masterpiece

noun

Etymology: From master + piece, a calque of Dutch meesterstuk or German Meisterstück (“masterpiece”). Piecewise doublet of maestropiece and masterstick. Compare also journeyman's piece.

1. A piece of work that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career.

   “The design, when finally developed, was a slight disappointment to Monsieur Deplis, who had suspected Icarus of being a fortress taken by Wallenstein in the Thirty Years' War, but he was more than satisfied with the execution of the work, which was acclaimed by all who had the privilege of seeing it as Pincini's masterpiece.”

2. A work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship.

   “Masterpieces are not completed, they are abandoned.”

   ““‘Man is amazing, but he is not a masterpiece,’ he said, keeping his eyes fixed on the glass case. ‘Perhaps the artist was a little mad. […]’”

3. A work created in order to qualify as a master craftsman and member of a guild.