Apse
A semicircular recess in a building, typically found at the east end of a church.
Basilica
A rectangular, longitudinal plan structure with a wooden roof and usually three or five aisles. In Roman architecture, served as a public building; in Christian contexts, the entrance is at one end with an apse at the other.
Cartoon
A full-size preliminary drawing for a painting.
Central Plan
A structure where parts are of equal or near-equal dimensions around a center.
Capitals
The uppermost part of a column, essential for the transition from shaft to lintel and varies with architectural order.
Chiaroscuro
The technique of using light and dark gradations in drawing or painting to create a modeling effect.
Cinquecento
Refers to the 1500s (16th century) in Italy, marking the High Renaissance period.
Column
A vertical architectural element that is circular in cross-section, composed of a base, shaft, and capital.
Colonnades
A series of columns usually spanned by lintels.
Corinthian Capitals
An ornate capital style that includes acanthus leaves and is often used instead of the standard Ionic order capital.
Cruciform
Structures shaped like a cross.
Dome
A hemispherical vault that serves as the uppermost part of a building, symbolizing grandeur.
Examples:
The Pantheon in Rome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome.
The Duomo in Florence was the largest dome from 1436 to 1871.
Doric Capitals
Part of the Doric order known for its simplicity and lack of elaborate decoration.
Engaged Column
A half-column attached to a wall.
Foreshortening
A perspective technique representing objects at an angle to create a visual contraction.
Heroic Nudity
A convention in ancient art representing idealized human forms symbolizing divine favor.
Ionic Capitals
Characterized by spiral scrolls of the Ionic order.
Perspective
A technique for creating the illusion of depth in art, utilizing vanishing points and object size.
Atmospheric perspective shows distance through color intensity and contour blurring.
Longitudinal Plan
Structure parts organized along a central axis.
Pediment
A triangular gable often forming a decorative feature at the building's end.
Pilasters
Flat, rectangular vertical members that project from a wall, typically with a base and capital.
Renaissance
A historical period in 14th to 16th century Europe characterized by a revival of classical style.
Quattrocento
Refers to the 1400s (15th century) in Italy, marking the Early Renaissance.
Sfumato
A technique of blending tones to create a soft transition between colors, used by Leonardo da Vinci.
Trompe L’oeil
Illusionistic painting that tricks the viewer into seeing real objects.
Leon Battista Alberti (1404–1472)
Architect and scholar promoting classical Roman values and perspective principles.
Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510)
Renowned for graceful style and mythological themes. Notable works include The Birth of Venus.
Filippo Brunelleschi (1377–1446)
Architect credited with Renaissance architecture foundations and developing linear perspective.
Andrea del Castagno (c. 1421–1457)
Notable for dramatic frescoes emphasizing realism and emotional expression.
Donatello (c. 1386–1466)
Influential sculptor known for realistic and emotional sculptures, including the bronze David.
Flora
Roman goddess symbolizing spring and flowers, commonly depicted in Renaissance art.
Florence
Birthplace of the Renaissance, home to significant artists and cultural landmarks.
Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449–1494)
Known for realistic frescoes and portraits, influencing teachers like Michelangelo.
Humanism
Renaissance movement elevating individual potential and classical studies, influencing arts and sciences.
King David
Biblical figure representing heroism and faith, a popular subject in Renaissance art.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Multifaceted genius known for seminal works like Mona Lisa and The Last Supper; contributions to science and engineering.
Andrea Mantegna (c. 1431–1506)
Renowned for perspective and detail, especially in frescoes and his iconic Dead Christ.
Mantua
City notable for artistic heritage during the Renaissance, influenced by the Gonzaga family.
The Medici Family
Influential patrons of the arts and humanism in Florence, significantly affecting Renaissance culture.
Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564)
Renowned sculptor and painter, noted for his works including David and Sistine Chapel frescoes.
Neo-Platonism
Philosophical revival emphasizing the relationship between the One and material existence, influencing Renaissance thought and art.
Andrea Palladio (1508–1580)
Architect whose classical designs established Palladian architecture principles.
Pope Julius II (1443–1513)
A significant patron of Renaissance arts, commissioning major works by Michelangelo and Raphael.
Raphael (1483–1520)
Celebrated for harmonious compositions and significant contributions to painting and architecture in the Renaissance.
Rome
Historically significant city and cultural center, hosting influential art and architecture during the Renaissance.
Sistine Chapel
Renowned for Michelangelo's frescoes, serving as both a religious site and the location for Papal conclaves.
Vatican City
The spiritual center of Catholicism, known for its art treasures and the residence of the Pope.
Venus
Symbol of beauty and love, pivotal in Renaissance art and mythology, as depicted by Botticelli.
Zephyrus
Greek god representing the west wind, associated with spring and depicted in various artworks.
Basilica Plan Church
Features a long nave, aisles, and an apse, influenced by Roman basilica structures.
Camera Picta
Known for its mural work indicative of the Renaissance style.