Art History Midterm Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts essential for understanding art history as outlined in the midterm study guide.

Visual Analysis

The process of examining the basic elements of an artwork to understand its meaning and significance.

Iconography

The study of subject matter or meaning in art, focusing on what the artwork represents.

Iconology

The analysis of the cultural, political, or religious context of an artwork to interpret its significance.

Hieratic scale

A method of depicting the importance of figures through their size in a composition.

Ziggurat

A massive structure built in ancient Mesopotamia, characterized by its stepped design and religious significance.

Cella

The main inner chamber of a temple, typically housing a cult image.

Cuneiform

The earliest form of writing developed by the Sumerians, using wedge-shaped marks.

Canon of Proportions

A set of mathematical proportions used in ancient art to create representational figures with consistent dimensions.

Contrapposto

A pose in art where the weight of a figure is distributed unevenly, leading to a more dynamic and natural posture.

Verism

A style in Roman art that emphasizes realism and the depiction of age and wisdom.

Spolia

The re-use of architectural elements or artworks from older structures in new constructions.

Hypostyle Hall

An architectural space with a roof supported by a large number of columns, often used in ancient temples.

Calligraphy

The art of beautiful handwriting, especially prominent in Islamic art and manuscripts.

Muqarnas

A form of ornamented vaulting used in Islamic architecture.

Mudejar Art

Art created by Muslim artists working for Christian patrons in Spain.

Alhambra

A palace and fortress complex in Granada, representing a pinnacle of Islamic architecture in Spain.