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2026 Statistics
Key Facts: Madrid PAU History of Art (Historia del Arte) Exam
90 min
Official Madrid PAU exam duration
Comunidad de Madrid PAU Commission
0–10
Grading scale (min. 4.0 to average)
Madrid Public Universities
100
Practice questions in this module
OpenExamPrep
5
Core curriculum thematic sections
Madrid 2º Bachillerato Syllabus
EUR 93.02
Base compulsory PAU registration fee in Madrid
BOCM Fee Schedule
Prepare for the Madrid PAU 2026 History of Art exam with 100 practice questions covering Classical, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, 19th Century, and Modern Art.
Sample Madrid PAU History of Art (Historia del Arte) Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Madrid PAU History of Art (Historia del Arte) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which classical Greek architectural order features a plain, unadorned cushion-like capital (echinus), column shafts resting directly on the stylobate without a molded base, and an entablature with a frieze divided into alternating triglyphs and metopes?
A.Doric order
B.Ionic order
C.Corinthian order
D.Composite order
Explanation: The Doric order is the earliest and sturdiest of the classical Greek architectural orders. Its columns stand directly on the stylobate without a base, feature 20 shallow flutes, and support capitals consisting of an echinus and abacus. The Doric frieze is uniquely characterized by alternating three-grooved triglyphs and relief metopes.
2Architects Iktinos and Kallikrates incorporated several subtle optical refinements into the construction of the Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis. Which of the following accurately describes one of these architectural refinements?
A.Making all perimeter columns perfectly vertical with identical uniform spacing to emphasize mathematical grid precision
B.Introducing entasis (a slight convex curve) to column shafts and carving a upward curvature into the stylobate and entablature
C.Tapering the corner columns so they appear thinner than the central columns when backlit by the open sky
D.Constructing recessed concave metopes that tilt inward to cast artificial dramatic shadows across the frieze
Explanation: To counteract visual optical illusions that cause straight horizontal lines to appear to sag and parallel columns to appear to tilt outward, the architects introduced entasis (a subtle swelling of the column shafts) and constructed the stylobate and architrave with a gentle upward curve toward the center.
3The classical Greek sculptor Polykleitos created the bronze statue 'Doryphoros' (Spear-Bearer) to embody his theoretical treatise (the 'Canon'). What core proportional concept did this work establish for High Classical sculpture?
A.A 1:7 ratio of head-to-body height combined with contrapposto balance between tension and relaxation
B.An elongated 1:9 head-to-body ratio paired with dynamic, unstable spiral torsions (linea serpentinata)
C.A rigid frontal stance with both feet firmly planted flat on the base, reflecting Egyptian royal portraiture
D.An exaggerated emotional facial expression depicting intense suffering and physical agony
Explanation: Polykleitos formulated a mathematical system of ideal human proportions in his 'Canon', setting the height of the head as 1/7th of total body height. The Doryphoros exemplifies contrapposto, balancing weight-bearing engaged limbs with relaxed free limbs in a harmonious counter-pose.
4The Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens is renowned for its asymmetric architectural plan and its Porch of the Maidens. Which sculpted architectural elements support the entablature of this south porch?
A.Atlantes (sculpted male architectural figures)
B.Caryatids (sculpted female drapery figures acting as columns)
C.Fluted Corinthian columns with acanthus foliage capitals
D.Tuscan pilasters attached to solid marble piers
Explanation: The south porch of the Erechtheion uses six Caryatids—carved draped female figures that function as load-bearing columns. Their draped garments mimic column fluting while their vertical posture supports the weight of the marble entablature.
5The Hellenistic marble group 'Laocoön and His Sons', discovered in Rome in 1506, exemplifies the dramatic shift in style from High Classical Greek art. Which key characteristics define this Hellenistic masterpiece?
A.Serene emotional detachment, static symmetry, and strict adherence to Polykleitos' 1:7 canon
B.Dynamic diagonal lines, intense muscular tension, theatrical facial pathos, and deep emotional anguish
C.Hieratic frontality, schematized geometrical drapery, and archaic smiles
D.Minimalist planar geometry, flat low-relief carving, and complete lack of spatial depth
Explanation: Hellenistic sculpture prioritized emotional expression (pathos), narrative drama, and complex dynamic movement over Classical harmony. 'Laocoön and His Sons' showcases twisting diagonal compositions, strain, writhing muscles, and agonizing facial expressions.
6Which characteristic feature distinguishes the capital of the Classical Ionic order from the Doric and Corinthian orders?
A.A cushion-like smooth echinus without ornamentation
B.Two prominent spiral volutes resembling ram horns or scrolls
C.Carved acanthus leaves arranged in two horizontal tiers
D.Composite figures combining human heads and animal bodies
Explanation: The defining hallmark of the Ionic capital is its pair of spiral scrolls known as volutes. This decorative capital tops an elongated fluted shaft resting on a sculpted molded base.
7The ancient Greek Theater of Epidauros, designed by Polykleitos the Younger in the 4th century BCE, is famous for its exceptional acoustics. How was the auditorium (cavea or koilon) situated structurally?
A.Built on a free-standing multi-tiered system of concrete barrel vaults and arches on flat land
B.Cut directly into the natural slope of a hillside in a semi-circular layout surrounding a circular orchestra
C.Enclosed inside a fully roofed rectangular stone basilican structure with clerestory windows
D.Excavated completely underground inside subterranean rock-cut catacombs
Explanation: Greek theaters utilized natural topography, carving the semi-circular tiered seating (the cavea) into a hillside slope. This structural placement provided optimal viewing angles and acoustic reflection around the central circular orchestra.
8Archaic Greek Kouros statues (such as the Anavysos Kouros, c. 530 BCE) served as grave markers or sanctuary dedications. Which artistic characteristic demonstrates the influence of ancient Egyptian sculpture on these early Greek figures?
A.A rigid frontal stance with the left foot advanced, clenched fists at the sides, and grid-like proportional block carving
B.Dynamic contrapposto movement with weight shifted entirely onto the right leg
C.Hyper-realistic individual facial portraiture showing wrinkles, age, and physical flaws
D.Complex multi-figure narrative scenes carved in deep undercut high relief
Explanation: Archaic Greek sculptors adapted the formal stance of Egyptian standing figures: a strictly frontal posture, left foot stepped forward, arms held straight down with fists closed, and hair rendered in stylized geometric braids.
94th-century BCE Greek sculptor Praxiteles modified Late Classical aesthetic conventions. What distinct stylistic innovation is associated with his works, such as 'Hermes and the Infant Dionysus'?
A.A pronounced pronounced S-curve posture (Praxitelean curve), softer modeling of flesh, and a gentler, intimate human tone
B.Heavy massive proportions, rigid square torsos, and aggressive militaristic themes
C.Complete abandonment of human form in favor of geometric abstract symbolism
D.Hyper-detailed relief carving executed exclusively on monumental marble friezes
Explanation: Praxiteles introduced a lyrical, humanized elegance to Greek sculpture. His figures exhibit an exaggerated off-balance hip stance known as the Praxitelean S-curve, requiring external support (like tree trunks), complemented by smooth flesh transitions.
10Roman monumental architecture achieved unprecedented interior spans thanks to structural innovations in masonry and concrete. What key architectural component locks a semi-circular arch in place at its highest central point?
A.Stylobate
B.Keystone
C.Pendentive
D.Triglyph
Explanation: The keystone is the central wedge-shaped stone (voussoir) placed at the apex of a masonry arch. Inserting the keystone locks all other voussoirs into position under compression, distributing lateral load down through the piers.
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