EXAM 3 Flashcards
the start of the middle ages marks the end of the ________
Classical World
when do the middle ages end?
at the beginning of the Renaissance
what time period is especially characterized by religious subject matter?
middle ages
“late antiquity” marks what transition?
polytheistic to monotheistic beliefs
what were the 3 main monotheistic religions of the time?
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam
describe deity in Jewish art
God the Father is not depicted in art (out of reverence)
describe deity in Christian art
do not worship idols: some sects do not include deity in art to honor the 2nd commandment
describe deity in Islamic art
Allah is not depicted in art, and there are rarely human forms in Islamic art
earliest christian paintings are found in the __________
catacombs
the roman empire split and the east and west ___________…
East: becomes byzantine; Greek Orthodox Church
West: follows the Roman Catholic Church
what are Icons?
Paintings of saints on wood which were conduits to heavenly power
what art form was particularly common in byzantine churches?
Mosaics- reflect light
common element used in mosaics? why/how?
gold. reflects light, cemented in with the mosaic- very difficult for people to steal
name other characteristics of the byzantine church art
very 2D. emphasized line rather then volume; floating figures; flat small spaces; no background- no particular time or place indicated
describe the manuscripts of the middle ages
very detailed and beautifully decorated often by monks
what was the purpose of pilgrimages?
religious devotion: travel to places where relics were kept or
Sites of important religious events
symbolism in medeval churches
pictures illustrating bible stories
why is this significant?
many common people were illiterate, they could be religiously enlightened by the pictures
what are the some of the main characteristics of Gothic architecture
Increased height
rib vaults
flying buttresses
large glass stained windows
how is religion/spirituality incorporated into art?
representations of spiritual communion (with deity or ancestors), illustration of sacred stories, or Intermediaries between people and deities
what religious entity required gold backgrounds for icons?
Greek Orthodox
what is paint in it’s most basic form?
pigment suspended in a liquid binder which dries after it has been applied
what is Ecaustic paint?
Pigment mixed in hot wax binder
what are Fayum portraits?
encaustic paintings from the Roman Egypt era (most found in Fayum Oasis)