lighting than Renaissance art.
C) It was primarily focused on sculpture.
D) It was not popular with the general public.
4. Why does the professor mention Caravaggio?
A) To name an artist who was a master of chiaroscuro
B) To contrast his style with other Renaissance artists
C) To suggest he was the first to use the technique
D) To criticize his use of light and shadow
Professor: When we study Renaissance art, we often encounter the term *chiaroscuro*. It's an Italian word that literally translates to "light-dark," and it refers to a painting technique that uses strong contrasts between light and shadow. The main purpose of chiaroscuro is to model three-dimensional forms, like a human body or an object, on a two-dimensional canvas. By having a bright light source seemingly illuminate a subject from one side, the artist can create deep shadows on the other. This gives the subject a sense of volume and weight, making it look much more realistic. A great master of this was Caravaggio. His paintings are famous for their dramatic, intense lighting, which not only defines form but also creates a powerful emotional mood and focuses the viewer's attention on the most important parts of the scene. This technique was a huge leap forward from the flatter, less dynamic art of the Middle Ages.
Highlights
| ID: | #io1825469492 |
Tags
New TOEFL