Art Section 2 Flashcards
Who was the first to create concrete?
in the Ancient Near East
How did the Romans contribute to the historical use of concrete?
Romans spread its use throughout the empire
What is the primary purpose of revetment?
a facing of impact-resistant material to protect the inner structure from wear
How did adding pozzolana sand to mortar change the use of concrete?
The material was more durable, inexpensive, strong and could set, or cure, underwater
How did the wooden frames makes shapes that differed from those cut from stone, wood, or mud brick?
The frames would shape the concrete into shapes not able to be formed from cutting
Ashlar masonry vs concrete barrel vaults
-Were less stable
-If even one block comes loose, the whole thing could collapse
-Using concrete, windows could be placed anywhere, it was structurally sound, and fireproof
What was the Pantheon in Rome constructed for?
Religious worship
Whose reign was the Pantheon constructed?
Emperor Hadrian
What gods was the Pantheon dedicated to?
Five planetary gods: Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus
But it was meant as a temple for all gods: Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Mercury,Neptune, Venus, Apollo, Diana, Minerva, Ceres,Vulcan, and Vesta
The Pantheon was based on what concept
a Hellenistic concept
What is the oculus of the Pantheon?
circular opening that is 27 feet in diameter and is the only light source
What are coffers in the Pantheon?
the square sunken decorative panels on the dome which also lessens the domes weight
What is the colonnaded entry of the Pantheon?
The colonnaded(s) is a straight row of columns that support the roof. It is the narrow entry that leads to the open-space of the court
Porticoes of the Pantheon
It is the porch, leading to the entrance of the Pantheon. The porticoes hide the temple’s circular drum from view. There is a roof structure over the walkway that is supported by columns.
What is a rotunda?
a building w/circular ground plan and, in the case of the Pantheon, it is covered by a dome
What are the seven niches that punctuate the curved walls of the rotunda at ground levels of the Pantheon?
Marked for a specific deity
What decorates the interior structure of the surface of the Pantheon’s walls and floor?
Patterns of circles and squares in colored stones
Which of the following materials went into the mixture for the bottommost foundation of the Pantheon?
Basalt and travertine stone
-These materials became lighter as the structure rose
What does illuminated circle of the oculus symbolize?
The eye of Jupiter
What does the perfect spherical shapes of the dome and oculus symbolize?
Eternity and perfection; a reflection of the heavens
How does the dome of the Pantheon reflect the heavens that was made to honor?
The coffers were painted deep blue and represented with bronze rosettes (image of the stars against the night sky)
How does the emphasis on circular shapes affect the visual experience for the viewer?
There is an absence of vertical lines that connect the floor to the dome so the dome seems as if it is floating
How did Emperor Hadrian take advantage of the temple’s connection to the heavens?
Used it as a way to reinforce his own power
What did Egyptians believe about death?
That it is only the beginning of the journey to the eternal life into the Kingdom of Osiris (land of the dead). They also believed in material existence in the afterlife.
