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Seven Sacraments Altarpiece Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Rogier van der Weyden's Seven Sacraments Altarpiece: Analysis and Context

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Rogier van der Weyden's Seven Sacraments Altarpiece: Analysis and Context Study Guide

Artistic Genesis and Stylistic Affiliation

The Seven Sacraments Altarpiece is characterized as a singular, unified panel painting executed exclusively by Rogier van der Weyden.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that the altarpiece was a collaborative effort, involving Rogier van der Weyden and his workshop, rather than a sole creation.

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Rogier van der Weyden exclusively painted the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece without any assistance from his workshop.

Answer: False

Explanation: Evidence suggests that Rogier van der Weyden's workshop played a role in the creation of the altarpiece, particularly in the execution of the side panels.

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The Seven Sacraments Altarpiece was completed circa 1500.

Answer: False

Explanation: The altarpiece was completed between 1445 and 1450, placing it firmly within the mid-15th century.

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The altarpiece is structured as a single continuous scene without any division into panels.

Answer: False

Explanation: The artwork is a triptych, meaning it is composed of three distinct, hinged panels, each illustrating specific sacraments or scenes.

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The architectural elements depicted in the church setting include Romanesque arches and flat wooden ceilings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The architectural style depicted is Gothic, characterized by pointed arches and groin vaults, not Romanesque arches or flat wooden ceilings.

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Restoration analysis concluded that assistants were solely responsible for painting the central panel of the altarpiece.

Answer: False

Explanation: Restoration findings indicate that Rogier van der Weyden likely painted the entire central panel himself, with assistants contributing to the side panels.

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The central panel, *Christ on the Cross and Eucharist*, is considered potentially the only part painted entirely by Van der Weyden himself.

Answer: True

Explanation: Restoration and art historical analysis suggest that the central panel, titled *Christ on the Cross and Eucharist*, may be the sole section entirely executed by Rogier van der Weyden's own hand.

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The term 'triptych' refers to an artwork made using oil paints on a wooden panel.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 'triptych' specifically denotes a work of art composed of three hinged panels, regardless of the medium or support used.

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'Early Netherlandish painting' describes artworks created in Italy during the Renaissance period.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Early Netherlandish painting' refers to art produced in the Low Countries (modern Belgium and the Netherlands) during the 15th century, not Italy.

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'Spandrels' are decorative ribbons used to display text within paintings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Spandrels are architectural elements, specifically the roughly triangular spaces between the curve of an arch and its frame. In this context, they are part of the inner frame where coats of arms are displayed.

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Who is the principal artist credited with the creation of the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece?

Answer: Rogier van der Weyden

Explanation: Rogier van der Weyden, a preeminent figure of Early Netherlandish painting, is recognized as the principal artist responsible for the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece.

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During which period was the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece painted?

Answer: 1445-1450

Explanation: The altarpiece was meticulously created by Rogier van der Weyden and his workshop between the years 1445 and 1450.

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What does the term 'triptych' signify regarding the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece?

Answer: It is composed of three hinged panels.

Explanation: The term 'triptych' denotes a work of art consisting of three panels, typically hinged together, which accurately describes the structure of the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece.

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What architectural style characterizes the church interior depicted in the altarpiece's setting?

Answer: Gothic

Explanation: The architectural elements, such as pointed arches and groin vaults, are characteristic of the Gothic style, providing a grand setting for the depicted sacraments.

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The central panel, *Christ on the Cross and Eucharist*, is significant because it is:

Answer: Potentially the only part entirely painted by Van der Weyden himself.

Explanation: Art historical analysis suggests that the central panel, *Christ on the Cross and Eucharist*, may be the sole section of the triptych that was entirely executed by Rogier van der Weyden's own hand.

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What does the phrase 'oil on panel' refer to in the context of the altarpiece?

Answer: The medium (oil paints) and support (wooden panel) used for the artwork.

Explanation: The phrase 'oil on panel' denotes the materials used: oil-based paints applied to a wooden substrate, a common and effective technique for detailed panel paintings of the period.

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The altarpiece's setting includes architectural elements like colonnettes and piers primarily to:

Answer: Support the groin vault ceiling structure.

Explanation: These architectural elements, such as colonnettes and piers, function structurally to support the complex groin vault ceiling characteristic of Gothic architecture.

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What does the term 'autograph' mean when referring to the central panel of the altarpiece?

Answer: It was created entirely by the artist's own hand.

Explanation: In art historical discourse, an 'autograph' work signifies that the piece was executed entirely by the artist's own hand, distinguishing it from studio productions.

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What was the role of Rogier van der Weyden's workshop in creating the altarpiece?

