Art 106 Midterm

Page 1: Art and Architecture Terms

  • 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.

Page 2: Structural Terms

  • 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.

Page 3: Architectural Plans and Features

  • 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.

Page 4: Key Figures in Renaissance Art

  • 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.

Page 5: Cultural References

  • 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.

Page 6: Influential Artists

  • 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.

Page 7: Philosophical Influences

  • 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.

Page 8: Notable Structures and Sites

  • 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.

Page 9: Mythology and Symbolism

  • Zephyrus

    • Greek god representing the west wind, associated with spring and depicted in various artworks.

Page 10: Architectural Concepts

  • 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.

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