Untitled Flashcards Set

Pediment

A triangular upper part of a building’s front, typically found in Greek and Roman architecture, often decorated with relief sculptures.

Entablature

The horizontal structure supported by columns, divided into the architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Cornice

The uppermost projecting part of an entablature, acting as a decorative crown.

Frieze

The middle section of the entablature, often adorned with sculptural reliefs.

Architrave

The lowest part of the entablature, directly resting on the columns.

Triglyph

A decorative element in the Doric frieze featuring three vertical grooves.

Metope

The square space between triglyphs, often decorated with relief sculptures.

Column

A vertical structural element composed of a base, shaft, and capital.

Capital

The decorative topmost part of a column.

Shaft

The long, cylindrical portion of a column between the base and capital.

Base

The lowest part of a column, providing support.

Stylobate

The upper platform of a classical temple where columns are placed.

Orders

The architectural styles of classical columns, including Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.

Arch

A curved structural element that spans an opening and supports weight.

Triumphal Arch

A monumental Roman arch celebrating military victories.

Basilica

A large public Roman building, later adapted for Christian churches.

Colonnade

A row of evenly spaced columns supporting an entablature.

Barrel Vault

A continuous series of arches forming a tunnel-like structure.

Groin Vault

An intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles.

Nave

The central part of a church extending from the entrance to the altar.

Side Aisle

The spaces flanking the nave, separated by columns or piers.

Ambulatory

A walkway around the apse or choir of a church.

Apse

A semicircular or polygonal recess at the end of a church, often housing the altar.

Transept

The cross-section of a church that intersects the nave, forming a cruciform plan.

Crossing

The area where the nave and transept intersect.

Clerestory

The upper section of a church with windows allowing light to enter.

Triforium

A narrow gallery above the arches of the nave.

Arcade

A series of arches supported by columns or piers.

Humanism

A Renaissance intellectual movement emphasizing classical knowledge, reason, and human potential.

Mannerism

A late Renaissance art and architectural style characterized by elongated forms and exaggerated proportions.

Drum

A circular or polygonal base supporting a dome.

Rustication

A masonry technique with rough-textured stone blocks for decorative contrast.

Palladian Window

A large arched window flanked by smaller rectangular windows, inspired by Andrea Palladio.

Pilaster

A flat, rectangular column projecting slightly from a wall.

Savonarola Chair

A folding Renaissance chair with X-shaped legs.

Sgabello

A wooden Renaissance side chair with a decorative back and carved legs.

Sedia

A Renaissance armchair with a rectangular back and upholstered seat.

Dantesca

An X-frame chair similar to the Savonarola but with arms.

Cassapanca

A Renaissance wooden bench with a hinged lid for storage.

Cassone

An ornate Renaissance storage chest, often given as a wedding gift.

Keystone

The central, wedge-shaped stone at the apex of an arch.

Chateau

A French Renaissance country house or palace.

Long Gallery

A long, narrow room used for art display and social activities.

Frailero

A Spanish Renaissance chair with a leather seat and back.

Vargueno

A Spanish Renaissance writing cabinet with a fold-down desk.

Caquetoire

A French Renaissance chair with a trapezoidal seat for ease of conversation.

Pietre Dure

A decorative technique using inlaid, highly polished stones.

Marquetry

Decorative veneer patterns using inlaid wood or other materials.

Lozenge

A diamond-shaped design motif.

Fleur-de-lis

A stylized lily symbol used in French art and heraldry.

Triangular Pediment

A standard triangular-shaped pediment.

Segmental Pediment

A pediment with a curved (rather than triangular) top.

Great Hall

A large communal hall in medieval and Renaissance homes.

Half-Timber Construction

A building technique using a wooden frame with plaster or brick infill.

Farthingale Chair

A Renaissance armless chair designed for women wearing wide skirts.

Wainscot Chair

A heavy, wooden chair with a tall carved back.

Wattle and Daub

A construction method using woven wood strips covered in clay or plaster.

Tester

A decorative canopy over a bed.

Counter-Reformation

The Catholic Church’s response to the Protestant Reformation, influencing Baroque art and architecture.

Mansard Roof

A double-pitched roof with dormer windows, common in French Baroque architecture.

Boiserie

Ornate carved wood paneling on interior walls.

Enfilade

A series of rooms aligned in a straight line.

Solomonic Column

A twisted, spiral-shaped column.

Rococo Design

A highly decorative and ornate style characterized by asymmetry, pastel colors, and curving forms.

Ormolu

Gilded bronze used for decorative purposes.

Chinoiserie

A European artistic style inspired by Chinese motifs.

Boulle Work

A decorative inlay technique using brass and tortoiseshell.

Quoin

The exterior cornerstones of a building.

Stringcourse

A horizontal band of decorative stonework on a building.

Hipped Roof

A roof with all sides sloping downward.

Balustrade

A row of small columns topped with a rail.

Double-Pile Plan

A symmetrical floor plan with two rows of rooms.

Fauteuil

An upholstered French armchair with open sides.

Bergere

A French upholstered armchair with enclosed sides.

Canape

A French upholstered sofa.

Commode

A French chest of drawers.

Console Table

A small decorative table placed against a wall.

Broken Segmental Pediment

A pediment with a gap at the center.

William & Mary Chair

A late 17th-century English chair with a tall, ornate back.

Queen Anne Chair

An 18th-century chair with a curved back and cabriole legs.

Chippendale Chair

An 18th-century English chair with elaborate carvings.

Windsor Chair

A wooden chair with a spindle back and splayed legs.