What constitutes a masterpiece

[karlhenning]

Traditionally, a masterpiece is a work that demonstrates its creator's mastery of the basic elements of his craft and his readiness to be regarded as a master in his own right.  In the sense we often use the term these days, I suspect most would agree that a "masterpiece" is also a mold-breaker, bending or breaking or extending the rules in a manner unique to the artist's distinctive personal vision, such that it not only demonstrates inarguable mastery of the craft, but also offers something new, never before seen, that no one else could have created.

Well put.

And therefore a sense different to that of the French chef d'oeuvre.

[jowcol]

.  Of course, judging the intellectual or artistic merit of a piece will always have a subjective component.

Word.

[greg]

Lol!
You should use that one all the time. I think no matter what context, I'd probably laugh each time.