Art history

hierarchical scale

A method of depicting figures in a way that their importance is represented by their size in relation to one another.

hieratic

A style of Egyptian art characterized by its formal, stylized figures.

colonnade

A series of columns placed at regular intervals.

blind arcade

A series of arches that are applied to a wall and do not serve as structural openings.

sarcophagus

A stone coffin, typically adorned with sculptures or inscriptions.

catacomb

Underground burial places, often consisting of tunnels or chambers.

cubiculum

A small room or chamber, often used for burial.

scriptorium

A room set apart for writing, especially where manuscripts are copied.

pendentive

A triangular construction element that allows for a dome to be placed over a square room.

squinch

A retangular-like architectural device used to transition between a square area and a dome.

impost block

A block that serves as a support for an arch or a vault.

chi-rho-iota

A Christian symbol formed by the first three letters of Christ in Greek.

Caesaropapism

A political-religious system in which the head of state is also the head of the church.

mandorla

An oval or almond-shaped light that surrounds a holy figure.

iconoclasm

The rejection or destruction of religious images or icons.

iconoclast/iconophile

someone who opposes the use of icons/ someone who loves and supports their use.

icon

A religious image or representation used in worship.

tessera/tesserae

Small pieces of colored glass or stone used to create mosaic patterns.

Animal Style

A style of art characterized by the use of animal forms and motifs.

continuous narrative

A style of storytelling in art where multiple scenes are depicted in a single frame.

cloisonné/cloison

A decorative technique using enamel, glass, or gemstones, held in place by metal strips.

Hiberno-Saxon

An art style that emerged in Ireland and Britain during the early medieval period.

Insular Art

Art produced in the British Isles that blends Celtic and early Christian styles.

Carolingian

Relating to the dynasty of Charlemagne and characterized by a revival of classical art and culture.

ambulatory

A walkway or passageway that allows movement around a space, typically found in churches.

westwork

The monumental western entrance of a church, often adorned with towers.

Ottonian

Referring to art and culture during the reign of the Ottonian dynasty in Germany.

Alternate support system

An architectural technique of alternating columns and piers to support vaults.

Romanesque

An architectural style characterized by semi-circular arches and robust structures.

pilgrimage

A journey to a sacred place for religious purposes.

crusade

A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church during the medieval period.

relic/reliquary

A physical object of religious significance/ a container for holding relics.

Gislebertus

A sculptor known for his work on the Autun Cathedral's tympanum.

façade

The front of a building, often used decoratively.

tympanum

The semi-circular area above a door, often adorned with sculpture.

trumeau

The central pillar of a doorway, often decorated with relief sculpture.

apse

A semicircular recess at the end of a church.

voussoir

A wedge-shaped stone used to construct an arch.

portal

An entrance or doorway, often grand and elaborately designed.

pilaster

A rectangular column that is attached to a wall.

rib vaulting

A framework of ribs that supports a vaulted ceiling.

flying buttress

An architectural feature that transfers the weight of a roof or vault away from the walls.

triforium

A shallow arched gallery within the thickness of the walls of a church.

tracery

Ornamental stonework in the upper part of a Gothic window.

mullion

A vertical element that divides a window into smaller sections.

maniera greca

A style of Greek art, especially Byzantine, characterized by its formal and flat depiction.

Italo-Byzantine

An art style that combines elements of Italian and Byzantine artistic traditions.

predella

The platform or base of an altarpiece.

altarpiece

A work of art, often painted or carved, placed above and behind an altar.

baptistery

A building or part of a church used for baptisms.

campanile

A free-standing bell tower.

loggia

A roofed, open-air corridor or gallery.