History of Art in Rome Final

Apse

A semicircle polygonal recess, typically vaulted or domed, located at the end of a building (the eastern alter-facing end of a Christian church that serves as a major focal point for worship)

Baroque

Theatrical and ornate style between the early 17th to mid 18th century characterized by dynamic movement, deep rich colors, and intense light-and-dark contrasts, and aimed to evoke powerful emotions

Byzantine

Original eastern roman empire that spanned from the 4th century until the call of Constantinople in the 15th century. Characterized by lavish gold accents, monumental mosaics, and highly stylized, two-dimensional figures that prioritize spiritual symbolism over classical realism.

Chiaroscuro

Uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give subjects a three-dimensional volume; manipulates shadows and bright tones to create dramatic focus, emotional intensity, and realistic depth

Cosmatesque

Distinctive style of geometric, decorative stone and glass mosaic inlay. Named after the Cosmati family of medieval Roman craftsmen, it features colorful stones cut and fitted into intricate, abstract patterns that form brilliant "carpets" on church floors, columns, and altars.

Lithostrotos

“stone pavement”: a specific archaeological site in Jerusalem—an ancient Roman flagstone pavement

Linear Perspective

A mathematical system used in art to create the illusion of three-dimensional depth and space on a flat, two-dimensional surface; allows artists to scale objects down and draw parallel lines in order to

Loggia

An architectural feature consisting of a covered exterior gallery or corridor that is open to the air on at least one side, supported by a colonnade of columns or an arcade of arches. Often overlooks a garden, courtyard, or public square and saw a massive resurgence during the renaissance.

Renaissance

A cultural and artistic movement spanning from the 14th to 17th centuries,originating in Italy. Translates to "rebirth" in French, describes the period's revival of interest in the classical art, philosophy, and learning of ancient Greece and Rome

Sibyl

a prophetic priestess or oracle from ancient Greco-Roman mythology, traditionally depicted as a wise woman who foretold future events

Tenebrism

Dramatic painting technique characterizes by extrem contrasts of light and dark where vast areas of the canvas are plunged into deep, impenetrable shadow. Comes from the Italian tenebroso, meaning "dark, gloomy, or mysterious"