art history definitions

Catacomb: Underground burial chambers used by early Christians and others, often decorated with frescoes or carvings.

Apse: A semicircular or polygonal recess at the end of a church, often where the altar is located.

Tesserae: Small pieces of glass, stone, or other materials used to create mosaics.

Latin Cross Plan: A church layout with a long nave and shorter transept forming a cross shape.

Central Plan: A church or building layout organized around a central point, often circular or polygonal.

Icon: A religious image or representation, especially in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Clerestory Window: High windows above eye level, usually in a church, to let in light.

Tympanum: The decorative space above a doorway, often filled with relief sculptures in churches.

Rose Window: A large, circular stained-glass window, often found in Gothic cathedrals.

Relic: Physical remains or belongings of a saint or holy figure, venerated in religious traditions.

Tracery: Ornamental stonework in Gothic windows, dividing the glass into decorative patterns.

Transept: The arms of a cross-shaped church, perpendicular to the nave.

Radiating Chapel: Small chapels that project outward from the main apse of a church.

Kiswah: The black cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca, embroidered with Qur'anic verses.

Spolia: Reused materials or artifacts from older structures, incorporated into new buildings.

Aniconism: The absence or avoidance of figural imagery, often in Islamic and some Jewish art.

Mihrab: A niche in the wall of a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca.

Calligraphy: Artistic, stylized handwriting, significant in Islamic art for depicting Quranic texts.

Circumambulation: Walking around a sacred object or structure, often in religious rituals.

Yakshi: Female nature spirits in Indian art, often symbolizing fertility and abundance.

Mudra: Symbolic hand gestures in Hindu and Buddhist art and rituals.

Torana: Ornamental gateways in Indian architecture, often marking the entrance to a stupa.

Mithuna: Depictions of loving couples in Indian art, symbolizing fertility and cosmic harmony.

Mana: A spiritual force or power in Polynesian cultures.

Pukao: Red stone "hats" or topknots placed on some moai statues on Easter Island.

Kona Style: A specific architectural style in ancient Hawaiian temples (heiau), with a focus on upright stones and enclosures.

Tā Moko: Traditional Māori tattooing, especially on the face, representing identity and heritage.