art – Quizology Online

Impressionable—Answers

Here are the answers to my questions which were posted earlier.

All of these questions relate to today’s date, February 25th.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, self-portrait, 1910.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

The painter of the above self-portrait was born in Limoges, France, on 25 February 1841. He became an early Impressionist but later adopted a more traditional style. Who is he?

Answer: Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a French artist and leading Impressionist painter. He later developed a more disciplined technique, focusing on portraits and figure paintings, particularly of women.

Two

This author, best known by a pen name but also using another — Joseph Kell, was born John Burgess Wilson on this day in 1917 in an inner-city suburb of Manchester, England. After wartime service, he left the British army in 1946 with the rank of sergeant-major. His most famous work, a dystopian satire published in 1962, was adapted into a controversial film in 1971. What is his best-known pen name?

Answer: Anthony Burgess.

Anthony Burgess (1917-1993) was an English novelist, critic, and man of letters renowned for his fictional explorations of modern dilemmas. He wrote over 50 books, including novels, literary criticism, biographies, and musical compositions. Burgess’s works often combined linguistic ingenuity, witty erudition, and sharp social satire. He is best known for his dystopian satire A Clockwork Orange and was also a versatile linguist and literary critic, writing numerous novels, librettos and screenplays.

Three

In 1986, after claiming victory in a fraudulent election which led to a military coup and revolution, President Ferdinand Marcos fled his country. Of what country was Marcos president, and which opposition leader replaced him as president?

Answers: Philippines; Corazon Aquino.

Ferdinand Marcos fled the Philippines on 25 February 1986, seeking refuge in Hawaii with his family and a vast fortune, in part consisting of 22 crates of cash valued at $717 million, 300 crates of assorted jewellery, $4 million worth of unset precious gems, 65 Seiko and Cartier watches, a 12 by 4 ft box full of pearls, a 3 ft solid gold statue covered in diamonds and other precious stones, $200,000 in gold bullion, nearly $1 million in Philippine pesos, and deposit slips to banks in the United States, Switzerland, and the Cayman Islands worth $124 million. While enjoying a lavish lifestyle, Filipinos back home grappled with the economic consequences of his rule. Amongst other things, Imelda Marcos, the ousted First Lady, was found to have a collection of 2,700 pairs of shoes. The revolution that ousted Marcos was fuelled by widespread discontent, with protests erupting not only in Manila but also in the provinces and islands. Source: Wikipedia.

Four

Born in 1943, this musician was a prominent figure in the music world during the swinging sixties. He was originally part of a band where he wrote hits like Here Comes the Sun and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. His sitar teacher was singer Norah Jones’ father. He later enjoyed a successful solo career. Who was he and who taught him to play the sitar?

Answers: George Harrison; Ravi Shankar.

George Harrison, lead guitarist of the Beatles, was known for his significant contributions to the band’s musical direction and his successful solo career. He incorporated non-Western musical influences, particularly Indian classical music, into the Beatles’ sound and later established himself as a solo artist with hits like My Sweet Lord. Harrison was also a prolific music and film producer, co-founding HandMade Films and producing acts for Apple Records. He produced the Monty Python’s troupe’s comedy film The Life of Brian (1979).

Five

In 1570, Pope Pius V excommunicated the English monarch from the Roman Catholic Church. Who was this monarch?

Answer: Elizabeth I.

Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, ruled England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603. Her reign, marked by religious tolerance and cautious foreign policy, saw the establishment of the Church of England and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Despite numerous courtships, Elizabeth remained unmarried, earning her the moniker ‘Virgin Queen’.

Impressionable

All of these questions relate to today’s date, February 25th.

Question One. Self-portrait, 1910.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

The painter of the above self-portrait was born in Limoges, France, on 25 February 1841. He became an early Impressionist but later adopted a more traditional style. Who is he?

Two

Three

Four

Five

In 1570, Pope Pius V excommunicated the English monarch from the Roman Catholic Church. Who was this monarch?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

The Milky Way—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions in my earlier post.

Today’s questions all relate to the date, February 18th.

Pluto.
Photograph taken by NASA’s New Horizon spacecraft.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered what in our solar system?

Answer: Pluto.

