Art Criticism MCQs [Fine Arts]

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: April 11, 2025

1. What is the main purpose of art criticism?
(A) To create new artwork
(B) To sell artwork
(C) To evaluate, interpret, and understand art
(D) To copy famous artworks

2. Which of the following is not one of the traditional steps in art criticism?
(A) Description
(B) Analysis
(C) Creation
(D) Evaluation

3. In the description step of art criticism, you:
(A) Judge the quality of the art
(B) Interpret the meaning
(C) State only the observable facts
(D) Analyze the color scheme

4. What is the focus of the “analysis” step in art criticism?
(A) The artist’s biography
(B) The media coverage of the artwork
(C) The use of elements and principles of design
(D) The price of the artwork

5. Interpreting an artwork means:
(A) Explaining its materials
(B) Guessing the artist’s age
(C) Discovering the meaning or message behind it
(D) Measuring its dimensions

6. In the “judgment” phase of art criticism, the critic:
(A) Repairs the artwork
(B) Determines the cultural background
(C) Gives an informed opinion on the artwork’s success
(D) Rewrites the artist’s statement

7. Which art criticism theory focuses on the use of elements and principles of design?
(A) Formalism
(B) Emotionalism
(C) Imitationalism
(D) Contextualism

8. Imitationalism in art criticism values:
(A) Emotional content
(B) Abstract forms
(C) Realistic representation
(D) Cultural symbolism

9. Emotionalism emphasizes:
(A) Geometric composition
(B) The subject’s historical background
(C) The artwork’s ability to evoke feelings
(D) Use of traditional media

10. Contextualism in art criticism focuses on:
(A) The mood of the artist
(B) The materials used
(C) Social, political, and historical context of the artwork
(D) Visual balance

11. Which of the following is not typically considered during formal analysis?
(A) Color
(B) Texture
(C) Artist’s income
(D) Composition

12. Who is best known for formalist art criticism in the 20th century?
(A) Clement Greenberg
(B) Leonardo da Vinci
(C) Vincent van Gogh
(D) Salvador Dalí

13. Which element is not part of the basic art criticism approach?
(A) Description
(B) Hypothesis
(C) Interpretation
(D) Judgment

14. Art critics often consider the artist’s intention to:
(A) Approve the artwork legally
(B) Understand deeper meanings and choices
(C) Decide on the artwork’s market price
(D) Suggest how to improve it

15. Which of the following would be an example of interpretation in art criticism?
(A) “The painting uses red and blue.”
(B) “The artist signed the work at the bottom.”
(C) “The contrast may represent emotional conflict.”
(D) “It was made in 1872.”