Early Christian, Byzantine And Islamic Art Terminology Flashcards
Loculi
Holes/niches dug in walls of catacombs where bodies were placed
Fresco
An ancient technique of wall/ceiling painting in which pigments are mixed with water and applied to wet plaster
Apse
A vaulted or domed semi-circular recess, usually at the eastern end of a church
Nave
The main, longitudinal part of the building usually where the congregation gathers
Aisle
The space between the columns of the nave and the side wall
Narthex
A single story porch or large room leading into the main body of a church
Transept
The transverse arms of a cross-shaped church set at right angles to the main body of the building
Clerestory
A row of windows in the upper part of the wall where they are above the roof of the aisles and admit light to the nave
Tesserae
Small pieces of hard colored substances like marble, glass, ceramics and stone used in mosaics
Illuminated manuscript
A manuscript in which the text is supplemented by addition of gold or silver decoration
Icons
A picture, image or other representation of some sacred personage, painted usually on a wood surface and venerated itself as sacred
Graven
Carved, sculptures
Heresy
Opinion different to orthodox or accepted opinion, especially of a church or religious system.
Koran/Qur’an
Islamic holy book
Calligraphy
Art of fine writing
Arabesque
A design of intertwined leaves and scrolls. It is the most typical Islamic ornamental motif
Minaret
A tall tower/turret
Muezzin
Leader of calls
Mihrab
A niche in mosque indicating qibla
Qibla
Direction in which a Muslim shall perform his salat
Mimbar
A pulpit where the Imam stands to deliver sermons
Imam
Leader of prayer
Iwan
Pointed arch doorway
Mausoleum
Burial tomb
Finial
Ornament on dome
Martyrs
A person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his/her religion