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh, an American astronomer, discovered Pluto despite lacking formal training. He attended the University of Kansas on a scholarship and completed his M.A. in astronomy in 1939. Tombaugh worked at the Lowell Observatory, cataloguing over 30,000 celestial objects before leaving in 1946. His research included star clusters, extragalactic nebulae, and planetary observations. In 1950, he predicted Mars’ cratered surface due to its proximity to the asteroid belt, a prediction confirmed by Mariner 4 in the 1960s. Tombaugh also taught at Arizona State College and the University of California, contributing significantly to astronomy.

Two

Born in Tokyo in 1933, she is a Japanese artist and musician. In 1968, she released, with her future husband, Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins, a collaborative experimental album. They later lived in an apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street, New York City. Who is she, what is the building at 1 West 72nd Street, NYC named, and who was her collaborative husband-to-be?

Answer: Yoko Ono; The Dakota; John Lennon.

Yoko Ono, a Japanese artist, musician, activist, and filmmaker, rose to fame in the 1960s and married John Lennon in 1969. She achieved success in music, including a Grammy-winning album with Lennon, and continues to honour his legacy through philanthropy. The Dakota, a historic luxury apartment building in New York City, was built between 1880 and 1884 in the German Renaissance style by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. It was one of the first major developments on the Upper West Side and remains the city’s oldest luxury apartment building. Recognised as a National Historic Landmark, The Dakota is celebrated for its unique architecture and has housed numerous artists and celebrities.

Three

In 1965, The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom. This African nation is situated on which ocean and is bordered by which country?

Answer: Atlantic Ocean; Senegal.

The Gambia, Africa’s smallest mainland country, lies along the Atlantic coast surrounded by Senegal and follows the Gambia River through flat, navigable terrain. Its unusual shape stems from 19th‑century territorial agreements between Britain and France. A brief Senegambia confederation existed from 1982 to 1989. The nation, with a 2026 population of around 2.55 million, is a multiparty republic led by President Adama Barrow, with Banjul as its capital. English is the official language, and the main ethnic groups include Malinke, Wolof, Fulani, Diola and Soninke. The economy relies heavily on peanut production and export. Known for its sandy Atlantic beaches and the historic village of Jufureh, The Gambia combines dense rural settlement with cultural and historical links to neighbouring Senegal.

Four

Born on this day, Enzo Ferrari, automobile manufacturer, designer, and racing-car driver. In what decade, and in what city, was he born?

Answer: Modena; 1890s.

Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988) was an Italian car designer, manufacturer, and racing driver who founded Scuderia Ferrari and later Ferrari SpA. He began as a test driver after World War I, joining Alfa Romeo in 1920 and creating Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 to prepare Alfa race cars. By 1939 he had split from Alfa and formed Auto Avio Costruzioni, which evolved into Ferrari. The first car under his name, the 125 S, appeared in 1947 and won Ferrari’s first Grand Prix. Famous for speed and engineering excellence, his teams dominated the 1950s and 1960s, though tragedy struck with multiple driver fatalities and the death of his son Dino. Ferrari sold a stake to Fiat in 1969, remained president until 1977, and became a motorsport legend.

Five

In 2010, WikiLeaks publishes thousands of classified documents which had been disclosed by a U.S. soldier. What is his or her name?

Answer: Bradley Manning or Chelsea Manning.

In 2010, WikiLeaks, which had been founded in 2006, released nearly half a million documents on the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a 2007 video showing a U.S. helicopter attack killing twelve, including two Reuters employees. The Obama administration condemned the leaks as a national security threat. In November 2010, WikiLeaks published 250,000 classified U.S. diplomatic cables, revealing efforts to isolate Iran. Following the leaks, U.S. lawmakers pursued prosecution of Assange and collaborators. Bradley Manning, a U.S. Army analyst, was arrested in May 2010 for releasing the helicopter video and later accused of leaking cables. Manning pleaded guilty to 10 charges, was found guilty of espionage and theft in July 2013, and received a 35-year sentence. The day after sentencing Manning’s attorney issued a press release saying that his client was a female, and asked that she be referred to by her new name of Chelsea and feminine pronouns. WikiLeaks faced setbacks, including being taken offline and losing payment services.

The Milky Way

Today’s questions all relate to the date, February 18th.

Photograph taken by NASA’s New Horizon spacecraft.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered what in our solar system?

Two

Three

In 1965, The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom. This African nation is situated on which ocean and is bordered by which country?

Four

Born on this day, Enzo Ferrari, automobile manufacturer, designer, and racing-car driver. In what decade, and in what city, was he born?