Answer: They assisted Van der Weyden, contributing to parts of the side panels.

Explanation: The workshop's assistants played a role in the execution of the altarpiece, contributing to the architecture and figures on the side panels, while Van der Weyden is believed to have completed the central panel.

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The term 'Early Netherlandish painting' primarily refers to art from which region and period?

Answer: Flanders, Belgium in the 15th century

Explanation: 'Early Netherlandish painting' designates the artistic production originating from the Low Countries, particularly Flanders, during the 15th century, characterized by realism and oil techniques.

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What is a 'groin vault' as described in the context of the altarpiece's architecture?

Answer: A complex ceiling structure formed by intersecting barrel vaults.

Explanation: A groin vault is an architectural feature created by the intersection of two or three barrel vaults, forming an arched ceiling structure commonly found in Gothic cathedrals.

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Iconography and Sacramental Representation

The central theme of the altarpiece is a depiction of various saints from the Roman Catholic tradition.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary thematic focus of the altarpiece is the illustration of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, not a depiction of saints.

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The left panel of the altarpiece illustrates the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Marriage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The left panel depicts Baptism, Confirmation, and Confession. Marriage is depicted on the right panel.

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The right panel of the altarpiece depicts the sacraments of Holy Orders, Matrimony, and the Anointing of the Sick.

Answer: True

Explanation: The right panel is dedicated to illustrating Holy Orders (ordination), Matrimony (Marriage), and Extreme Unction (Anointing of the Sick).

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The central panel exclusively features a depiction of the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Answer: False

Explanation: The central panel prominently features a crucifixion scene alongside the sacrament of the Eucharist.

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Baptism is depicted in the upper section of the left panel, showing a priest baptizing an adult.

Answer: False

Explanation: Baptism is depicted in the lower left corner of the left panel, showing a priest baptizing an infant.

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The sacrament of Confession is illustrated with a bishop anointing a child in the left panel.

Answer: False

Explanation: Confession is depicted on the right side of the left panel, showing individuals confessing to a priest. The anointing of a child by a bishop illustrates Confirmation.

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The ordination of a priest is shown on the right side of the right panel in the altarpiece.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ordination of a priest (Holy Orders) is depicted on the left side of the right panel.

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Marriage is depicted in the right panel, showing a priest joining the hands of a man and a woman.

Answer: True

Explanation: The sacrament of Matrimony (Marriage) is accurately represented in the central section of the right panel, illustrating a priest officiating the union.

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Extreme Unction is represented in the upper right corner of the right panel, showing a priest administering last rites to a healthy young man.

Answer: False

Explanation: Extreme Unction (Anointing of the Sick) is depicted in the lower right section of the right panel, showing a priest administering rites to a sick individual in bed.

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Angels are depicted in the altarpiece, but their clothing colors do not hold any symbolic meaning.

Answer: False

Explanation: The colors of the angels' clothing are symbolically linked to the specific sacrament being illustrated, adding a layer of iconographic meaning.

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The 'Host' elevated by the priest in the Eucharist panel represents consecrated wine.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Host refers to the consecrated bread used in the Eucharist, which believers understand to represent the Body of Christ, not wine.

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The sacrament of Holy Orders involves the anointing of the sick with sacred oil.

Answer: False

Explanation: Holy Orders pertains to the ordination of clergy. The anointing of the sick with sacred oil is the sacrament of Extreme Unction (Anointing of the Sick).

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What constitutes the principal thematic focus of the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece?

Answer: The seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church.

Explanation: The central theme and subject matter of the altarpiece is the comprehensive visual representation of the seven sacraments central to the Roman Catholic tradition.

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Which of the following sacraments is depicted on the *left* panel of the altarpiece?

Answer: Confirmation

Explanation: The left panel of the triptych illustrates Baptism, Confirmation, and Confession. Confirmation is one of the sacraments depicted therein.

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The central panel of the altarpiece prominently features a crucifixion scene and which other sacrament?

Answer: Eucharist

Explanation: The central panel combines a depiction of the Crucifixion with the sacrament of the Eucharist, showing a priest elevating the Host.

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Which sacraments are depicted on the *right* panel of the altarpiece?

Answer: Ordination, Marriage, Last Rites

Explanation: The right panel illustrates the sacraments of Holy Orders (Ordination), Matrimony (Marriage), and Extreme Unction (Last Rites).

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What symbolic meaning is conveyed by the colors of the angels' clothing in the altarpiece?

Answer: They indicate the specific sacrament being illustrated.

Explanation: The colors of the angels' garments are intentionally chosen to correspond symbolically with the specific sacrament being depicted in each scene.

