Art appreciation final

Barrel Vault

A half round arch extended in length.

Groin Vault

An architectural feature formed by two barrel vaults of equal size intersecting at right angles.

Keystone

The wedge shaped central stone in an arch. Inserted last, the keystone locks the other stones in place.

Entablature

Consisting of cornice, frieze, and architrave.

Pediment

A triangular gable found over major architectural elements such a Classical Greek Porticoes, windows, or doors.

Buttress

An exterior support that counteracts the outward thrust of an arch, dome, or roof.

Flying Buttress

An arch built on the exterior of a building that transfers the outward thrust of the roof vaults to an exterior detached weight.

Hypostyle Halls

A large interior room characterized by many closely spaced columns that support its roof.

Bay

A unit of space defined by architectural elements such as columns, piers, and walls.

Contour Line

An outline.

Trompe L’oeil

A manner of representation to fool the eye of the viewer into believing the painted subject actually exists as three-dimensional reality.

Linear Perspective

A method of creating the illusion of depth based on the convergence of parallel lines.

Atmospheric Perspective

A method of creating the illusion of depth based on the appearance of distant objects.

Isometric Perspective

Perspective in which orthogonal lines are represented as parallel and do not converge.

Contrapposto

A pose that places the figure’s weight on one foot, producing a subtle S-curve.

Foreshortening

The visual phenomenon whereby an elongated object appears shorter than its actual length.

Chiaroscuro

Creating spatial depth and volumetric forms through gradations in light and shadow.

Orthogonal

Any line running back into the represented space of a picture perpendicular to the imagined picture plane.

Provenance

A record of ownership of a work of art or an antique, used as a guide to authenticity.