Portraits & Caricatures Caricatures 3

Question 1

What does 'head-to-body ratio' exaggeration in caricature typically convey?

Accepted Answer

Comic effect by making the head oversized relative to a small body

Answer

Oversizing the head relative to a tiny body is a classic caricature convention that creates immediate visual humor.

Question 2

Which drawing tool is traditionally associated with quick caricature sketches at fairs and events?

Accepted Answer

Felt-tip marker or pen

Answer

Felt-tip markers and pens allow fast, confident linework suitable for live caricature sessions where speed is essential.

Question 3

The French term 'charge' in art history refers to:

Accepted Answer

An early word for caricature meaning to load or exaggerate

Answer

The Italian 'caricare' (to load/exaggerate) gave rise to the French 'charge,' both root words for the concept of caricature.

Question 4

When drawing a caricature live, why do artists typically start with the eyes?

Accepted Answer

Eyes establish the emotional expression and anchor the face's proportions

Answer

Eyes communicate expression and set the emotional tone of the caricature, making them a natural starting anchor for the composition.

Question 5

Al Hirschfeld was famous for hiding the name 'Nina' in his caricatures. Who was Nina?

Accepted Answer

His daughter

Answer

Al Hirschfeld hid his daughter Nina's name in the lines of his drawings, a playful tradition that delighted New Yorker readers for decades.

Portraits & Caricatures Practice Test