Untitled Flashcards Set

Byzantine Art

Influenced by early Christian art and classical traditions.

Romanesque Art

Representing a synthesis of Roman, Carolingian, and Ottonian traditions.

Hagia Sophia

A prominent example of Byzantine architecture known for its domed structure and extensive mosaics.

Centralized plans

Architectural designs featuring a central space, characteristic of Byzantine churches.

Religious Themes

Common motifs in both Byzantine and Romanesque art, focusing on Christian narratives and spirituality.

Mosaics

Artworks made from small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials, used extensively in Byzantine interiors.

Hieratic scale

A method of depicting figures where size indicates spiritual importance rather than realism.

Frescoes

Paintings created by applying water-based pigments on freshly laid wet plaster, typical of Romanesque art.

Gothic Art

A style of art that emerged in 12th-century France, known for its emphasis on verticality and light in architecture and painting.

Stained Glass Windows

Ornamental windows made of colored glass, prevalent in Gothic cathedrals to narrate biblical stories.

Pointed Arches

Architectural feature of Gothic structures that allowed for greater height and lightness.

Aniconism

The avoidance of figurative depictions in Islamic art, focusing on geometric and abstract designs instead.

Cimabue

An Italian painter noted for bridging Byzantine styles with early naturalism during the late medieval period.

Taj Mahal

An iconic example of Islamic architecture that combines Islamic and Mughal styles.

Runestones

Memorial stones from the Viking era, often adorned with runic inscriptions and decorative motifs.

Gargoyles

Sculptural water spouts typical of Gothic architecture that often depict grotesque creatures.

Oseberg Style

An early Viking art style characterized by intricate wood carvings featuring animal interlace.

Illuminated Manuscripts

Lavishly decorated religious texts with intricate borders and miniature scenes, prominent in medieval art.

Religious Focus

The emphasis on depicting religious themes and subjects common to Italian and medieval art.

Naturalism

An artistic approach focusing on realistic representation, increasingly adopted in art leading to the Renaissance.

Fresco

A technique of mural painting on wet plaster to achieve a vibrant and durable finish.

Gothic Architecture

An architectural style marked by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, characterizing Gothic buildings.

Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica

A cathedral that showcases Byzantine-style mosaics and Gothic architectural elements.

Chartres Cathedral

A famous Gothic cathedral in France, celebrated for its stained glass and sculptural work.

Pietà

A type of sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus, significant in Gothic art.

Carolingian art

Art that reflects the culture and politics of the Carolingian Empire during the early Middle Ages.

Heavily stylized

A characteristic of Romanesque art, where figures are less naturalistic and more symbolic.

Odin

A god in Norse mythology commonly depicted in Viking art.

Interlace Patterns

Complex designs featuring intricate weaving and intertwining, prevalent in Viking decorative art.

Flying Buttresses

External supports used in Gothic architecture to allow for large stained glass windows.

Didactic Imagery

Art intended to teach or instruct, commonly found in Romanesque artworks.

Viking Brooches

Decorative fasteners commonly worn by Norse people, exemplifying intricate craftsmanship in metalwork.

Golden backgrounds

A hallmark of Byzantine artworks, often used in mosaics to create a sense of otherworldliness.

Elongated figures

A characteristic feature of Gothic art, where human figures are stretched for an upward emphasis.

Barrel vaults

An architectural element of Romanesque churches, creating a tunnel-like effect.

Gothic Sculpture

Sculptures integrated into church architecture, known for their expressive poses and detailed drapery.

Giotto

An Italian painter whose work marked a significant transition toward naturalism in medieval art.

The Röttgen Pietà

A Gothic sculpture notable for its emotional depth, depicting Mary and the dead Christ.

Tympanum

The semi-circular area above a doorway, often adorned with relief sculptures in Romanesque architecture.

Arabic Calligraphy

An essential form of art in Islamic culture, emphasizing the beauty of the written word.

Sculptural integration

The incorporation of sculpture into architectural elements, significant in Romanesque and Gothic art.

