Understanding terminology that describes Gothic architecture

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AP Art History › Understanding terminology that describes Gothic architecture

Questions 1 - 10
1

The ______________ is the area of a church reserved for singers and clergy.

choir

nave

apse

clerestory

Explanation

The choir of a church is the area reserved for singers and clergy; sometimes it is also called a chancel. The choir is usually located in the east end of the church, between the main altar and the apse. It is separated from the nave so that the members of the clergy could remain separate from the rest of the congregation.

2

Which of the following is an accurate description of the "rose window" commonly seen in Gothic architecture?

A circular window divided by an intricate pattern, often like a wheel or flower.

A flower-shaped window decorated with ornate circular designs.

A group of large, square windows that together form a triangle.

A group of triangle windows arranged together to look like a flower.

There is no such thing as a "rose window" in Gothic architecture.

Explanation

The "rose window," as seen in Gothic architecture, is large, circular, often centralized window, that is divided by an intricate pattern. Sometimes the window looks like a wheel, and other times it seems to resemble a flower; however, the window is never flower-shaped. It is always circular, but sometimes has a visible flower within.

3

Bath_abbey__1875

The supports visible on the side of the building are known as ______________.

flying buttresses

stilts

latticework

gargoyles

Explanation

A key feature of Gothic churches is their height. The supports on the sides were added to prevent structural problems. Known as "flying butresses", these supports were transformed from simple structural elements into elaborate ornamentation.

4

Which element of Chartres Cathedral's exterior is unusual for a Gothic Cathedral?

A flamboyant steeple

Flying buttresses

Statuary of saints and Biblical figures

A rose window

Explanation

When Chartres Cathedral was first built between 1194 and 1250 it was a highly representative example of the Gothic architectural form then in vogue in Western Europe. As such, it included a stained glass rose window above its entryway, flying buttresses along its side, and a wide variety of statues depicting theologically important figures such as saints or Biblical characters. Today, an obvious anachronism exists in the form of a Flamboyant steeple rising to a striking point on one tower, which comes from the early sixteenth century and looks out of place on the more rigid and ornate Gothic building

5

What is considered the simplest arch of Gothic architecture?

The Lancet arch

The Depressed arch

The Flamboyant arch

The Equilateral arch

The Italian arch

Explanation

The Lancet arch is the simplest of all Gothic arches. It is simply composed of a vertically long opening with a pointed tip. Although the Flamboyant, Equilateral, and Depressed arches follow a similar pattern, they all have more complicated designs than the simple Lancet arch, which really is just a long opening ended with a point.

6

The flying buttress, most commonly seen as an attribute of Gothic architecture, is best described as ________________.

an architectural attribute that is both decorative and functional, as it is used to resist the force from the lateral wall of an edifice, such that the edifice is more stable

an architectural attribute meant to scare peasant worshipers into heading the word of God

a decorative statue used to divert water away from the building it's constructed on

None of these

an architectural attribute that comes in different styles, such as Flamboyant, Depressed, and Equilateral

Explanation

The flying buttress is both decorative and architecturally essential for Gothic-style buildings. It is used to support the walls of the building by resisting the force of the sides under the weight of the ceiling. As such, the walls do not need to be as thick, and there is more material that can be used for decorative measures, rather than reinforcement. The flying buttress came to be used heavily during the Gothic period, and is nearly an essential piece of any large building built between the 12th and the 16th centuries, and beyond.

7

Chap3

The given image showcases which interior architectural attribute of the Gothic period known to allow for large amounts of interior light?

Ribbed vaults

Rose windows

Spires

Lancet arches

Depressed arches

Explanation

Although different types of arches were often included in ribbed vaults as a decorative measure, the actual architectural element of ribbed vaults was developed to support the weight of the ceiling, and allow for larger and higher windows to be built, which had the effect of brightening the buildings a great deal.

Image from Wikipedia Image Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Voûte\_musée\_de\_Cluny001.JPG

8

The presence of ___________ in the interior of Gothic cathedrals, churches, etc. was an important part of worship for the people of that time period, as it represented divinity, and the presence of God. It is for this reason that many Gothic cathedrals have very large windows.

Light

Columns

Arches

None of these

Gold

Explanation

Although arches, and, to come extent, columns and the use of gold were all stylistic choices of the Gothic period, the answer is "light," because light was more than a simple stylistic choice. Light was a representation of divinity, and the large amounts of interior light were important for worship.

9

Which type of Gothic arch is made from four original points, where each large arc turns upward into a smaller arc, all meeting at one sharp point?

The Flamboyant arch

The Lancet arch

The Depressed arch

The Equilateral arc

None of these

Explanation

The Flamboyant arch, known as such because it resembles the shape of a flame, was a commonly used feature in Gothic architecture. It is made from four original points, where each large arc turns upward into a smaller arc, all meeting at one sharp point.

10

Gothic cathedrals typically have all of the following architectural features EXCEPT __________.

domed ceilings

rose windows

flying buttresses

vaulted arches

Explanation

"Gothic" architecture describes the dominant forms in Western European architecture from about the twelfth century to the sixteenth century. Gothic cathedrals are monumental in scale and scope, structured around buildings that are cross-shaped when viewed from above, and feature lots of ornamentation and design elements, including vaulted arches, statuary, rose windows, flying buttresses, and grand columns.

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