Exam 1 Medieval Art

Where did the idea of ‘middle ages’ come from?

Renaissance scholars and the thought that the time was one of decline for culture due to in being in between the fall of Rome and rise of classical Greece.

How did Roman art influence Medieval art?

The style of architecture and sculpture directly affected subjects and pieces found from the Medieval period.

What was the Edict of Milan (313)?

Ensured the freedom of Christians from prosecution following Constantine’s move to power.

Which emperor made Christianity the only religion in the Roman Empire?

Theodosius I

What is important about the town of Dura Europos?

It has many surviving Christian sites from the Medieval period

What is a catacomb?

Religious places of burial that are underground.

What is a cubiculum?

A private room in a Roman Catacomb.

What is a Loculus?

What is a Loculus?

A compartment in a catacomb used for burial.

Why is the word ‘fish’ important to early Christians?

It is a symbol for Jesus.

Which Roman building was a model for Christian churches?

The basilica

What is the difference between churches and cathedrals?

A church is a general place of worship, a cathedral is run by a bishop.

Where is the atrium on a church?

Open area outside the front of a church.

Where is the narthex on a church?

A room before the main room of the church.

Where is the nave on a church?

Central room of a church.

Where is the aisle on a church?

Walkways that run parallel to the Nave

Where is the transept on a church?

The arms that make the church cross shaped.

Where is the apse on a church?

Area that holds the alter in a church.

Which city in northern Italy was the site of important churches?

Ravenna

What is the origin of the word Byzantine?

Based on the Greek city Byzantium

Which emperor and empress are portrayed in San Vitale?

Justinian and Theodora

Why is the number 8 important to Christian architecture?

It represents the resurrection of Jesus

What is the name of painted Byzantine religious images?

Icons

What is Iconoclasm?

the rejection or destruction of religious images as heretical.

What impact did Iconoclasm have on art production during the medieval ages?

A lot of art was destroyed and a lot of non-Christian art was seen as heretical and sinful.