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What is a masterpiece?
The history of art is full of "masterpieces", those creations that are now considered cultural icons. But what is a masterpiece? And why are some works more famous than others? Well, sometimes it's linked to the artist, the historical context, the technical innovation, a scandal or a shroud of mystery... If you want to dive into the history of some masterpieces, you’re in the right place!
Was da Vinci an artistic genius? Sure, but he was also born in the right place at the right time — pre-Renaissance, Western artists got little individual credit for their work. And in many non-Western cultures, traditional forms have always been prized over innovation. So, where do we get our notions of art vs. craft? Laura Morelli traces the history of how we assign value to the visual arts.
Lesson by Laura Morelli, animation by Sandro Katamashvili.
Content produced by: TED Ed
On the agenda
video - 5:31
Is there a difference between art and craft?
By: Ted Ed
video - 9:11
What makes an artwork iconic?
By: National Galleries of Scotland
video - 5:39
How the Mona Lisa became so overrated ?
By: Vox Media
video - 5:37
Why is the Mona Lisa so famous?
By: Ted Ed
video - 12:03
Masterpieces of the Uffizi: Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino
By:
video - 6:30
How American Gothic became an icon
By: Vox Media
video - 2:07
Picasso, a man of influence
By: Réunion des musées nationaux - Grand Palais
video - 12:55
Contemporary art in 5 masterpieces
By: Centre Pompidou
video - 13:59
The Definition of Art
By: The Art Assignment
