Chapter 1 - European Architecture Flashcards
1
Q
What was life like in medieval Europe?
A
> 400 AD - Roman Empire collapsed > Europe fell into the dark ages > era of wars and conflict > disease and poverty - very common > widespread fear the world would end in year 100
2
Q
Romanesque sculpture
A
Great unity Capitals, arches and tympana (main locations) Sculptural form distorted Religious imagery Teach illiterate Narrative subject matter Animal, Vegetable and human forms The last judgement Grotesque imagery Painted Little realism Human forms blocky + elongated Foliage + drapery Swirling patterns
3
Q
3 Romanesque churches
A
St foy de conques
Basillica of Mary Magdalene, Vezelay
St Lazare Cathedral, Autun
4
Q
Romanesque architecture (structural elements)
A
Vault Barrel vault Groin vault Column Pier Portal
5
Q
Romanesque architecture (floor plan features)
A
Nave Crossing transcept Choir + apse Ambulatory Side aisles Radiating chapels
6
Q
Romanesque architecture (characteristic features)
A
Massive blocky structures Semicircular round Roman arches Fire proof vaulted stone roofs Decorative shallow blind arches in walls Large piers/ support arches Large tower(s) External facade focused on tympanum Sculpture aimed at teaching bible to illiterate faithful Columns topped with figurative capitals Tympanum decorated usually with Christ in the centre, flanked by biblical figures
7
Q
Gothic architecture
A
Pointed arches Rib + groin vaults Lighter vaulted ceilings Thinner walls Thinner piers + columns Flying buttresses More obvious cruciform
8
Q
Contrapposto
A
A pose taken by a standing figure where one part of the body twists in the opposite direction from another. Generally the torso is tilted.
