Difference between revisions of "Masterpiece"
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==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'' | ||
| − | [ | + | [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 | ||
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[[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 [ | + | 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 [ | + | [[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. | ||
Latest revision as of 01:28, 13 December 2020
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 16th Century
Definitions
- 1: a work done with extraordinary skill; especially : a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement
- 2: a piece of work presented to a medieval guild as evidence of qualification for the rank of master
Description
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 apprentice or journeyman aspiring to become a master craftsman in the old European 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 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 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 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.
