Exam 1 Concepts

Question 1

Renaissance

Answer 1

cultural movement that spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy. It marked a transition from the medieval period to the early modern age, characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and learning.

Question 2

Humanism

Answer 2

the study of classical texts and human potential. It emphasized the value of human beings, their achievements, and their capabilities.

Question 3

Mannerism

Answer 3

an artistic style characterized by exaggerated forms, elongated proportions, and a sense of artificiality and stylization.

Question 4

Istoria/Affetti

Answer 4

refers to the narrative or storytelling aspect of a work of art, while Affetti pertains to the portrayal of emotions or affects within the artwork.

Question 5

Guild system

Answer 5

medieval and Renaissance organization of craftsmen and tradespeople into associations or guilds based on their craft or trade.

Question 6

Contrapposto

Answer 6

a pose in sculpture and painting where the figure stands with most of its weight on one foot, causing the shoulders and hips to rest at opposing angles. This pose creates a sense of naturalism and movement in the figure.

Question 7

Chiaroscuro

Answer 7

term meaning “light-dark.” It refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark in artwork to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality.

Question 8

Trompe l’oeil

Answer 8

a painting technique that creates the illusion of three-dimensional space or objects so realistically that they appear to be real.

Question 9

Renaissance Pyramid

Answer 9

emphasize unity, often making the highest point (or pinnacle) of the painting the central focus.

Question 10

Fresco

Answer 10

Fresco is a painting technique in which pigments are applied directly to wet plaster on a wall or ceiling. It was commonly used during the Renaissance for large-scale mural paintings.

Question 11

Oil paint

Answer 11

type of paint made with pigments suspended in oil, typically linseed oil. It became popular during the Renaissance for its versatility, slow drying time, and ability to create luminous and rich colors.

Question 12

Tempera paint

Answer 12

type of paint made with pigments mixed with a water-soluble binder, such as egg yolk. It was commonly used in medieval and early Renaissance art before the widespread adoption of oil paint.

Question 13

Engraving

Answer 13

printmaking technique in which a design is incised into a metal plate, typically copper, using a tool called a burin. The plate is then inked and wiped, leaving ink only in the incised lines, which are transferred to paper under pressure.

Question 14

Woodcut

Answer 14

relief printing technique in which a design is carved into the surface of a block of wood. The raised areas of the block are inked and pressed onto paper, leaving an impression of the design.

Question 15

Savonarola/Bonfire of the Vanities

Answer 15

a Dominican friar who led a moral and religious reform movement in Florence during the late 15th century. The Bonfire of the Vanities refers to a series of events in which Savonarola and his followers burned books, art, and other items considered to be sinful or immoral.

Question 16

Council of Trent Reformation Counter-Reformation

Answer 16

a series of meetings held by the Catholic Church in the 16th century to address the Protestant Reformation and to enact reforms within the Church.

The Counter-Reformation - the Catholic Church’s efforts to combat the spread of Protestantism and to reform itself in response to the Protestant challenge.

Question 17

Reformation

Answer 17

a 16th-century religious movement that led to the division of Western Christianity into Catholic and Protestant branches. It was sparked by Martin Luther’s criticism of the Catholic Church’s practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. The Reformation resulted in significant religious, social, and political upheaval across Europe

Question 18

Altarpiece – diptych, triptych, polyptych

Answer 18

a large artwork, typically a painting or a relief sculpture, placed behind or above an altar in a Christian church. A diptych consists of two panels hinged together, while a triptych consists of three panels, and a polyptych consists of multiple panels.

Question 19

Allegory

Answer 19

a literary or visual device in which characters, events, or symbols represent abstract ideas, themes, or moral qualities. Often contain hidden meanings or messages that require interpretation by the viewer.

Question 20

Iconography

Answer 20

a branch of art history which studies the identification and interpretation of the content of images

Question 21

Disguised Symbolism

Answer 21

technique used in creative work that uses metaphorical languages or images to represent a specific idea.

Question 22

Linear perspective

Answer 22

a method of creating the illusion of depth and three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface, such as a painting or drawing. It involves using converging lines and a vanishing point to create the impression of receding space and objects appearing smaller as they move further away.

Question 23

Atmospheric perspective

Answer 23

a technique in painting that simulates the effects of distance and atmospheric conditions on the appearance of objects. It involves using changes in color, value, and detail to create the illusion of depth and distance, with objects becoming lighter, less distinct, and bluer as they recede into the background.

Question 24

Sfumato

Answer 24

a painting technique used to create soft, gradual transitions between colors and tones, particularly in modeling the forms of figures and creating atmospheric effects.

Question 25

Modular architecture

Answer 25

an architectural approach that involves designing buildings using standardized units or modules that can be combined or repeated to create larger structures. This approach allows for flexibility, efficiency, and consistency in design and construction.

Question 26

Canon of proportions

Answer 26

a set of idealized or standardized proportions used in art and architecture to create harmonious and balanced compositions. These proportions, often based on human anatomy, were considered to embody aesthetic perfection and were used as guidelines by artists and architects throughout history.

Question 27

Memento mori

Answer 27

artworks, objects, or symbols that serve as reminders of the inevitability of death and the transience of life. They include skulls, hourglasses, and other symbols of mortality.

Question 28

Biblical narratives

Answer 28

stories or events from the Bible depicted in art, particularly in religious paintings and sculptures. Examples include the Annunciation (the announcement of the Virgin Mary’s conception of Jesus by the angel Gabriel), the Crucifixion (the execution of Jesus on the cross), and the Last Supper (Jesus’ final meal with his disciples).

Question 29

Basilica plan

Answer 29

type of architectural plan used in Christian churches, characterized by a central nave flanked by aisles, with a semicircular apse at one end. Additional features may include a narthex (entrance vestibule), transept (crossing aisle), and side chapels.

Question 30

Venetian Renaissance

Answer 30

the artistic and cultural flourishing that occurred in the city-state of Venice during the Renaissance period. Venetian artists, such as Titian, Giorgione, and Tintoretto, were known for their rich colors, lush textures, and emphasis on mood and atmosphere.

Question 31

Vasari

Answer 31

Giorgio Vasari the father of art history.

Question 32

Arcadia/Arcadian reverie

Answer 32

region in southern Greece, the term Arcadian referred to an idyllic place of rustic peace and simplicity.