It can mean either...An outstanding work of art or craft, or an artist's greatest work. If you look at it from the latter viewpoint then just about everyone has created a masterpiece...I tend to look at it from the former viewpoint. Of course i'm naturally cynical and think 'masterpiece' is just another superlative used by cliquers in their endless self-promotion campaign :O) Personally, I hope it carry's on because it's always good for a laugh. Matt.