Early Medieval and Romanesque Europe: Art and Architecture

These flashcards contain key vocabulary and definitions related to early medieval and Romanesque art and architecture, which students can use to prepare for their exam.

Dome of the Rock

A significant Islamic building in Jerusalem, completed between 687-692, commemorating the triumph of Islam.

Great Mosque of Córdoba

A mosque in Spain that showcases horseshoe arches and was expanded between the 8th and 10th centuries.

Umayyads

The first Islamic dynasty (661-750) that ruled from Damascus.

Hypostyle Hall

A type of mosque design characterized by a roof supported by a series of columns.

Nasrid Dynasty

The last Muslim dynasty in Spain (1230-1492), known for the Alhambra.

Timurid Dynasty

Ruled Iran and Central Asia from 1370 to 1501, significant patrons of the arts.

Maqsud of Kashan

A famous carpet designer of the 16th century known for creating carpets with millions of knots.

Hiberno-Saxon Art

Art produced in early medieval Ireland and Britain, characterized by illuminated manuscripts and metalwork.

Carolingian Renaissance

A revival of art and culture initiated by Charlemagne in the 8th and 9th centuries.

Romanesque Architecture

Style characterized by the use of round arches, barrel vaults, and thick walls, prevalent from approximately 1050 to 1200.

Pilgrimage Churches

Churches built along routes to sacred sites, designed to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims.

Röttgen Pietà

A 14th-century painted wood statue of the Virgin Mary holding the dead Christ, showing emotional intensity and human suffering.

Sainte-Foy Reliquary

A lavish reliquary dedicated to Saint Faith, made of gold, silver, and jewels, representing the excess of Romanesque art.

Bayeux Tapestry

A tapestry depicting the events leading to the Norman Conquest of England, notable for its narrative style.

Gero Crucifix

A sculpture commissioned in 970 depicting Christ on the cross, representing emotional suffering.

Alhambra

A famous Islamic palace in Spain, known for its architecture and intricate decoration.

Saint Denis

The first burial place for French kings, known for its Gothic architecture under Abbot Suger.

Cloisonné

A decorative technique where materials are separated by thin strips of metal, used in medieval art.