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Which sacrament is depicted in the lower left corner of the left panel?

Answer: Baptism

Explanation: The scene in the lower left corner of the left panel clearly illustrates the sacrament of Baptism, with a priest performing the rite on an infant.

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The sacrament of 'Extreme Unction' depicted in the right panel is also known as:

Answer: The Anointing of the Sick

Explanation: Extreme Unction is the traditional term for the sacrament now more commonly referred to as the Anointing of the Sick.

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Which of the following is NOT a sacrament depicted in the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece?

Answer: The Last Judgment

Explanation: The altarpiece focuses exclusively on the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church; The Last Judgment is not among them.

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What does the term 'ecclesiastical writings' refer to in the context of the altarpiece's inscriptions?

Answer: Documents pertaining to the church, its doctrines, or practices.

Explanation: 'Ecclesiastical writings' encompass texts related to religious doctrine, church history, and practices, from which the Latin phrases accompanying the sacraments in the altarpiece are derived.

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What is the significance of the 'Oil of Chrism' mentioned in relation to the sacrament of Confirmation?

Answer: It is a sacred oil used to anoint the confirmand, symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

Explanation: The Oil of Chrism is a consecrated oil used in Confirmation to anoint the forehead of the confirmand, signifying the reception of the Holy Spirit and strengthening of faith.

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Which sacrament involves the ordination of individuals to serve as deacons, priests, or bishops?

Answer: Holy Orders

Explanation: The sacrament of Holy Orders is the rite through which individuals are ordained into the clerical ranks of deacons, priests, or bishops.

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Patronage, Provenance, and Institutional History

The Seven Sacraments Altarpiece is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: The altarpiece is presently located in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium, not the Louvre.

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Two coats of arms are present in the altarpiece, possibly indicating the patron or intended location.

Answer: True

Explanation: The presence of two coats of arms within the frame's spandrels is interpreted as a potential indicator of the patron's identity or the altarpiece's intended placement.

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Jean Chevrot, a French bishop, is widely believed to have commissioned the altarpiece, supported by the presence of his family's coat of arms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholarly consensus identifies Jean Chevrot, Bishop of Doornik (Tournai), as the likely commissioner, with his family's heraldry serving as supporting evidence.

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Jean Chevrot is thought to be depicted as the priest performing the sacrament of Confession in the altarpiece.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jean Chevrot is believed to be represented as the bishop performing the sacrament of Confirmation, not as the priest in the Confession scene.

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The presence of the Couraults of Poligny's coat of arms suggests the altarpiece was intended for a church in Doornik (Tournai).

Answer: False

Explanation: If the right coat of arms belongs to the Couraults of Poligny, it suggests the altarpiece was intended for a chapel in Poligny, not Doornik (Tournai).

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In 1681, the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece was owned by a museum curator in Antwerp.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1681, the altarpiece was owned by Jean Perrault, who resided in Paris, not by a museum curator in Antwerp.

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The altarpiece became part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp through a direct purchase in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The altarpiece entered the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp via a bequest from Chevalier Florent van Ertborn's collection in 1841, not through a direct purchase in the early 20th century.

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Where is the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece currently housed?

Answer: The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp

Explanation: The Seven Sacraments Altarpiece is a permanent fixture in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts located in Antwerp, Belgium.

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Who is widely considered to be the principal patron responsible for commissioning the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece?

Answer: Jean Chevrot

Explanation: Scholarly consensus identifies Jean Chevrot, a French bishop of Doornik (Tournai), as the most probable patron who commissioned this significant work.

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Who acquired the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece in 1826, leading to its eventual placement in the Antwerp museum?

Answer: Chevalier Florent van Ertborn

Explanation: Chevalier Florent van Ertborn acquired the altarpiece in 1826; his subsequent bequest of his collection led to its inclusion in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

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The presence of the Chevrot family's coat of arms strongly suggests which of the following?

Answer: The altarpiece was commissioned by Jean Chevrot.

Explanation: The inclusion of the Chevrot family's heraldry provides significant evidence supporting the hypothesis that Jean Chevrot commissioned the altarpiece.

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The coats of arms found in the spandrels of the inner frame potentially identify:

Answer: The patron who commissioned the work or its intended location.

Explanation: The heraldic symbols, specifically the Chevrot and potentially Courault coats of arms, are interpreted as clues to the identity of the patron or the intended site for the altarpiece.

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How did the altarpiece become part of the collection at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp?

Answer: It was acquired by Florent van Ertborn and later bequeathed by his collection.

Explanation: Chevalier Florent van Ertborn acquired the altarpiece in 1826, and his collection, including this work, was later bequeathed to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

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What is the purpose of an altarpiece, as suggested by its placement and function?

