MEDIEVAL, BYZANTINE, ROMANESQUE, & GOTHIC

ivory

favorite material for relief sculputures

monks

most medieval artworks were made by…

churches

these were based off the roman basilica

transept

additional corridor that cut across the nave and aisles

nave

whole horizontal area of the church

cloisters

open spaces or gardens in monasteries

manuscripts

books

illuminations

pictures

coat of arms

nonreligious artwork that rich and powerful families used to symbolize their family. shown in a shield

iconography

particular depiction of subjects

mosaics

small pieces of tiles made of glass or stone that were assembled to form images

iconoclasm

by Emperor Leo III, means “breaker of icons” where he forbid these images from being made

tympanum

sculptures between arches and the doors of churches

flying buttresses

these minimized the weight of the roof, supporting the walls

gargoyles

monstrous looking winged demons

stained glass

pieces of colored glass that were arranged together in pattered window frames

spires

long spear-like appendages

medieval art characteristics

iconography of early Christianity, most artworks made by monks, used manuscripts as books, coat of arms became popular

byzantine art characteristics

used mosaics and frescoes in churches, Christian art didn’t have to be hidden anymore, iconoclasm was introduced

romanesque art characteristics

adopted roman motifs and techniques, used arches, only few windows, used tympanums

gothic art characteristics

came from the word “goths” (a barbaric tribe), feel of verticality and lightness, pointed ends for arches, flying buttresses, spires, stained glass on windows, sculptures were more realistic