Changes

[[File:lightertsill.jpg]][[File:Masterpiece-antique-heriz-rug.jpg|right|frame]]

[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Masterpiece-antique-heriz-rug.jpg|right|frame]]

==Origin==

==Origin==

probably after Dutch meesterstuk - meesterstik, meesterstick, variant (now regional) of meisterstuk the piece of [[work]] by which a [[craftsman]] gained from his [[guild]] the recognized rank of ''master''

probably after Dutch meesterstuk - meesterstik, meesterstick, variant (now regional) of meisterstuk the piece of [[work]] by which a [[craftsman]] gained from his [[guild]] the recognized rank of ''master''

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 16th Century]

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16th_century 16th Century]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1: a [[work]] done with extraordinary [[skill]]; especially : a [[supreme]] [[intellectual]] or [[artistic]] achievement

*1: a [[work]] done with extraordinary [[skill]]; especially : a [[supreme]] [[intellectual]] or [[artistic]] achievement

[[Masterpiece]] (or ''chef d'œuvre'') in [[modern]] usage refers to a [[creation]] that has been given much critical [[praise]], especially one that is [[considered]] the greatest work of a [[person]]'s [[career]] or to a work of outstanding [[creativity]], [[skill]] or workmanship.

[[Masterpiece]] (or ''chef d'œuvre'') in [[modern]] usage refers to a [[creation]] that has been given much critical [[praise]], especially one that is [[considered]] the greatest work of a [[person]]'s [[career]] or to a work of outstanding [[creativity]], [[skill]] or workmanship.

Originally, the term masterpiece referred to a piece of [[work]] produced by an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apprentice apprentice] or journeyman [[aspiring]] to become a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_craftsman master craftsman] in the old European [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild guild] system. His fitness to qualify for guild membership was judged partially by the Masterpiece, and if he was successful, it was retained by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild guild]. Great [[care]] was therefore taken to produce a fine piece in whatever the [[craft]] was, whether confectionery, painting, goldsmithing, knifemaking, or many other trades. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Academy Royal Academy] in London is one [[institution]] that has acquired a fine [[collection]] of "Diploma works" as a condition of [[acceptance]].

Originally, the term masterpiece referred to a piece of [[work]] produced by an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apprentice apprentice] or journeyman [[aspiring]] to become a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_craftsman master craftsman] in the old European [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild guild] system. His fitness to qualify for guild membership was judged partially by the Masterpiece, and if he was successful, it was retained by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild guild]. Great [[care]] was therefore taken to produce a fine piece in whatever the [[craft]] was, whether confectionery, painting, goldsmithing, knifemaking, or many other trades. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Academy Royal Academy] in London is one [[institution]] that has acquired a fine [[collection]] of "Diploma works" as a condition of [[acceptance]].

[[Originally]] the [[paper]] which a student needs to present in order to gain the [[degree]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Arts_(postgraduate) Master of Arts] was also such a "Masterpiece" - i.e. a fine piece of [[scholarship]], the particular craft in which the [[student]] sought to be admitted as a master craftsman.

[[Originally]] the [[paper]] which a student needs to present in order to gain the [[degree]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_Arts_(postgraduate) Master of Arts] was also such a "Masterpiece" - i.e. a fine piece of [[scholarship]], the particular craft in which the [[student]] sought to be admitted as a master craftsman.

In [[modern]] times it is used for an exceptionally good piece of [[creative]] [[work]] or the best piece of work of a particular artist or craftsman.

In [[modern]] times it is used for an exceptionally good piece of [[creative]] [[work]] or the best piece of work of a particular artist or craftsman.