artwork
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artwork
A work created by an artist with aesthetic value, such as a painting, sculpture, composition, or literary text.
Das berühmteste Kunstwerk im Museum ist ein Gemälde von Rembrandt.
The most famous artwork in the museum is a painting by Rembrandt.
work of art
In a figurative sense, something that was created or carried out with exceptional skill, precision, or beauty, even if it is not art in the strict sense.
Die Torte der Konditorin war ein wahres Kunstwerk aus Marzipan und Schokolade.
The pastry chef's cake was a true work of art made of marzipan and chocolate.
The word is a simple compound made up of 'die Kunst' (art) and 'das Werk' (work). So it literally means 'a work of art.'
Jedes handgefertigte Schmuckstück ist ein kleines Kunstwerk.
Every handmade piece of jewelry is a small work of art.
In connection with artworks, the verbs 'schaffen' (to create, used of the artist), 'ausstellen' (to exhibit, in a museum), 'betrachten' (to look at), or 'bewundern' (to admire, used of the audience) are often used.
Der Künstler hat dieses Kunstwerk in nur drei Tagen geschaffen.
The artist created this artwork in just three days.
In a figurative sense, 'Kunstwerk' (work of art) is used for anything that is made exceptionally well or beautifully. It often appears together with 'ein wahres' (a true) or 'ein echtes' (a real).
Der Garten, den sie angelegt hat, ist ein wahres Kunstwerk.
The garden she created is a true work of art.
masterpiece
Both Kunstwerk and Meisterwerk can refer to a work created artistically. Kunstwerk is initially a neutral term, while Meisterwerk explicitly expresses exceptional perfection and high praise. Call something a Kunstwerk when you are describing it, and a Meisterwerk when you are praising it especially highly.
Im Museum betrachteten wir ein Kunstwerk von großer farblicher Vielfalt.
At the museum, we looked at an artwork with great color variety.
Im Museum bewunderten die Besucher das Gemälde als Meisterwerk.
At the museum, visitors admired the painting as a masterpiece.
