The Starry Night (1889) by Vincent van GoghMoMA The Museum of Modern Art
Test your art history knowledge! Scroll on to see portraits of some famous artists. You'll then be given a choice of several paintings. Can you match the painter to the painting?
Self-Portrait (1889) by Vincent van GoghMusée d’Orsay, Paris
The Post-Impressionist
We’ll start off with an easy one. Van Gogh, probably one of the most famous artists of all time, was a prolific painter of self-portraits, creating around 35 in his lifetime. This one was done around 1889 when the artist was 36 years old.
Part of the Post-Impressionist movement, Van Gogh is known for his use of color, emotion, and form. His work is characterized by thick brush strokes, texture and strong, undiluted colors. So, can you guess which of the below paintings is also by the famous Dutchman?
Which of these Post-Impressionist masterpieces is also by Van Gogh? Make your choice, then scroll on for the answer...
Wheatfield with crows (July 1890 - 1890) by Vincent van GoghVan Gogh Museum
Wheat Field with Crows, 1890
One of the last works Van Gogh ever created, Wheat Field with Crows was painted in July 1890, a few weeks before he died. The stormy skies are thought to represent his mental anguish, while the strong tones were used to create contrast, drama and intensity.
Self-Portrait with Death Playing the Fiddle (1872) by Arnold BöcklinAlte Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
The Symbolist
Now for something a little trickier. This self-portrait is by Swiss artist Arnold Böcklin. Part of the Symbolist movement, Böcklin was heavily influenced by romanticism and mythology and often included images and ideas from ancient stories and legends in his works.
In this self-portrait, Böcklin holds a brush and palette while ‘death’ plays the fiddle behind him. Can you guess which of the below works is also by the hand of this brooding Swiss painter?
Which of these symbol-filled works is also by Arnold Böcklin?
The Isle of the Dead (1883) by Arnold BöcklinAlte Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
The Isle of the Dead, 1883
This work, called The Isle of the Dead, was one of five versions Böcklin painted of the same landscape. One of his most famous works, it shows a small boat containing a white figure approaching a lonely island.
Böcklin himself gave no explanation for the painting, many have interpreted it as a reference to Charon, the boatman who ferried souls across the River Styx to the Underworld in Greek Mythology.
Self Portrait With Fried Eggs 1996 (1999) by Sarah LucasBritish Council
The Contemporary Artist
Our next self-portrait is completely different. Created by contemporary artist Sarah Lucas in 1999, it’s one of the most iconic works to emerge from the 90s UK art scene. Like Arnold Böcklin, Sarah Lucas often uses symbolism in her work to convey messages and make the viewer think. So which of these thought-provoking contemporary works is also by Lucas?
Which of these other contemporary works is by Sarah Lucas?
Pauline Bunny (1997-01-01) by Sarah LucasTate Britain
Pauline Bunny, 1997
One of Lucas’ best known works, Pauline Bunny is made from stuffed stockings arranged on a mid-century modern style chair. The stockings, which are in the abstract form of a female body, sit rather limply on the chair, and seem to ask questions about femininity, the male gaze and power. The work was originally part of a larger installation called Bunny Gets Snookered, which was exhibited in London in 1997.
NUD CYCLADIC 7 (2010) by Sarah LucasArts Council Collection
Learn more about Sarah Lucas here.
