General Knowledge 35

Question 1

Which famous painting was stolen from the Louvre art gallery on 20th August 1911?

Answer 1

Mona Lisa

The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world and was stolen by an Italian handyman, Vincenzo Peruggia.

Question 2

Which Spanish painter’s name comes from his having been born on Crete?

Answer 2

El Greco

El Greco, meaning ‘The Greek’, is known for his distinctive style that blends Byzantine and Western painting techniques.

Question 3

Picasso and Braque established which 20th-century art movement?

Answer 3

Cubism

Cubism is characterized by the use of geometric shapes and the representation of subjects from multiple viewpoints.

Question 4

Timothy Spall portrayed which English artist in a 2014 film?

Answer 4

JMW Turner

The film ‘Mr. Turner’ focuses on the last 25 years of the life of JMW Turner, a renowned British painter.

Question 5

Which representative body of artists was founded in 1768?

Answer 5

Royal Academy

The Royal Academy of Arts in London is known for promoting the visual arts through exhibitions and education.

Question 6

Who painted The Singing Butler (1992)?

Answer 6

Jack Vettriano

‘The Singing Butler’ is one of Vettriano’s most famous works and showcases his distinctive narrative style.

Question 7

The Monarch of the Glen by Edwin Landseer features which male animal?

Answer 7

Stag

This painting is an iconic representation of the Scottish Highlands and reflects Landseer’s skill in depicting animals.

Question 8

Which English artist painted The Blue Boy (1779)?

Answer 8

Thomas Gainsborough

‘The Blue Boy’ is famous for its vibrant color and is considered a masterpiece of 18th-century British portraiture.

Question 9

What was the first name of Surrealist painter Magritte?

Answer 9

René

René Magritte was known for his thought-provoking and surrealist images that challenge perceptions of reality.

Question 10

Girl with a Pearl Earring was painted by which artist?

Answer 10

Johannes Vermeer

This painting is often referred to as the ‘Mona Lisa of the North’ and is renowned for its captivating use of light and color.

Question 11

Which potter won the 2003 Turner Prize?

Answer 11

Grayson Perry

Grayson Perry is known for his ceramic works and for addressing social issues through his art.

Question 12

What is the name of the board on which an artist mixes paint?

Answer 12

Palette

A palette can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, or glass, and is essential for color mixing.

Question 13

Who was the 17th-century Dutch portrait painter of The Laughing Cavalier?

Answer 13

Frans Hals

Hals is celebrated for his lively brushwork and ability to capture personality in his subjects.

Question 14

The Scream (1893) was painted by which Norwegian artist?

Answer 14

Edvard Munch

‘The Scream’ is an iconic expressionist work that conveys profound emotional angst.

Question 15

In which city is the Prado Museum of art?

Answer 15

Madrid

The Prado is one of the premier art museums in the world, featuring works by Spanish masters like Velázquez and Goya.

Question 16

With what instrument of martyrdom is St Catherine of Alexandria depicted in art?

Answer 16

Wheel

The wheel symbolizes her torture and is a common motif in religious art depicting her story.

Question 17

Which painter was famous for his “matchstick” figures?

Answer 17

LS Lowry

Lowry’s paintings often depicted industrial scenes in North England, characterized by his unique stick-like figures.

Question 18

La Primavera was painted by which Italian artist?

Answer 18

Botticelli

‘La Primavera’ is a prime example of Renaissance art that celebrates themes of love and springtime.

Question 19

What was Rembrandt’s nationality?

Answer 19

Dutch

Rembrandt is considered one of the greatest painters in European art history, known for his portraits and use of light.

Question 20

What term is given to a painting on three separate panels joined by hinges?

Answer 20

Triptych

Triptychs are often used in religious art to convey narratives or themes across the three panels.

Question 21

What was buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, to protect him in the afterlife?

Answer 21

The Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army consists of thousands of life-sized figures and is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries.

Question 22

Near which Kent port is the English opening of the Channel Tunnel?

Answer 22

Folkestone

The Channel Tunnel connects England and France and is a major transportation link between the two countries.

Question 23

Which town is the location of the University of Surrey?

Answer 23

Guildford

The University of Surrey is known for its research and innovation in various fields.

Question 24

On an archery target, how many colours are there?

Answer 24

Five

The five colors typically include white, black, blue, red, and yellow.

Question 25

What are the Southern Lights also called?

Answer 25

Aurora Australis ## Footnote The Aurora Australis is the southern hemisphere counterpart to the Aurora Borealis in the north.

Question 26

What is an accompanied vocal solo in a cantata?

Answer 26

Aria ## Footnote Arias are expressive musical pieces that showcase the vocal abilities of the singer within a larger work.

Question 27

Who invented the phonograph?

Answer 27

Thomas Edison ## Footnote The phonograph was the first device capable of recording and reproducing sound.

Question 28

Which fictional character had a diary published at the age of 13¾?

Answer 28

Adrian Mole ## Footnote The character Adrian Mole, created by Sue Townsend, is known for his humorous and relatable teenage experiences.

Question 29

In which county is Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town?

