AP Art History : Ancient Through Medieval Sculpture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

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

The figural element reflects which artistic style?

Possible Answers:

Late Imperial Roman

European Renaissance

High Classical

Late Hellenistic Greek

Correct answer:

Late Imperial Roman

Explanation:

The figures appear in a Roman style of dress and appearance, although their Christian elements, like the naked Adam and Eve, suggest it is a later Roman style.

Example Question #12 : Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

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

The stylized columns in the work appear to be of what influence?

Possible Answers:

Celtic druid

Near Eastern

Late Etrusican

Classical Greece

Correct answer:

Classical Greece

Explanation:

The Corinthian columns and stylized pediment are orginially from pagan temples and would have been introduced to the Romans by the Greeks.

Example Question #3 : Answering Other Questions About Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

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

The work does not demonstrate __________.

Possible Answers:

stylistic elements of the Classical Greeks

the blending of Christian and Roman cultures

stylized Byzantine figural elements

the notoriety of Junius Bassus

Correct answer:

stylized Byzantine figural elements

Explanation:

The work is from the middle of the fourth century and would have predated the height of Byzantium. 

Example Question #4 : Answering Other Questions About Early Christian, Byzantine, And Early Medieval Sculpture

Choose the best answer.

Byzantine art, which developed out of __________, abandoned the concept of perfection, symmetry and idealistic beauty. Instead, the art of the Byzantine Empire focused on symbolism, intricacy and the ornate.

Possible Answers:

Baroque art

ancient Roman art

Mannerism

ancient Greek art

the Italian Renaissance

Correct answer:

ancient Roman art

Explanation:

Byzantine art evolved from ancient Roman art, although this transition is not superficially obvious. It is important to remember that the Byzantine Empire is at times referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire, and that the Byzantine people considered themselves to be Romans through the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. The evolution of style of Byzantine art occurred due to the fact that the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople were considered the bridge between Eastern and Western European cultures. The clash and intermingling of these cultures and religions is what created the unique style and appearance of Byzantine art.

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