AP Art History : Ancient Through Medieval Sculpture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Analyzing Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.

The stylistic elements of the sarcopagus most aptly reflect __________.

Possible Answers:

an early Christian-Roman motif

themes of suffering and redemption

Near Eastern cultural influence

late imperial work

Correct answer:

an early Christian-Roman motif

Explanation:

The figures are done in a Roman style, but reflect images of Christ and other Christian peoples, suggesting a blending of cultures.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

What is included in a pilgrimage type church, such as St. Sernin in Toulouse?

Possible Answers:

Radiating chapels

Tribune

All of the other answers are correct

Longer nave

Double side aisles

Correct answer:

All of the other answers are correct

Explanation:

Pilgrimage type churches housed large crowds on their journey to Compostela or other pilgrimage destinations. Thus, the churches were expanded to accommodate these crowds. The naves were extended; radiating chapels and tribunes were added to house the extra worshippers. Side aisles were doubled, and everything was built on a larger scale.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

What is a "reliquary"?

Possible Answers:

A container holding the bone(s)/bodily object(s) of a dead saint

A coffin containing the entire body of a saint

The bone(s)/bodily object(s) of a dead saint

The medieval equivalent of a gravestone: a slab containing information about the dead individual buried underneath the site

Correct answer:

A container holding the bone(s)/bodily object(s) of a dead saint

Explanation:

"Reliquaries" are the containers of relics, or the fragmented body parts (usually the bone(s) or bodily object(s)) of a saint or other religious figure. "Reliquaries" varied in size and shape, and could range from a small amulet containing a pinkie finger to a large box containing a leg bone. Touch relics -or objects that had come in contact with a saint or other religious figure, such as a piece of clothing- might also be held within a reliquary. 

Example Question #3 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

Though __________ was implemented as early as Mesopotamian art, it is a technique that flourished as a part of Byzantine art. It consists of assembling small pieces of glass, stone, metal, and other assorted materials in order to form images and elaborate patterns.

Possible Answers:

portraiture

mosaic art

ivory art

diptych painting

relief art

Correct answer:

mosaic art

Explanation:

Mosaics are one of the most important legacies of Byzantine art, and remained the envy of Western European artists for centuries to come. Mosaic art included patterns, abstract symbolism, and more realistic images.

Example Question #4 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

A "mandorla" in Romanesque sculpture is _________________.

Possible Answers:

a sea monster in the nether regions

an oval of light

a musical stringed instrument similar to a small harp

the vertical stone between the main entrance doors

Correct answer:

an oval of light

Explanation:

A "mandorla" is an oval of light, typically surrounding the figure of Christ. "Leviathans" (sea monsters) were sometimes depicted in Romanesque Last Judgment scenes, ready to swallow up the condemned. The vertical stone between the portal doors is called a "trumeau."

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.

The columns are in what style?

Possible Answers:

Etruscan

Ionic

Corinthian

Doric

Correct answer:

Corinthian

Explanation:

The columns sport the leaves of an acanthus plant, which is stylistically representative of the Corinthian order. 

Example Question #692 : Ap Art History

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.

The work was comissioned by __________.

Possible Answers:

A Christian Roman politician

An ancient Roman emperor

A young Roman senator

A church bishop

Correct answer:

A Christian Roman politician

Explanation:

Junius Bassus was a powerful senator, and the owner of this work. He must have had enough wealth and influence to commission such a work for his death, and he must have been Christian to justify the imagery. He was not a Roman Emperor, and certainly not an "ancient" one, which typically refers to a period about a thousand years before Bassus lived.

Example Question #693 : Ap Art History

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.

All of the following can be found in the work EXCEPT __________.

Possible Answers:

the first images of nude female forms

Roman imperial stylistic influence in the figural elements

the dichotomy of Roman and Christian stylistic elements

visuals of the most prominent Christian stories 

Correct answer:

the first images of nude female forms

Explanation:

Female figures have been nude almost since the beginning of figurative art. They are not new to the Romans, although they are seen less often. 

Example Question #2 : Answering Other Questions About Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.

The work would have been placed in __________.

Possible Answers:

a Christian mausoleum.

a Roman forum.

the ground.

a pagan temple.

Correct answer:

a Christian mausoleum.

Explanation:

The Christian motif is clear on the work, indicating it would have been on display in a Christian burial place. A sarcophagus would not have been placed in the ground, and this one is not pagan in nature.

Example Question #91 : Ancient Through Medieval Sculpture

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.

The time in which this work was produced was also a time of __________.

Possible Answers:

Macedonian conflict with the Nordic peoples

Roman imperial northern expansion

War with the Insular Celts

religious change in the Roman Empire

Correct answer:

religious change in the Roman Empire

Explanation:

The sarcophagus was made in the middle of the fourth century, just as Chrisitanity began to reshape the Roman Empire and split it into two conflicting Christian worlds.

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