Masterpiece – suggests a work of art considered of the exceptionally high quality of cultural significance or created with extraordinary skill and intellect.
By calling something a masterpiece (a piece/object from the master), it immediately and logically implies art created by someone highly skilled.
Historically, and before the advent of art academies, art was in many respects seen as an artisan trade.
An aspiring master would have to pass through the career chain from apprentice to journeyman before he could be elected to become a master craftsman. Interestingly, Bauhaus thought that the old notion made much sense, and it re-entered the vernacular. To some extent, this is being replicated in contemporary art schools and credited with foundation, bachelor and master.
Return to the art glossary
Return to entries beginning with M
