AP Art History Early Medieval Art

Abbey

A religious complex where monks or nuns live, work, and worship.

Apocalypse

The final book of the Christian Bible describing God defeating evil and saving the righteous.

Animal style

A medieval art style using intertwined, stylized animals, often shown fighting.

Basilica-plan

A church layout modeled on a Roman basilica, with a long nave leading to an apse.

Barrel vault

A tunnel-like vault formed by extending an arch.

Cathedral

A major Christian church that contains a bishop’s seat (cathedra).

Chasing

Metal decoration made by hammering designs into a surface.

Cloisonné

Metalwork technique where thin metal strips separate areas filled with colored enamel.

Codex

A manuscript in bound book form (not a scroll).

Central plan

A round, polygonal, or symmetrical church layout with the altar at the center.

Embroidery

Stitching decorative designs into fabric.

Eucharist

The Christian ritual reenacting the Last Supper, where bread and wine represent Christ’s body and blood.

Genesis

The first book of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.

Horror vacui

‘Fear of empty space’ — filling the entire surface with details or design.

Icon

A painted image of a holy figure used for devotion.

Incipit

Latin for 'it begins'; the opening words of a text or manuscript.

Mandorla

An almond-shaped aura around holy figures, especially Christ.

Martyrium

A shrine marking where a martyr was killed or buried.

Monasticism

A religious lifestyle where monks withdraw from worldly life for spiritual devotion.

Orant figure

A figure shown praying with hands raised.

Pendentive

A curved triangular support allowing a round dome to sit on a square base.

Relic

A sacred object connected to a holy person.

Rib vault

A vault strengthened by intersecting ribs (quadripartite = four ribs).

Scriptorium

A room in a monastery where manuscripts were copied.

Vault

An arched ceiling formed by arches.

Ambulatory

A walkway around the apse, often used by pilgrims.

Apse

A semicircular area at the end of a church containing the altar.

Clerestory

Upper wall section with windows that let light into the nave.

Nave

The central aisle where the congregation sits or stands.

Portal

The decorated main entrance to a church.

Rose window

Large circular stained-glass window, usually on the façade or transept.

Transept

The horizontal arm of the cross-shaped basilica plan that intersects the nave.