Answer: To provide didactic or devotional visual narratives for worshippers.

Explanation: Altarpieces are traditionally situated above altars to serve a didactic and devotional purpose, visually conveying religious narratives and teachings to the congregation.

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The identification of the right coat of arms as potentially belonging to the Couraults of Poligny suggests the altarpiece might have been intended for:

Answer: A specific chapel in Poligny.

Explanation: If the right coat of arms is attributed to the Couraults of Poligny, it implies a potential intended destination for the altarpiece within a chapel in Poligny.

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Materiality, Technique, and Conservation

The primary medium employed in the creation of the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece was watercolor on canvas.

Answer: False

Explanation: The altarpiece was executed using oil paints on a wooden panel, a characteristic medium for Early Netherlandish painting.

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The Seven Sacraments Altarpiece is relatively diminutive in scale, measuring approximately 20 inches in height and 25 inches in width.

Answer: False

Explanation: The altarpiece is considerably larger than stated, measuring 200 cm in height and 223 cm in width.

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Latin phrases related to each sacrament are inscribed on scrolls above the depicted actions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Banderoles or scrolls bearing Latin inscriptions, derived from ecclesiastical writings, are positioned above each sacramental depiction, providing textual context.

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A distinctive technique, identified during restoration efforts, involved the application of painted facial elements onto separate sheets of metal, which were subsequently affixed to the primary wooden panel.

Answer: True

Explanation: Restoration analysis revealed that certain facial features were executed on separate sheets of pewter and then attached to the panel, representing a notable aspect of the altarpiece's construction.

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The restoration project, completed between 2006 and 2009, revealed the painting's original vibrancy after removing an old layer of dark varnish.

Answer: True

Explanation: The removal of a discolored varnish layer during the 2006-2009 restoration successfully uncovered the altarpiece's original luminosity and detail.

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Prior to the 2006-2009 restoration, the altarpiece was in excellent condition with no paint loss or discoloration.

Answer: False

Explanation: Before restoration, the altarpiece exhibited signs of deterioration, including a loose paint layer causing flaking and a yellowed varnish that obscured its details.

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The restoration of the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece was solely funded by the Belgian government.

Answer: False

Explanation: The restoration project was sponsored by the Fonds Baillet Latour and SD Worx, not solely by the Belgian government.

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Dr. Griet Steyaert was responsible for the conservation of the altarpiece's original frame.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dr. Griet Steyaert led the overall restoration project of the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece, not specifically the conservation of its frame.

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The restorers faced challenges because Van der Weyden painted all the figures' heads directly onto the wooden panel.

Answer: False

Explanation: The challenge related to the figures' heads stemmed from them being painted on separate sheets of pewter and then attached to the panel, not painted directly onto the wood.

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After restoration, the altarpiece was fitted with a new frame designed to replicate its original appearance.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the conservation efforts, the altarpiece was equipped with a new frame meticulously designed to emulate its original structure.

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What unique technique was discovered during the restoration regarding the depiction of some figures' faces?

Answer: They were painted on separate sheets of pewter and attached.

Explanation: Restoration efforts revealed that certain facial features were painted on separate sheets of pewter and subsequently affixed to the wooden panel, a notable construction technique.

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What is the approximate size of the Seven Sacraments Altarpiece in inches?

Answer: 79 inches high by 88 inches wide

Explanation: The altarpiece measures approximately 200 cm in height and 223 cm in width, which translates to roughly 79 inches by 88 inches.

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The Latin phrases accompanying each sacrament action are found on what element within the artwork?

Answer: Painted scrolls or banderoles

Explanation: Latin phrases derived from ecclesiastical writings are presented on painted scrolls or banderoles positioned above each depicted sacramental rite.

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What was the condition of the altarpiece before the restoration project that began in 2006?

Answer: Suffering from loose paint, flaking, and obscured details due to yellowed varnish.

Explanation: Prior to the 2006-2009 restoration, the altarpiece was compromised by a loose paint layer causing flaking and a yellowed varnish that significantly obscured its original details and vibrancy.

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What was the primary outcome of removing the yellowed varnish layer during the 2006-2009 restoration?

Answer: The original vibrancy and details of the painting were uncovered.

Explanation: The removal of the aged varnish layer was instrumental in restoring the altarpiece's original chromatic intensity and revealing previously obscured details.

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Which of the following statements about the altarpiece's dimensions is accurate?

Answer: It is 200 cm high and 223 cm wide.

Explanation: The altarpiece measures 200 centimeters in height and 223 centimeters in width, dimensions that reflect its substantial scale.

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