Five

In 2010, WikiLeaks publishes thousands of classified documents which had been disclosed by a U.S. soldier. What is his or her name?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Omnium Gatherum—Answers

Here are the answers for the questions in my earlier post, Omnium Gatherum.

Today we have five random questions with no connections or related dates.

Olympic Rings in 2023.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

In sport, where were the Games of the XXX Olympiad held?

Answer: London, United Kingdom

The 2012 Summer Olympics, held in London, featured 10,518 athletes from 206 countries. The United States topped the medal table, while Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian. The Games were praised for their organisation and the opening ceremony, directed by Danny Boyle.

Two

For what film did James Cagney win the Best Actor Oscar in 1942?

Answer: Yankee Doodle Dandy

Yankee Doodle Dandy is a 1942 biographical musical drama film about George M. Cohan, starring James Cagney. The film was a major hit, winning three Academy Awards, and was later selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Three

In what country did the artist Pablo Picasso die?

Answer: France

Pablo Picasso, a Spanish artist, was a leading figure in 20th-century art. He co-founded the Cubist movement, invented constructed sculpture and collage, and explored various styles throughout his 76-year career. Picasso’s most famous works include Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Guernica.

Four

What sporting organisation does the abbreviation WPBSA stand for?

Answer: World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), headquartered in Bristol, England, governs professional snooker and English billiards. It devises rules, promotes global development, enforces conduct regulations, combats corruption, and supports various related organisations.

Five

An 1831 novel’s major characters include the following: Claude Frollo — the Archdeacon; Pierre Gringoire — a struggling poet; Phoebus de Chateaupers — the Captain of the King’s Archers. What novel, and who was its author?

Answer: The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (French title: Notre-Dame de Paris); Victor Hugo

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, a French Gothic novel by Victor Hugo, was published in 1831. The novel, set in 15th-century Paris, focusses on the story of Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Claude Frollo. Hugo championed historical preservation, particularly of Gothic architecture, through this work.

Omnium Gatherum

The post title —

Definition of omnium gatherum in English:

omnium gatherum
NOUN

A collection of miscellaneous people or things:

‘an omnium gatherum of anecdotes’

Origin

Early 16th century: mock Latin, from Latin omnium ‘of all’ and gather + the Latin suffix –um.

— Oxford English Dictionary

Omnium Gatherum

Today we have five random questions with no connections or related dates.

One

In sport, where were the Games of the XXX Olympiad held?

Two

For what film did James Cagney win the Best Actor Oscar in 1942?

Three

In what country did the artist Pablo Picasso die?

Four

What sporting organisation does the abbreviation WPBSA stand for?

Five

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Matchmaker—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posed in my earlier post.

Today’s questions are all connected to December 23rd.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Toni Collette in *Emma* (1996).
Image © 1996 Miramax Films via Encyclopædia Britannica

One

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1996. What was the title of the book?

Answer: Emma

Jane Austen’s 1815 novel, Emma, follows the matchmaking misadventures of Emma Woodhouse in the fictional town of Highbury.

Two

Who, born in 1933, became the 125th emperor of Japan in 1989, and how did his reign end in 2019?

Answer: Akihito; abdication

Akihito, the 125th emperor of Japan, reigned from 1989 to 2019. He abdicated in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.

Three

In 1888, what two artists were involved in ‘the incident at the Yellow House’, and what injury happened to one of them?

Answers: Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin; Van Gogh cut off part of his left ear

Vincent van Gogh cut off part of his ear in 1888 after a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. The incident, possibly linked to van Gogh’s mental health struggles, led to his hospitalisation and Gauguin’s departure from Arles.

Four

In 2001, which South American nation announced the suspension of payments on its external debt marking the largest debt default in history?

Answer: Argentina

Argentina’s economy experienced a severe recession from 1998 to 2002, culminating in a US$93 billion debt default in 2001. This led to a rapid devaluation of the peso, soaring inflation, and a significant drop in GDP.

Five

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born in 1805. Which US state was his birthplace?

Answer: Vermont

Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, translated golden plates into the Book of Mormon. His teachings, including revelations and polygamy, were recorded and published.

Utility ought to be the principal intention of every publication—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posted earlier.

All of these questions are related to today’s date, December 10th.

*Lawrence of Arabia* (1962).
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

One

In 1962, David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, which went on to became one of the most celebrated epics in the history of cinema, had its world premiere. Who starred as _ _ Lawrence, and what two initials are missing before his surname?

