Art history flashcards

Trompe l’oeil

A painting or design technique that creates the optical illusion of three-dimensionality, making objects appear real and tangible.

Reformation

A 16th-century religious movement in Europe that led to the establishment of Protestant churches and significant reforms in the Roman Catholic Church.

Humanist ideals

Principles of the Renaissance focusing on human potential, individuality, and the study of classical texts, art, and philosophy.

Foreground

The part of a scene, image, or artwork that appears nearest to the viewer, often more detailed or prominent than the background.

Inlaid

A decorative technique where materials like wood, metal, or stone are set into the surface of an object to create a pattern or image.

Pigment

A substance used to provide color in paint, dye, or other materials.

Architectural orders

Styles of classical architecture characterized by specific column designs and proportions.

Facade

The exterior front or face of a building, often designed to be decorative or imposing.

Relief (carving)

A sculptural technique where figures or designs are raised above a flat background.

Sculptural program

A coordinated series of sculptures designed to convey a specific theme, narrative, or symbolic meaning.

Frieze

A horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, often found on the entablature of classical buildings.