Medieval, Byzantine, and Renaissance Art Review

Vocabulary flashcards for Medieval, Byzantine, and Renaissance art terms.

Medieval Period

A period influenced by the Fall of Rome and early Christian culture.

Byzantine Iconoclasm

The destruction of religious images, started by Byzantine Emperor Leo III and ended by Empress Irene.

Theotokos Mosaics

Mosaics depicting Mary, the Mother of God, found in places like the Hagia Sophia.

Mosaic Techniques

Techniques used to create mosaics, often with spiritual symbolism.

Ebbo Gospels

An expressive style of manuscript illumination

Scriptorium

A room in a monastery where illuminated manuscripts were created.

Romanesque Tympanums

Architectural features of Romanesque cathedrals, depicting scenes like the Last Judgment.

Pilgrimages

Religious journeys to holy places.

Mandorla

Almond-shaped halo.

Jamb Sculptures

Sculptures found on the jambs of doorways, particularly in Gothic cathedrals.

Flying Buttresses

Architectural supports that distribute the weight of Gothic cathedrals.

Groin Vaults

A type of vault used in Gothic architecture.

Pointed Arches

A type of arch used in Gothic architecture that allowed for taller structures

Gallery of Kings

Carvings on the Reims Cathedral, including a series of royal figures.

Muqarnas

three-dimensional, Ornamental vaulting in Islamic architecture.

Abbasid Caliphate

A caliphate that influenced Islamic art and founded Baghdad.

Renaissance

A period characterized by a renewed interest in classical art and learning.

Donatello

Early Renaissance sculptor known for works like David and Mary Magdalene.

Humanism

An artistic and intellectual movement emphasizing human potential and achievement.

Leonardo da Vinci

Renaissance artist known for The Last Supper.

Michelangelo

Renaissance sculptor and painter known for Pietà, David, and the Sistine Chapel.

Ignudi

Nude figures painted by Michelangelo on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Sibyls

Prophetesses painted by Michelangelo on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Chiaroscuro

The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic effects.

Renaissance

The ‘rebirth’ of Greek and Roman ideals.

Petrarch

An Italian poet who called the Medieval period the 'Dark Ages'.

Guilds

Associations or groups of craftsmen to promote interests of their members.

Christendom

A kingdom with the political, social, and legal life of a nation that is inspired by the gospel ethic.

Gospels

Christian scripture that documents the life of Jesus Christ.

Jizya

A special tax required of non-Muslims

Iconoclasm

Breaking of images

Theotokos

One who gives birth to Christ

graeco-arabic translation movement

Greek philosophy and literature translated into arabic.

Qur'an Patterns are used to represent

the eternal nature of God

Norman

Descendents of viking who settled in normandy, became christian, and defended france from viking brethren

Saints

Lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others or were martyred for the christian faith, and who are worthy of imitation

Scriptorium

Writing room within the monastery

Codex

A book made of sheets bound on one edge (an alternative to the scroll)

Historiated capitals

A capital decorated with figure of animals, birds, or human

Pilgrimage

Religious journey to a holy place

Mandorla

Large almond shape halo

sculpture that projects slightly from the surface

Low relief

Ascetic

practicing extreme self-denial

Memento mori

Reminder of death

EL DIVINO

Michelangelo's Nickname, deeply religious

Bonfire of vanities

collecting and burned thousands of objects such as cosmetics, arts and books in the public square of florence.

Fresco

painting on a wall

Ignudi

Phrase coined by Michelangelo to describe the 20 seated male nudes he incorporated into the Sistine Chapel ceiling

Sibyls

were ancient Greek Prophetesses and oracles who predicted the future and communicated with the divine