Famous Works of Art and How They Got That Way

Famous Works of Art and How They Got That Way
by John Nici

1. How would you define a “masterpiece”? How is the greatness of a work of art different than its fame? (Foreword)

2. Discuss the concept of repatriation, using examples from the book. Who owns cultural heritage? (Chapter 3)

3. When has artwork been used to further political pursuits? Provide examples.

4. How does fashion/the zeitgeist affect the popularity of an artwork? (Chapter 11)

5. What is a succes de scandale? Give examples of artworks or exhibitions that could be classified as such. (p. 159)

6. How has the present-day art market affected the fame of particular works of art? (Chatper 15)

7. What effect do art critics have on the popularity of artists/works of art? (Chapter 16)

8. Are there other works of art you would have included in the book?