Piece of art

Question

Is there any difference between "a work of art" and "a piece of art"?I though they were the same.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

The same when speaking of a physical masterpiece, but only a 'work of art' in 'His wide shoulders and muscular back were a work of art'.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, Mister Micawber. That is exactly what I wanted to know.

But when you hear someone saying "His wide shoulders and muscular back were a piece of art", what comes into your mind?

Does it just not make sense or would you think the speaker is using a sculpture as a metaphor?

Also, why only "work of art" in this case? Is it because he worked out a lot to get the muscular body?

Mister Micawber · Answer

It just sounds wrong. 'Piece of art' is not an idiom– it is to be taken literally: an item of one of the fine arts (a painting, a sculpture, a sonata). 'Work of art', however, can be taken either literally (as above) or just mean 'an excellently-crafted/conceived/created thing from any source'. Here are some more examples where 'piece' is unnatural:

...be scandalous, but on you, my dear, it's a work of art. " # " Honestly, Gramps, " she said, laughing softly.

...and energy into their three-bedroom Richmond home; the garden alone is a work of art.

...the letter of recommendation written by the daughter of one nominee was a work of art, and eventually will put her father in the Hall.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much, Mister Micawber!

Piece of art

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions