Art history 2 terms Flashcards Set

linear perspective

A mathematical system used to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface by converging parallel lines at a single vanishing point.

vanishing point

The point at which receding parallel lines appear to converge in a perspective drawing.

atmospheric perspective

A technique in art that creates the illusion of depth by using color and clarity to suggest distance.

contrapposto

An artistic pose where one part of the body is turned in opposition to another part, creating a sense of dynamic balance.

lost-wax casting

A method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a mold that has been created by means of a wax model.

Humanism

A cultural and intellectual movement of the Renaissance focusing on human potential and achievements based on classical texts.

Diptych

A two-paneled painting or carving that is often hinged together.

tromp l’oeil

A painting technique that creates the optical illusion of three-dimensionality on a flat surface.

foreshortening

A technique used in art to represent an object or figure in a picture in depth.

oculus

The circular opening at the top of a dome, allowing light to enter.

di sotto in su

An Italian phrase meaning 'from below upward,' often describing a perspective view of a scene.

Leon Battista Alberti

An Italian Renaissance architect and theorist known for his contributions to art and architecture.

triptych

A three-panel artwork that may be hinged together.

polyptych

A painting or altarpiece consisting of four or more panels.

illumination

The artistic decoration of the pages of manuscripts, typically using gold or bright colors.

tempera vs. Oil painting

Tempera is a fast-drying paint made from pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, while oil painting uses pigments suspended in oil.

woodcut and Engraving

Woodcut is a printmaking technique where an image is carved into the surface of a wood block, whereas engraving is a process of incising a design onto a hard surface.

donor portrait

A painting depicting a patron (donor) who commissioned the artwork, often shown in a devotional context.

Templo Mayor

The major temple in the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc.

kachina

Spirit beings in the religion of the Pueblo peoples, often represented as dolls.

kiva

A ceremonial underground chamber used by Puebloan peoples for religious rites.

hozho

A Navajo term that refers to beauty, harmony, and balance in life.

tipi

A conical tent traditionally used by some Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.

adobe

A building material made from earth and organic materials, often used for constructing homes in hot, dry climates.

huacas

Sacred places or objects within Andean culture, often associated with the natural world.

tocapu

Geometric designs or motifs used in Inca textiles, pottery, and personal adornment symbolizing social status.

warp and weft

The vertical and horizontal threads used in weaving fabrics.

inlay

The technique of inserting pieces of material (such as wood, metal, or stone) into a base object to create a design.

hanging scroll

A vertical painting or calligraphy mounted on a scroll, hung on a wall for display.

handscroll

A scroll that is hand-held and unrolled horizontally for viewing traditional Chinese art.

calligraphic

Relating to the art of beautiful handwriting.

leaf

A single page of a book or manuscript.

album

A compilation of artworks, often organized in a book format.

seal

A device used to imprint a mark for authentication or as a signature.

hip roof

A roof with slopes on all four sides that meet at the top.

isometric perspective

A method of visual representation in which all three dimensions are represented in one view.

Giorgio Vasari

An Italian painter, architect, and writer known for his biographies of artists and for coining the term 'Renaissance'.

fresco

A technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster.

chiaroscuro

A technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume.

sfumato

A painting technique that produces soft transitions between colors and tones.

Vitruvius

A Roman architect whose work 'De Architectura' influenced Renaissance architecture.

pieta

A sculptural representation of the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus Christ.

classical ideal

An aesthetic standard derived from the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

façade

The front or face of a building, often used to create a pleasing appearance.

pilaster

A flattened column, typically attached to a wall, used for decoration and support.

Protestant Reformation (b. 1517)

A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestant churches.

Martin Luther

The theologian and reformer who initiated the Protestant Reformation by posting his 95 Theses.

95 Theses

A list of propositions criticizing the Catholic Church’s practices, particularly the sale of indulgences, written by Martin Luther.

Monogram

A motif made by combining two or more letters, often representing an individual or organization.

Still life

A genre of art that depicts inanimate objects, often arranged in a composition.

Mannerism

An artistic style that emerged in the late Renaissance characterized by elongated forms and exaggerated poses.

The Counter Reformation

The period of Catholic resurgence initiated in response to the Protestant Reformation.

Council of Trent

A key ecumenical council of the Catholic Church in the mid-16th century aimed at addressing issues raised by the Protestant Reformation.