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.