Medieval Period Stack

HAM 2026

A method of storytelling where multiple episodes of a story appear in a single frame.  

Codex 

Which book features Leonin’s compositions? 

A continuous narrative

An ancient manuscript in book form, rather than a scroll. 

The Great Book of Organum

Contrapposto and what period was it practiced?

Feudal and what period was it practiced?

What is the name of a troubadour songbook? 

A human figure standing with most weight on one foot, creating a natural "S" curve practiced during the Renaissance

Relating to the social system of medieval Europe. 

Chansonnier

Flying buttress 

A painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling. 

An external arched support used in Gothic architecture. Its a key characteristic of Gothic style. 

Fresco 

Wandering students or clerics in medieval Europe known for satirical Latin poetry. 

A religious work of art, typically a painting, from the Eastern Orthodox Church during the Medieval period.

Goliards

Icon

A style of singing where a single syllable of text is stretched over many notes. 

Mosaic

Who was the first troubadour whose work has survived? 

Melismatic 

Art made from the assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. 

William IX

Neumes

Organum 

Who is credited with creating the modern system of musical notation? 

Neumes are the early, graphic musical notation symbols used in medieval manuscripts to guide singers.

An early form of polyphony involving at least one added voice to enhance a chant. 

Guido d'Arezzo. 

Pendentive

Perspective 

A type of structure within a building thats kind of like a warped square that looks like triangles on the side.

The art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position. 

what is the difference between plainchant and Gregorian chant?

"plainchant" (or plainsong) is the umbrella term for all unaccompanied, single-line vocal music in the early Catholic church, while Gregorian chant is simply the most famous and widely used type of plainchant

An ancient metalworking technique where a malleable metal sheet is shaped by hammering or pressing from the reverse side to create a raised, three-dimensional design on the front.

Scriptorium

Repoussé 

A room in a monastery dedicated to the writing, copying, and illuminating of manuscripts. 

Music or art that is non-religious or worldly in nature. 

Strophic 

A French medieval lyric poet/musician composing and singing in Old Occitan. 

Secular

a song or poem structured with repeating verses (strophes) set to the same melody. In a strophic song, the music stays identical for every stanza, even though the lyrics change

Troubadour 

Gregorian Chant was used for what purpose and received its name how? 

What is the difference between syllabic and melismatic text setting? 

Official music of the Roman Catholic Church. Named after Pope Gregory I, who was credited with organizing the chant. 

• Syllabic is when one note is sung per syllable. 

• Melismatic is when many notes are sung to a single syllable of text. 

What significant musical innovation developed during the Medieval period and continued into the Renaissance? Who is credited with this innovation? 

What are some different types of troubadour songs? 

Polyphony. Ccomposers of the Notre Dame School (Léonin and Pérotin) are the first notable figures associated with its advancement. 

The canso (love song), sirventes (satirical song), tenso (debate song), and a pastorela (knight and shepherdess story) 

Music (Organum) written before the 14th Century is referred to as? 

Machaut was known as a composer of what musical movement? 

Some lasting effects of the Printing Press on art and music? 

Ars Antique (Old Art) 

Ars Nova (New Art) 

It allowed for the mass production and wide distribution of music/art, and helped standardize musical notation. 

What texture is apparent in chant during later in the Medieval period (Léonin and Pérotin)? What is the name for this type of chant? 

What are some factors that allowed for music to become more complicated? 

Polyphonic and its name was organum. 

The development of musical notation (allowing composers to specify exact pitches and rhythms) and the invention of measured rhythm (rhythmic modes). 

What is the difference between Romanesque and Gothic Architecture?

Romanesque architecture is defined by its massive, fortress-like solidity, featuring rounded arches, thick walls, and small windows. Gothic architecture evolved to emphasize height and light, utilizing flying buttresses and large stained-glass windows to create airy, heavenly spaces.

Who is credited with the ideas behind Gothic Architecture? 

Why is Charlemagne important in both art and music in general?

Some examples of secular medieval art? 

