History and Criticism of Art Exam 1 terms

Abstract formalism

focusing on the visual qualities rather than their meanings in art

Contrapposto

one leg is forward, one leg is back

High relief

deeply inscribed with more definition

Megalith

large stone

Post-and-lintel

horizontal elements (lintel) are held up by two upright posts

Archaizing

imitating an ancient or older style on purpose

Facade

front or side view of the building

Humanism

considering or depicting the human experience

Metope

decorated rectangular panels used to decorate temples in the Doric order

Profile view

Figures that are drawn from the side

bust

sculpted or cast representation of the upper body (head, neck, shoulders, and chest)

Figurative

images that depict humans or/and animals

Iconography

an image or a symbol used to convey specific meanings in a work of art

Painterly

use of colors

Register

a clearly defined horizontal band

Capital

topmost part of a column that supports and distributes the weight of the structure above it

Frieze

any sculpture or painting that is shown in a long horizontal format

Low relief

not very protruding of incision

Pediment

triangular architectural feature found above entrance or door of buildings

Stele

a stone slab inscribed upon that is normally upright that has imagery or commemorative information

Continuous narrative

multiple parts of a story inside a single frame or space without using physical dividers

hierarchical scale

different figures are represented in different sizes to represent the importance of each subject

Material culture

Has a specific function or purpose

Pictorial narrative

act of storytelling through pictures, normally depicting a series or sequence of events

votive

offering that fulfills a vow