Art History Final

When was the Early Christian Art Period

C. 1-500 CE

When was the Byzantine Art Period?

C. 500-1400 CE

When did the Early Medieval Period begin?

476 CE (fall of Rome)

When was the Romanesque Period?

C. 1000-1150 CE

When was the Gothic Period?

C. 1140-1400 CE

What happened in 312 CE?

Constantine legalized Christianity

When and What was the Great Schisim?

1054 CE; Split Roman Catholic (West) and Eastern Orthodox (East)

Define Catacombs

Underground burial spaces

Define Orant Figure

Standing person praying with arms raised

Define Icon

Religious image used for worship

Define Orant Figure

Standing person praying with arms raised

Define Cloisonné

Metal strips forming cells for gems

Define Tympum

A semi-circular area over an entrance which is bounded by an arch above (often contains sculpture or other ornaments and was common in the Romanesque)

Define Lintel

Horizontal beam over a doorway

Define Trumeau

The center post supporting the tympanum (which also serves to divide a large doorway in a church) (vertical)

Define Jamb

Vertical sides of a doorway

Define Prefiguration

Old Testament events foreshadow New Testament

Define Relic

A part of the body of a Saint or a venerated person, or another type of ancient religious object carefully preserved for purposes of veneration (worship)

Define Pilgrimage

A journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion

What are key characteristics of Byzantine art?

Spiritual, otherworldly, and not realistic. Figures are tall, thin, and stiff with no movement

What influenced Medieval art?

Germanic and Christian mix

What is animal style?

Abstract animal designs

Define Granulation

An ancient metal smithing technique involving the fusion of tiny metal spheres (granules) onto a base metal sheet to create intricate, textured designs

What is an important feature of Ottonian art?

Return of large sculpture

What is the Formation of Eve panel on the Bernward doors depicting?

God creates Eve

What is the Temptation and Fall panel on the Bernward doors depicting?

Eve gives fruit to Adam

What is the Accusation and Judgement panel on the Bernward doors depicting?

God confronting Adam and Eve after they have eaten the forbidden fruit

What are the main traits of Romanesque art?

Thick walls, heavy, solid, stable

Where did Gothic art start?

Just outside of France

What is the key idea of Gothic art?

Light= divine presence

How is Gothic art compared to Romanesque?

Lighter, taller, more natural

Who promoted Gothic art?

Abbot Suger

What does Gothic architecture feel like?

Weightless, vertical, and bright

Why is early art abstract?

To avoid idol worship

What was the purpose of church sculpture

To teach Bible stories to illiterate people

When was the Early Gothic Period and describe its characteristics?

C. 1140–1200. Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and the start of stained glass. Buildings are still somewhat heavy, but starting to get taller and lighter. Experimentation.

When was the High Gothic Period and describe its characteristics?

C. 1200-1300 CE. The “peak” of Gothic style. Cathedrals become much taller, lighter, and more detailed. Huge stained-glass windows, flying buttresses fully developed

When was the Late Gothic Period and describe its characteristics?

C. 1300-1500 CE. Style becomes more decorative and complex. More intricate details, elaborate tracery (stone patterns in windows)