Answer 29

Essex ## Footnote Colchester has a rich history dating back to Roman times and is known for its historical landmarks.

Question 30

What type of creature is cartoon character Yogi?

Answer 30

Bear ## Footnote Yogi Bear is a popular animated character known for his antics in Jellystone Park.

Question 31

Who sang the 1971 hit version of Without You, a 1994 hit for Mariah Carey?

Answer 31

Nilsson ## Footnote Nilsson's version of 'Without You' is celebrated for its emotional depth and vocal performance.

Question 32

Who played the title role in the film Elizabeth: The Golden Age?

Answer 32

Cate Blanchett ## Footnote Cate Blanchett received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in the film.

Question 33

Is Zambia ahead of or behind Greenwich Mean Time?

Answer 33

Ahead ## Footnote Zambia operates on Central Africa Time, which is two hours ahead of GMT.

Question 34

Which type of cloth is made from flax?

Answer 34

Linen ## Footnote Linen is valued for its durability and breathability, making it a popular fabric choice.

Question 35

What is the name for the part of a willow tree that bears pollen and nectar?

Answer 35

Catkin ## Footnote Catkins are typically long, drooping flower clusters that appear in spring.

Question 36

In the 1968 film Oliver!, which actor played the role of Fagin?

Answer 36

Ron Moody ## Footnote Ron Moody's portrayal of Fagin was widely praised and earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Question 37

What part of the body would be affected if you suffered from myopia?

Answer 37

Eyes ## Footnote Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects vision and is common among many individuals.

Question 38

What is the official language of Morocco?

Answer 38

Arabic ## Footnote Arabic is the official language, while Amazigh is also recognized in the country.

Question 39

In a pack of cards, how many eyes can be seen on the Jacks?

Answer 39

12 ## Footnote Each Jack card typically has one eye visible, with two Jacks having one eye and two having two, totaling 12.

Question 40

What name is given to the line of rocks off the western point of the Isle of Wight?

Answer 40

The Needles ## Footnote The Needles are a famous landmark known for their distinctive chalk formations.

Question 41

Queensland is a state in which country?

Answer 41

Australia ## Footnote Queensland is known for its tropical climate and the Great Barrier Reef.

Question 42

Kirkcaldy is in which historic county of Scotland?

Answer 42

Fife ## Footnote Fife is known for its rich history and coastal scenery.

Question 43

Which Scottish island was linked to the mainland by a bridge in 1995?

Answer 43

Skye ## Footnote The Skye Bridge connects the Isle of Skye to the mainland and is a notable feat of engineering.

Question 44

ATL is the international airport code for which US city?

Answer 44

Atlanta ## Footnote Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.

Question 45

Which Italian city is said to be built on seven hills?

Answer 45

Rome ## Footnote Rome's seven hills are a significant part of its historical and geographical identity.

Question 46

What name is given to the series of lakes mainly found in Norfolk?

Answer 46

The Norfolk Broads ## Footnote The Norfolk Broads are a network of rivers and lakes that are popular for boating and nature watching.

Question 47

Which is the southernmost US state?

Answer 47

Hawaii ## Footnote Hawaii is an archipelago known for its diverse ecosystems and rich culture.

Question 48

Dover lies opposite which French port?

Answer 48

Calais ## Footnote Dover and Calais are separated by the English Channel and are key points for ferry transport.

Question 49

Spain and Portugal comprise part of which peninsula?

Answer 49

Iberia ## Footnote The Iberian Peninsula is known for its unique cultural and geographical features.

Question 50

In which mountain range is Ben Nevis?

Answer 50

The Grampian Mountains ## Footnote Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the UK and a popular destination for hikers.

Question 51

Nassau is the capital of which Caribbean island group?

Answer 51

Bahamas ## Footnote The Bahamas is known for its beautiful beaches and tourism.

Question 52

Which is the world’s deepest ocean?

Answer 52

Pacific ## Footnote The Pacific Ocean covers more area than all the landmasses combined.

Question 53

In which county is Royal Tunbridge Wells?

Answer 53

Kent ## Footnote Royal Tunbridge Wells is known for its historic spa and picturesque surroundings.

Question 54

What is the Spanish name for Spain?

Answer 54

España ## Footnote 'España' is derived from the Roman name for the region, Hispania.

Question 55

The river Liffey flows into which sea?

Answer 55

Irish Sea ## Footnote The Liffey is a significant river in Dublin, Ireland.

Question 56

In which English county is the town of Bromsgrove?

Answer 56

Worcestershire ## Footnote Bromsgrove has historical significance and is part of the West Midlands region.

Question 57

What is the form of address for an Italian married woman?

Answer 57

Signora ## Footnote 'Signora' is the Italian equivalent of 'Mrs.' in English.

Question 58

What is the capital of New York State?

Answer 58

Albany ## Footnote Albany has been the capital since 1797 and is known for its historical architecture.

Question 59

Of what are there 100 in a US dollar?

Answer 59

Cents ## Footnote Cents are the fractional currency of the United States, with one dollar equaling 100 cents.