Lecture 17 Art History

Pendentive

An architectural element in the shape of a triangular segment of a sphere, used to make the transition from a square room to a circular base for a dome

Central Plan

a design for an architectural structure that features a primary central space surrounded by symmetrical areas

Ambulatory

The passage around the apse in a basilica church or around the central space in a central-plan building

Gallery

In church architecture, an upper story above the aisle, overlooking the nave

Christ Pantocrator

Symbolism of Christ that depicts Christ enthroned on an orb representing the cosmos

Eucharist

The ritual commemoration of the last Supper, at which Christ gave bread and wine to his Apostles as symbols of His body and blood

Hieratic

A style characterized by formal, rigid, and highly stylized qualities that is meant to give precedence to symbiotic or spiritual significance over naturalism, illusionism, or emotional expression

Icon

A small portrait of Christ, the Virgin, or the saints, designed, like pagan imperial portraits to serve as proxies for the divine presence

Iconophile

Supported Icons

Iconoclast

Opposed icons

Iconoclasm

Refers to the intentional, religious motivated destruction of sacred images

Triumph of Orthodoxy

The decision of the Council of Constantinople in 843 CE that reinstated icons as part of orthodox religious practice

Encaustic

A painting medium consisting of pigment mixed with hot wax

Virgin Theotokos

Characterized by the depiction of the Virgin Mary sitting on a throne with the Christ Child on her lap

Hand of God motif

Two angels behind Virgin Theotokos who look upwards at the Hand of God descending from the heavens