A masterpiece is the masterly, outstanding work of an artist who has convinced both the critics and the addressees as well as an extraordinary work of his work. The masterpiece is usually a late work of the artist, in which he condenses the gained experiences and knowledge in a special way in a work of art. The most important work, Opus magnum, is generally masterful.
However, there are no definite features or stipulations that explain artworks to masterpieces. Rather it is about the fact that an artistic work is masterly in many details: this can concern the style, the effect as well as the production and usually means a thoroughly exemplary work. Such masterpieces are found in the visual arts, music, and literature.
Thus each work of the arts, which is bound to a creative process, can ultimately be declared a masterpiece. Furthermore, the cultural area (area in which different ethnic groups live, which have similar cultural property) of the artist is decisive, since the outside world mostly explains that the corresponding work is a masterpiece. Let’s look at some examples.
The above paintings are all very significant works by the respective artists and are probably one of the most valuable in art history. Let’s look at the Mona Lisa. This oil painting is by the Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci and was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Every year, thousands of visitors visit the Louvre Museum and try to explore their magic.
Da Vinci used Mona Lisa to paint a technique that he himself had developed and perfected: the so-called Sfumato technique. This means that the painting has blurred outlines, making the background almost foggy and the contours of the young woman very soft. He also used a technique of painting, which was unique at the time of the production: the silver look.
In this technique, the iris (the aperture of the eye, which is colored by pigments) is not shown completely symmetrically in both eyes, but slightly displaced towards the center. The effect is that the Mona Lisa gives the impression of looking at her viewer from every angle. Moreover, a very refined shadow play gives the impression that the person portrayed smiles at the viewer.
In short: The Mona Lisa is characterized by numerous details that da Vinci perfected itself or used for the first time in a painting and thus impressed the critics. In the Mona Lisa da Vinci combines his collected experiences, explores new paths and creates such an extraordinary work.
Short overview: The most important overview
A masterpiece is an outstanding masterpiece of art. However, the criteria for this are not clearly defined and must be assessed by the respective cultural area. Such works can be arranged in all the arts. As a matter of course, a special performance can be designated as such.
The most important, most important work of an artist is called Opus magnum, also Magnum opus. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to define a single piece. The totality of artistic activity is called the œuvre.
Note: Do not confuse the whole thing with a masterpiece. This comes from the craft and meant in the Middle Ages a work that showed a journeyman at the end of his training (the company) of the guild to demonstrate that he mastered the craft.