Answer: Peter O’Toole (as) T.E. (Lawrence)

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 British historical epic biographical adventure drama film directed by David Lean. It portrays Thomas Edward Lawrence’s experiences in the Ottoman provinces during World War I and his involvement in the Arab National Council. The film, which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It follows Lawrence’s journey from a military cartographer to a leader of the Arab Revolt against the Turks, and is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, shot on location in Jordan, Spain and Morocco.

Two

Which government officially surrendered on this day in 1932 after a month-long battle against thousands of large flightless birds, and what were the birds?

Answer: Australian; Emus

The Emu War was a brief and unsuccessful 1932 military operation in Australia aimed at controlling the emu population, which was damaging crops in Western Australia. Three members of the Royal Australian Artillery were tasked with culling approximately 20,000 emus using machine guns, but the weapons and tactics were ineffective. Despite petitions from local farmers, the campaign, which lasted from November to December, resulted in fewer than 1,000 emus being killed and became a subject of national and international ridicule.

Portrait of Ada, Countess of Lovelace (Ada Lovelace), c1840.
Image Wikipedia

Three

Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, was born in Marylebone, London. In which decade was she born, and who was her famous father?

Answer: 1810s; Lord Byron

Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the poet Lord Byron, was an English mathematician and writer renowned for her work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine. She recognised its potential beyond mere calculation and developed a vision of computers’ capabilities, leading to her being considered the first computer programmer. Her contributions are celebrated on Ada Lovelace Day.

Four

In 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Which former First Lady of the United States chaired the United Nations Commission on Human Rights that was responsible for the drafting of the document?

Answer: Eleanor Roosevelt

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948, is a foundational document of international human rights law. Drafted by a team including John Humphrey, Eleanor Roosevelt and René Cassin, it comprises 30 articles outlining civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. Although not legally binding, the UDHR has achieved significant moral authority and has influenced numerous international treaties and national constitutions.

Five

The first part of the first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, the English-language general encyclopaedia, was published and advertised for sale on this day. In what century and in what city did this occur?

Answer: 18th century; Edinburgh,Scotland, United Kingdom

The Encyclopædia Britannica, a general-knowledge English-language encyclopaedia, was first published in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1768 by a group of Scottish gentlemen. Initially released in three volumes, it introduced a “new plan” by combining treatises on arts and sciences with short articles on technical terms, catering to both serious students and those seeking quick reference material. William Smellie, an Edinburgh printer, is credited with devising this plan and writing or compiling many of the articles. The encyclopaedia transitioned from print to digital in 2012 due to strong competition from digital encyclopaedias like Microsoft Encarta and Wikipedia, yet it maintained its reputation for authoritative and scholarly content and is now available exclusively online.

Utility ought to be the principal intention of every publication.

The title of today’s post is the first sentence of the preface to the first edition of Encyclopædia Britannica.

“UTILITY ought to be the principal intention of every publication. Wherever this intention does not plainly appear, neither the books nor their authors have the smallest claim to the approbation of mankind”
.
So begins the preface to Britannica’s 1st edition, which began publication 250 years ago this month (on December 10, 1768). Encyclopædia Britannica via Instagram

Water Under the Bridge—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posed in my earlier post.

All of these questions relate to today’s date, November 21st.

Verrazano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn at night, 2012.
Image Wikipedia

One

Which two boroughs of New York City were linked by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, pictured above, upon its opening on 21 November 1964?

Answer: Brooklyn and Staten Island

The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, a suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, spans the Narrows and carries 13 lanes of Interstate 278. Designed by Othmar Ammann and others, it opened in 1964 with a central span, 4,260 feet (1,298 m), that was the longest in the world until 1981. The bridge, named after explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, collects tolls in both directions.

Two

The first crewed hot air balloon flight took place on this day in 1783 in a balloon constructed by the Montgolfier brothers. Which of contemporary Paris’s over 400 public parks was the site of this historic flight?

Answer: Bois de Boulogne

The first untethered manned balloon ascent occurred on 21 November 1783, when two Frenchmen Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent, marquis d’Arlandes, travelling from the Château de la Muette across the Bois
de Boulogne, Paris. The flight lasted 20 minutes in a hot air balloon designed and built by brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier. This historic event was witnessed by Louis XVI, the French Academy of Sciences, and the public, including Benjamin Franklin.