Dome of the Rock

An Islamic shrine in Jerusalem, famous for its stunning architectural features and intricate tilework.

Celtic Influence

Artistic styles in medieval manuscripts reflecting influences from Celtic art.

Byzantine Influence

The impact of Byzantine stylistic elements seen in subsequent Western art movements.

Flying buttresses

Supports that allow for thinner walls and larger windows in Gothic architecture.

Frontal figures

A stylistic choice in Byzantine art, where figures are often depicted facing directly forward.

Gold leaf

A thin layer of gold applied to surfaces in illuminated manuscripts for a decorative effect.

Comparative Art History

The study of differences and influences between various art styles and traditions.

Medieval Indian Art

Art from the Indian subcontinent during the Middle Ages, influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism.

Mythological themes

Depictions in Viking art that include representations of Norse gods and legendary creatures.

Verticality

A characteristic of Gothic architecture and art representing an upward movement toward the heavens.

Lindisfarne Gospels

A famous illuminated manuscript known for its intricate illustrations from the early medieval period.

Panel Painting

Artworks created on wood panels that emerged during the later Gothic period, often for altarpieces.

Romanesque churches

Churches built during the Romanesque period, characterized by thick walls and rounded arches.

Expressive figures

Figures in Gothic sculptures noted for their dynamic poses and emotional expressions.

Book of Hours

Personal devotional manuscripts that were common in the medieval period, elaborately illustrated.

Alhambra

A stunning example of Islamic architecture in Spain, renowned for its intricate tilework and gardens.

Celtic Knots

Intricate patterns found in Celtic art, often with symbolic significance.

Sculpture on church doorways

Artworks integrated into the entrances of churches, enhancing the narrative quality of the architecture.

Focal subjects

Central themes or figures depicted in artwork, particularly within religious contexts.

Roman Art

Artistic styles originating in ancient Rome, which influenced later medieval and Renaissance art.

Personal devotion

The individual expression of faith, often reflected in the creation of illuminated manuscripts and personal prayer books.

Islamic Architecture

A style characterized by intricate geometry, calligraphy, and decorative motifs, used in mosques and palaces.

Byzantine Icons

Religious images often used for worship and veneration in the Byzantine tradition.

Architectural integration

The blending of artistic elements with structural components in buildings, significant in Gothic architecture.

Mythic Narrative

Stories reflecting cultural beliefs and values, often depicted in Viking art.

Cultural exchange

The sharing and blending of artistic ideas across different cultures, as seen between Byzantine and Romanesque art.

Symbolism over naturalism

A characteristic of Byzantine art where spiritual meaning is prioritized over realistic representation.

Narrative embroidery

Artworks like the Bayeux Tapestry that visually tell a story through stitching.

Mosque decoration

Elaborate designs and motifs commonly used in the adornment of Islamic religious buildings.

Visual Bible

Art serving as a tool for education and devotion for a largely illiterate population during medieval times.

Mughal architecture

A style that combines Persian, Islamic, and Indian elements, known for its grandeur as seen in structures like the Taj Mahal.

Runic inscriptions

Text written in runes, often found on Viking memorial stones to commemorate the dead.

Palatine Chapel

A significant example of Carolingian architecture linking Byzantine and Western styles.

Celtic Crosses

Religious monuments from the medieval period incorporating intricate knotwork and Christian symbolism.

Narrative Stained Glass

Windows that depict biblical stories and figures, making religious teachings accessible to congregants.

Byzantine Revival

The re-emergence of Byzantine art and architecture styles in later periods, reflecting its historical significance.

Art as War Propaganda

Artworks crafted to convey messages about power and conflict, particularly seen in medieval military contexts.

Sculptural Reliefs

Carved illustrations serving as visual storytelling elements on the façades of Romanesque and Gothic churches.

Celtic Artifacts

Historical objects from the Celtic peoples, often intricately designed with symbolism and craftsmanship.

Figurative depictions

Images representing real human figures, often avoided in Islamic art to emphasize aniconism.

Illumination Techniques

Methods used in creating decorative manuscript art that showcases intricate designs and gold application.