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Listen to an Academic Talk Test #006
Listen to an Academic Talk
1. What is the main subject of the talk?
A) The life of Leonardo da Vinci
B) A comparison of Italian and Dutch painters
C) A specific technique used in Renaissance painting
D) The restoration of the Mona Lisa
2. What does the professor say is a key feature of sfumato?
A) The use of bright, primary colors
B) The avoidance of sharp outlines
C) The creation of perfectly symmetrical compositions
D) The depiction of historical events
3. What can be inferred about paintings from the Early Renaissance?
A) They were generally less realistic than High Renaissance works.
B) They were often characterized by strong, clear lines.
C) They were less popular with the public.
D) They did not use shadows or light.
4. Why does the professor mention the Mona Lisa's smile?
A) To argue that it is the most important feature of the painting.
B) To contrast it with Leonardo's other works.
C) To give an example of the sfumato technique.
D) To explain the history of the painting's fame.
Professor: In our discussion of the High Renaissance, we can't ignore a revolutionary painting technique known as sfumato.
The term is Italian, roughly meaning 'to evaporate like smoke.' And that's a great way to think about it.
Sfumato involves very soft, subtle transitions between colors and tones, avoiding hard outlines or sharp edges.
The most famous master of this technique was, of course, Leonardo da Vinci.
Look at the Mona Lisa. The corners of her eyes and her famous, enigmatic smile are perfect examples.
There are no clear lines defining them; they just seem to emerge from the shadows.
This wasn't just for show. This technique created a much more realistic sense of depth and atmosphere in paintings.
It was a dramatic shift away from the clearer, more linear style of the earlier Renaissance and profoundly influenced the course of Western art.
The term is Italian, roughly meaning 'to evaporate like smoke.' And that's a great way to think about it.
Sfumato involves very soft, subtle transitions between colors and tones, avoiding hard outlines or sharp edges.
The most famous master of this technique was, of course, Leonardo da Vinci.
Look at the Mona Lisa. The corners of her eyes and her famous, enigmatic smile are perfect examples.
There are no clear lines defining them; they just seem to emerge from the shadows.
This wasn't just for show. This technique created a much more realistic sense of depth and atmosphere in paintings.
It was a dramatic shift away from the clearer, more linear style of the earlier Renaissance and profoundly influenced the course of Western art.
Highlights
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