Moses by Michelangelo (Rome, Italy — 1515) — Questions and answers

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According to the Art Fact, what is the reason for the 'horns' on Moses' head?

Choices

  1. They represent his strength and power.
  2. They are a result of a mistranslation of the Hebrew Bible. ✓
  3. Michelangelo thought horns would make the statue more mythical.
  4. Moses actually had horns, as described in ancient texts.

Answer: They are a result of a mistranslation of the Hebrew Bible.

From page 1

Where did Michelangelo first see the marble that would become the Moses statue?

Choices

  1. In his art studio in Rome.
  2. In the quarries of Carrara. ✓
  3. At the home of Pope Julius II.
  4. Near Mount Sinai.

Answer: In the quarries of Carrara.

From page 2

According to the Art Fact, what did Michelangelo believe was the sculptor's role?

Choices

  1. To break the stone into smaller pieces.
  2. To paint the stone with many colors.
  3. To 'liberate' the figure already present within the stone. ✓
  4. To make the stone look like a perfect cube.

Answer: To 'liberate' the figure already present within the stone.

From page 4

What three qualities did each stroke of Michelangelo's chisel demand?

Choices

  1. Speed, loudness, and strength.
  2. Precision, patience, and unwavering focus. ✓
  3. Anger, sadness, and happiness.
  4. Big muscles, a long beard, and a hammer.

Answer: Precision, patience, and unwavering focus.

From page 5

Why did Pope Julius II's attention shift away from the tomb commission?

Choices

  1. He ran out of money for art projects.
  2. He decided he didn't like Michelangelo's work.
  3. He began rebuilding St. Peter's Basilica and diverted funds. ✓
  4. Michelangelo refused to continue working on it.

Answer: He began rebuilding St. Peter's Basilica and diverted funds.

From page 6

How did Michelangelo come to view the horns on Moses as he neared completion?

Choices

  1. As a funny mistake that he wished he could change.
  2. As a symbol of Moses' divine connection and authority. ✓
  3. As a reason to abandon the project entirely.
  4. As proof that his translation skills were poor.

Answer: As a symbol of Moses' divine connection and authority.

From page 7

At what specific moment does Michelangelo capture Moses in the statue?

Choices

  1. When he is peacefully receiving the law.
  2. When he is leaving Rome for Carrara.
  3. When he descends from Mount Sinai and sees his people worshipping a golden calf. ✓
  4. When he is asking for more marble from the quarry workers.

Answer: When he descends from Mount Sinai and sees his people worshipping a golden calf.

From page 8

What did Michelangelo supposedly exclaim after striking the Moses statue with his hammer?

Choices

  1. "This is my greatest work!"
  2. "I need to carve more details!"
  3. "Why dost thou not speak?" ✓
  4. "The marble is too hard!"

Answer: "Why dost thou not speak?"

From page 9

Where can Michelangelo's Moses statue be seen today?

Choices

  1. In a museum in Florence, Italy.
  2. In the quarries of Carrara.
  3. In the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome. ✓
  4. On top of Mount Sinai.

Answer: In the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome.

From page 10