Art History Terms

Hieratic scale

a technique where the size of figures in a composition directly corresponds to their relative importance

Contrapposto

 a relaxed, asymmetrical stance where a human figure's weight is shifted to one leg, creating a natural S-curve in the torso with opposing angles between the hips and shoulders

Relief

a type of sculpture in which carved or molded figures project from a solid background of the same material

High relief

a type of relief sculpture where the figures or designs project significantly from a flat background, often more than halfway out, creating a strong sense of three-dimensionality and depth.

Low relief

 a sculpting technique where figures or designs are only slightly raised from a flat background, projecting out a shallow distance rather than standing freely 

Archaic

marked by rigid, stylized figures with features like the stiff posture

Classical

 transitioned to a more naturalistic and idealized human form, emphasizing harmony and balance through techniques like contrapposto

Humanism

a Renaissance intellectual movement and artistic philosophy that emphasized the value, potential, and experience of human beings, shifting focus from divine matters to earthly ones

Rationalism

an approach emphasizing reason, logic, and intellect as the foundation for art and architecture, rather than emotion or tradition

Idealism

 a philosophy and artistic approach that focuses on representing subjects as perfect, beautiful, or elevated beyond everyday reality