Charlemagne’s greatest artistic significance in the medieval period lies in sparking the Carolingian Renaissance

Abbot Suger

Charlemagne promoted the standardized production of illuminated manuscripts (art and paintings). In music, he helped spread Gregorian Chant across his empire. This was the Carolingian Renaissance

Bayeux Tapestry, ivory caskets, illustrated manuscripts of courtly love poems (like the Roman de la Rose), and castle frescoes depicting hunts or battles. 

A Renaissance intellectual movement focused on human potential and achievements, emphasizing the study of classical Greek and Roman literature, art, and philosophy. 

What transitions in art were practiced during the Proto-Renaissance? 

Where was the Medici family from and what period of art did they support? 

Humanism

Where artists began moving away from flat Byzantine styles toward more naturalistic, three-dimensional representations.

A powerful and wealthy banking family in Florence who were major patrons of the arts, funding many of the most famous works and artists of the Renaissance. 

How can you tell the difference between early Renaissance and High Renaissance artwork? 

A style that emerged in the later Renaissance characterized by artificiality, elongated forms, exaggerated poses, and emotional tension rather than classical balance. 

• Early Renaissance: Often more experimental with perspective and realism; figures may feel slightly more stiff or isolated. 

• High Renaissance: Achieves a "perfect" balance, seamless integration of figures into landscapes, and more complex, fluid compositions. 

MANNERISM

The Ars Nova period brought major changes to music (new rhythms, more complex notation, and secular themes). Why do you think music changed so dramatically in the 14th century? What was happening in the world at that time that might have influenced musicians?

Black Death and Hundred Years' War changed people's perspectives. These events caused grief and social upheaval, which led composers to create music that expressed stronger emotions and explored secular themes about everyday life, love, and human experiences.

What are the (blurred) stages in the Medieval Period in terms of Art & Music

• Early Medieval Period – dominated by monophonic church music such as Gregorian Chant.

• Ars Antiqua – development of early polyphony and rhythmic modes.

• Ars Nova – more complex rhythms, improved notation, and increased secular music.

Where was this art found and name what version this is.

Virgin Enthroned with Two Saints. Found in the Byzantine Empire, Egypt. OLDEST version of this depiction

Where was this from and what is it portraying?

JUSTINIAN AND ATTENDANTS. This mosaic from the Basilica of San Vitale portrays Emperor Justinian I surrounded by clergy, soldiers, and officials. The work emphasizes the Byzantine belief that imperial and religious authority were united under the emperor

Where is this art from and what does it symbolize/portraying?

THEODORA AND ATTENDANTS. This mosaic from Basilica of San Vitale depicts Empress Theodora carrying a chalice for the Eucharist. The luxurious clothing, jewels, and religious symbolism reinforce her political power and sacred role within the Byzantine Empire.

What is this artwork portraying and what is it called?

The Ebbo Gospels. Its depiction of Saint Matthew reflect the revival of classical learning and Christian scholarship.

What is this called and what was it made of and where? Represents?

Pyxis of al-Mughira

Carved ivory container made in Spain. Its intricate royal imagery symbolizes power, luxury, and political legitimacy

← What battle did this chronicle and under what rule?

Bayeux Tapestry

Embroidered narrative that chronicles the events leading to the conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings. It functioned as both a historical record supporitng Norman rule.

List one example of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

Romanesque churches such as Basilica of Saint-Sernin are characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, and barrel vaults.

Gothic cathedrals such as Notre-Dame de Paris use pointed arches, rib vaults, flying buttresses, and stained-glass windows to create taller buildings filled with light.

What is the name of this work, who was it painted by, and which Madonna version painting is this? What transition in art did it represent?

Cimabue's Santa Trinita Madonna (the second Madonna painting) was painted by Cimabue. Transition from Byzantine style toward greater realism.

What is this painting names and who was it painted by? Which Madonna painting version is this and what transition did it represent?

Ognissanti Madonna. Painted by Giotto and the third Madonna piece, the work helped establish the naturalistic/realistic approach that became central to Renaissance art.

Where was this built, who was it built by, and who was it for? What did it represent.

This is the Hagia Sophia built in Constantinople. Designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus for Emperor Justinian I. It symbolized the power of both the Byzantine Empire and the Christian faith.