Late Antique Art

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Late Antique Art, providing definitions and context to aid in understanding and review for the exam.

Late Antique Art

Art from the period 200 to 500 C.E. that is characterized by a blend of classical and early Christian influences.

Catacomb of Priscilla

An underground burial place in Rome known for its early Christian art, including the Good Shepherd Fresco.

Basilica Plan

A common architectural plan for early Christian churches featuring a long nave, side aisles, and an apse.

Orant Figure

A figure depicted with arms raised in prayer, commonly found in early Christian art.

Edict of Milan

A decree issued by Emperor Constantine in 313 C.E. granting religious tolerance to Christians in the Roman Empire.

Evangelists

The four authors of the Gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Spolia

The practice of reusing architectural elements in new constructions, often seen in early Christian buildings.

Cubicula

Small underground rooms in catacombs that served as mortuary chapels for the wealthy.

Lunette

A crescent-shaped space in architecture, often used for sculpture or paint decoration.

Transept

An aisle in a church that runs perpendicular to the nave.

Clerestory

The upper part of a church wall that contains windows for light.

Apse

The endpoint of a church where the altar is typically located.

Ambulatory

A passageway that surrounds the apse or altar in a church.

Narthex

The entrance or lobby area of a church, preceding the main nave.

Good Shepherd motif

An early Christian symbol depicting Christ as a shepherd caring for his flock.

Christ's Visual Depiction

Changes in representations of Christ as Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, shifting from humble images to imperial representations.