Three

On this date, Danish astronomer Ole Rømer presented the first quantitative measurements of the speed of light. Which century was this?

Answer: 17th century

In 1676, Danish astronomer Ole Rømer announced that an eclipse of Jupiter’s moon would occur ten minutes later than expected, a prediction based on his calculations of the speed of light. Despite this occurring as he predicted, there was initial scepticism from the Paris Académie des Sciences, including his patron, Cassini. Rømer’s claim was eventually confirmed by James Bradley’s discovery of the aberration of light in 1729.

René Magritte shown with one of his works featuring his recurring motif, a bowler hat.
Image Encyclopædia Britannica

Four

Who is this Belgian artist, born on 21 November 1898 and pictured above with one of his works?

Answer: René Magritte

René Magritte (1898 – 15 August 1967) was a Belgian surrealist artist renowned for his bizarre and enigmatic paintings that depicted ordinary objects in unsettling, unexpected contexts, challenging perceptions of reality and representation. Influenced by Giorgio de Chirico, Magritte developed a unique style characterised by carefully rendered objects in dreamlike juxtapositions. His work gained international popularity in the 1930s and influenced pop art, minimalist art, and conceptual art, continuing until his death in 1967.

Five

Frankenstein, the classic horror film, was released in the US today in 1931. Who played the monster in this film?

Answer: Boris Karloff

Frankenstein is a 1931 American horror film directed by James Whale, based on Peggy Webling’s 1927 stage play adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel. Starring Colin Clive and Boris Karloff, the film follows Dr. Frankenstein’s experiment to create life, resulting in tragic consequences. It was a commercial success, significantly impacting popular culture and spawning sequels and remakes, with its influence still felt today.

Today’s the Day—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions about October 10th which were posted earlier.

*Giant*, film poster, 1956. Image Wikipedia

One

On this day in 1956, an American film premiered and became particularly notable as the final film featuring James Dean, who died in a car crash shortly after filming concluded. Which film was it?

Answer: Giant

James Dean, a 1950s Hollywood actor, became an influential figure despite a brief career. His three major films, Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, are preserved in the National Film Registry.

Two

In 1969, the album In the Court of the … was released by a band which included Greg Lake. What words complete the album title and what was the band called?

Answer: (In the Court of the) Crimson King and King Crimson

King Crimson, an English progressive rock band formed in 1968, is known for its diverse musical influences and significant impact on the progressive rock movement. In the Court of the Crimson King, King Crimson’s debut album, is a pioneering work of progressive rock, blending rock with jazz, classical and symphonic music.

Three

In 1846, English astronomer William Lassell discovered Triton, a moon of which planet?

Answer: Neptune

William Lassell (18 June 1799 – 5 October 1880) was an English merchant and astronomer. He’s best known for his improvements to the reflecting telescope which led to his discovery of four planetary satellites.

Matt Monro, publicity picture for the single, *Born Free*, 1966.
Image Wikipedia

Four

In 1963, the second film in the official James Bond franchise, From Russia with Love, premiered. Which Englishman sang the title song in the film?

Answer: Matt Monro

If I had to choose three of the finest male vocalists, Matt would be one of them.
— Frank Sinatra

Born on December 1, 1930, Terence Edward Parsons, known as Matt Monro on stage, was an English singer renowned as ’The Man with the Golden Voice’. The former London bus driver, performed internationally for 30 years and sold 23 million records. AllMusic called him ‘one of the most underrated pop vocalists of the ‘60s’, praising his ‘easiest, most perfect baritone’. Monro, a heavy smoker and drinker, died of liver cancer in 1985 after which ‘Frank Sinatra said of him, ‘If I had to choose three of the finest male vocalists, Matt would be one of them.’
Monro’s recordings include UK top 10 hits Portrait of My Love, My Kind of Girl, Softly As I Leave You, Walk Away and a cover of the Beatles’ Yesterday. He also recorded film themes such as From Russia with Love, Born Free, and On Days Like These.

Five

In 1935, Porgy and Bess opened on Broadway. Who composed this opera?

Answer: George Gershwin

Porgy and Bess is an English-language opera by George Gershwin, based on a novel and play by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward. It premiered in 1935 and is now one of the most frequently performed operas, known for its story of Porgy’s attempts to rescue Bess from her violent lover and drug dealer.