APAH Unit 2: Lesson 1-2 Early Romanesque & Gothic

Aisles

Passageways that run parallel & around the nave, separated from it with arcades/columns

Ambulatory

A covered walkway that circles the apse/chancel, forming a path for processions

Apse

The semicircular/polygonal recess with an arched/domed roof, at the east end, contains alter

Arcade

Arches supported by columns/piers to create passageway/open area

Archivolt

Series of concentric moldings around an arch

Chapel

Room/building with a fixed altar dedicated to Saints/relics, special uses for families, hospitals & universities

Choir

the box between the crossing & the apse, where the choir & clergy sits to sing service

Clerestory

Row of windows in the upper part of a wall

Crossing

Where the transept & name intersects in a square

Engaged Column

Embedded in a wall & protrudes from the surface, sometimes known as attached/embedded columns

Feudalism

Political system where nobles are granted land from the king in exchange for loyalty, protection, & military service

Gallery/Tribune

Upper story above the side aisles that opens to the nave/choir, vault transmits the thrust of the nave’s vault

Groin Vault

Formed at the point where 2 barrel vaults intersect at in an x shape

Historiated Capitals

A capital that displays a figural composition/narrative scene

Jambs

sculptures are carved into the vertical sides of a doorway/window, often saints/biblical figures/church leaders

Last Judgment

Judgment of the human race by Jesus in his second coming, said in Nicene Creed

Lintel

A beam, horizontal stone/timber placed across and architectural space to take the weight of the room/wall above

Mandorla

Almond shape nimbus surrounding Christ usually, but sometimes other sacred figures

Nave

The central area of a church

Pilgrimage Church

Many groups visit to venerate relics of a saint for grace & indulgences, usually has increased length in nave & extended side aisles & ambulatory

Romanesque

Style of architecture developed in Italy & western Europe, after the Romans, before the Goth

Transepts

Cross-shaped area that crosses the nave at a right angle to separate it from the sanctuary

Tympanum

Half-rounded panel that fills the space between the lintel & arch over the doorway of churches

Cathedral

The seal of the local bishop & his home church

Flying Buttress

A buttress that stands apart from the main structure and connected to it by an arch, a separated pier, that forms an arch and supports the wall

Gargoyle

A grotesque carved human/animal, that is used as a rain spout carrying water clear of a wall.

Gothic

Style of architecture developed in N. France that spread throughout Europe during the 12-16th centuries. Church features ribbed vaults, two towers, stained glass windows, flying buttresses, pointed arches, 3 portals, and tall spires. Allows as much light as possible into the structure

Jamb

Figural sculpture attached to the side posts of a doorway

Plate Tracery

Holes cut into the stone of the wall filled with stained glass

Rib Vault

One bay of quadripartite vaulting is divided transversely into 2 parts so that each bay hs 6 compartments.

Rose Window

a circular window with stained glass and stone tracery used on facades and the ends of transepts in Gothic cathedrals

Stained Glass - Colored glass used to form decorative/pictorial designs, usually for church windows, both by painting and especially by setting contrasting pieces in a lead framework like a mosaic.