Early Christian and Byzantine Art facts

Question 1

What centuries were early Christians prosecuted during?

Answer 1

1st-4th century

Question 2

What are examples of Christians assigning new meaning to old pagan images?

Answer 2

Good Sheperd

Question 3

What are examples of Christians assigning new meaning to old testament images?

Answer 3

Good Sheperd, Jonah & the Whale

Question 4

T or F: In many Christian images take content over form

Answer 4

T

Question 5

What is usually indicated when there is a group of heads in a painting?

Answer 5

Large Crowd

Question 6

What is a Basilica

Answer 6

Type of building, which became the basis for the christian church. It has a longitudinal (Rectangular) Plan with interior space divided into three aisles by two rows of columns. It has a semicircular apse at the end

Question 7

What is a Nave?

Answer 7

The center aisle in a longitudinal plan. It is higher than the other two side aisles, allowing for a row of windows above called a clerestory.

Question 8

What are side aisles?

Answer 8

Aisles on the north and south sides of the Nave

Question 9

What is a transept?

Answer 9

The transverse portion (arms) of a basilica or church. Its intersection with the main axis of the church is called the crossing. Transept also where saints are buried.

Question 10

What is an apse?

Answer 10

Semicircular area at the east end of the church. Its interior forms a type of triumphal arch. The alter is located in front of the apse. Apse is also the location of the Bishops chair Images of Christ can be found here.

Question 11

What is liturgy?

Answer 11

A rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship (church service) in the roman catholic church, service takes place in front of congregation.

Question 12

Where are people located in the basilica?

Answer 12

Women north side, Men south side with Christian Basilica. Practice is not followed in the Byzantine and eastern orthodox liturgy.

Question 13

T or F: The Hagia Sophia is an outstanding example of Byzantine architecture and palace church for emperor Justinion

Answer 13

true

Question 14

T or F: Hagia Sophia is only centralized plans

Answer 14

false, centralized and basilica architecture plans. It is a creative combination and interpretation of longitudinal plans with centralized vaulted shapes

Question 15

How is a circular dome connected to a non circular base?

Answer 15

Pendentives, a historic contribution to architecture

Question 16

In Byzantine Bascilicas, where did women sit?

Answer 16

The second floor, Gallery. Men sit on the bottom

Question 17

T or F: Only emperor and clergy can take part in the mass and women were not allowed in the sanctuary

Answer 17

True

Question 18

T or F: Clay paintings were the favored medium for the interior decor of Byzantine churches

Answer 18

False, Mosaics were the favored medium

Question 19

Define an Icon

Answer 19

An image believed to be sacred in itself that can aid in contacting the represented figure. Christ, the Virgin, and various saints often grouped into a large screen, primary images for byzantine, greek orthodox, and russian orthodox churches