Exam 1 Flashcards
Typology
A classification system used to categorize and study symbols, themes, or artistic styles recurring in various artworks
Register
The range or series of tones in a work, often referring to the different sections or bands of a composition
Aerial/Atmospheric Perspective
A technique in painting that creates an illusion of depth by depicting distant objects with less contrast, detail, and intensity of color compared to foreground elements
Linear Perspective
A method of creating the illusion of depth in a two-dimensional artwork by using converging lines that meet at a vanishing point on the horizon
Wings
The side panels of an altarpiece or polyptych that can be folded closed
Glazing
The application of a transparent layer of paint over a dry layer, allowing the underlying colors to show through and creating depth and luminosity
Polyptych
A multi-panelled artwork, often an altarpiece, consisting of more than three panels hinged or fixed together
Idealization
The representation of subjects in an idealized, perfected form rather than a strictly realistic portrayal
Triptych
A three-paneled artwork, typically an altarpiece, with the panels hinged together
Reliquary
A container, often ornate, designed to hold and display religious relics
Edition
The total number of identical prints made from a single plate or set of plates in printmaking
Pietra Serena
A gray sandstone commonly used in Renaissance architecture in Italy, known for its durability and fine-grained texture
Volutes
Scroll-like ornamentation often found in the design of capitals and decorative elements
Trompe l’oeil
A painting or technique intended to deceive the viewer into thinking that the depicted objects exist in three dimensions
Composite Capital
A capital in classical architecture combining elements from different orders, typically Ionic and Corinthian
Intarsia
A technique of inlaying various materials into a surface to create a decorative pattern or image
Putti
Cherubic or chubby child-like figures often used as decorative elements in art
Vanishing Point
The point on the horizon where parallel lines appear to converge in linear perspective
Fresco
A painting technique where pigments are applied to wet plaster, becoming an integral part of the wall upon drying
Tempera
A painting technique using pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder medium, often egg yolk
Alla Prima
A painting technique where the artwork is completed in a single session while the paint is still wet
Impasto
A painting technique involving thick, textured applications of paint, creating a three-dimensional effect
Hidden Symbols
Symbols or meanings embedded in an artwork that may not be immediately apparent, requiring interpretation
Iconology
The study and interpretation of visual symbols and their meanings in art
Genre
A category or style of art characterized by a particular subject matter, often depicting everyday life
Scumbling
A painting technique involving a thin, translucent layer of paint applied over dry layers to alter the tone or color
Chiaroscuro
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality
Cycles
A series of related artworks or scenes that collectively tell a narrative or convey a theme
Sfumato
A painting technique where colors and tones are blended gradually to create a soft, hazy effect
Mannerism
A style in art characterized by exaggerated or stylized elements, often appearing artificial or eccentric
Contrapposto
The pose in which a figure stands with most of its weight on one foot, creating a sense of naturalism and movement
Coffer
A sunken decorative panel in a ceiling, often square or octagonal
Cartoon
A full-scale preparatory drawing for a painting, fresco, or tapestry
Pieta
An artwork depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the body of the deceased Christ
Lunette
A half-moon or crescent-shaped space, often used to frame a scene or artwork
Ignudi
Nude, often muscular male figures used in the decorative scheme of the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo
Cornice
A projecting horizontal molding or structure that crowns a building or wall
Indirect Painting Method
A painting technique where layers of translucent glazes are applied over an underpainting
Pilaster
A flat, rectangular column-like element often used for decorative purposes on a wall
Greek-Cross Plan
A floor plan for a building in the shape of a cross with arms of equal length
Latin-Cross Plan
A floor plan for a building in the shape of a cross with a longer horizontal arm.
Basilica
A large, rectangular building often used for public or religious purposes, characterized by a central nave and side aisles.
String Course
A horizontal band or molding projecting from a wall, often for decorative or structural purposes
Piazza
An open public square or marketplace, often surrounded by buildings.
Quoin
An external angle of a building, often accentuated with masonry for decorative or structural purposes
Loggia
A covered, open-sided gallery or porch, often with arches
Predella
A horizontal platform or step along the base of an altarpiece, often decorated with narrative scenes
Engravings
Prints made from an engraved plate, typically on metal or wood
Lantern
A small, often decorative, structure on top of a dome or roof that provides light to the interior
Cartouches
Ornamental, often scroll-like frames or panels used to enclose and highlight text or images
Blind Windows
Decorative window-like openings that do not serve an actual functional purpose
Gable
The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof
Balustrade
A row of small, decorative pillars or railing topped with a coping
Niche
: A shallow recess, especially one designed to hold a statue or other ornament
Iconography
The study and interpretation of visual symbols and images, especially within a particular cultural or religious context
Drum
The circular or polygonal wall supporting a dome.
Intonaco
The final, smooth layer of plaster applied to a fresco before painting
Stigmata
Marks or wounds on the body corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Christ
Seraphim
: Angelic beings often depicted with three pairs of wings
Rustication
A masonry technique where the face of stones is left rough or projecting to create a textured effect
Intuitive Perspective
A method of creating a sense of depth in a painting without using strict mathematical principles, relying on visual perception
Illumination
The artistic decoration of handwritten manuscripts, often with elaborate designs, borders, and illustrations
Tympana
The triangular or semi-circular decorative wall surface over an entrance, often adorned with sculpture or reliefs
Buttresses
Architectural supports projecting from a wall to provide additional strength and stability.
Picture Plane
The imaginary plane corresponding to the surface of a painting or drawing
Majolica
Tin-glazed pottery or ceramicware, often decorated with vibrant colors and intricate patterns
Gesso
A mixture of plaster and glue used as a ground for painting or for preparing surfaces for gilding
Gilded
Covered with a thin layer of gold or gold leaf for decoration
Diptych
A two-paneled artwork, often hinged together
Woodcut
A printmaking technique where an image is carved into the surface of a block of wood, with the raised areas inked for printing
Engraving
A printmaking technique where an image is incised into a surface with a burin or graver
Bestiary
: A medieval manuscript describing and illustrating various real or mythical animals
Crossing
The intersection of the nave and transept in a cruciform church plan
Sacristy
A room in a church where sacred vessels, vestments, and other items used in worship are kept
Oculus
A circular opening, often found in the center of a dome or in the upper part of a wall or ceiling
Burin
A tool with a sharp, pointed end used for engraving or incising metal
Clerestory
The upper part of a wall containing windows to admit light into the nave or choir of a church
Capital
The top part of a column or pillar, often decorative and supporting the architrave
Nave
The central aisle of a church, flanked by side aisles
Foreshortening
A technique used in drawing or painting to create the illusion of an object or figure receding into the distance by shortening its lines.
