Understanding terminology that describes Romanesque 2D art

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AP Art History › Understanding terminology that describes Romanesque 2D art

Questions 1 - 6
1

What does an image of Christ Pantocrater depict?

Christ as the ruler of all

Christ as the cruel king

Christ as a newborn

Christ after his crucifixion

Explanation

The image of Christ Pantocrater suggests that Christ is the all-powerful ruler and judge of humanity. It is a popular depiction in many Byzantine churches.

2

This artistic and architectural movement of 1000 BCE to the fourteenth century is responsible for the widespread usage of stained glass in European churches and cathedrals.

Romanesque

The Byzantine Empire

Rococo

Baroque

The Renaissance

Explanation

Although there are an unfortunate few surviving examples of Romanesque stained glass, the first examples of stained glass are remnants from the beginning of the Romanesque era. The larger quantities of stained glass from the Romanesque period have been dated to its later years.

3

What is the difference between the Greek cross and the Latin cross?

The Greek cross has four equal arms, but the Latin cross has a longer vertical piece with shorter arms.

The Latin cross has four equal arms, but the Greek cross has a longer vertical piece with shorter arms.

The Greek cross has four short arms, but the Latin cross has a shorter vertical piece with longer side arms.

The Latin cross has four short arms, but the Greek cross has a shorter vertical piece with longer side arms.

Explanation

The Greek cross has four equal-sized arms. The Latin cross has a longer vertical section with shorter arms on the sides.

4

What is a nimbus?

A halo surrounding the head of a painted holy figure

A handwritten manuscript

A cross arm of a basilica

A vestibule of a church

A cloud in the background of a landscape

Explanation

A nimbus is a halo that appears painted around the head of a holy figure to symbolize his or her divinity.

5

In religious art from the Middle Ages, St. Stephen is identifiable through __________.

a stone in his head

arrows in his side

a crown of thorns

his holding a set of keys

Explanation

St. Stephen is sometimes referred to as "the Protomartyr," as he was the first martyr recounted in the Bible, as his testimony of a vision of Christ to the Jewish leadership caused him to be stoned. This story made him immensely popular from the rise of Christianity through the Middle Ages, and St. Stephen became a common depiction in icons, paintings, and stained glass. St. Stephen is recognizable through having a stone implanted in his skull.

6

What is vellum?

Calfskin surface for painting

Lambskin surface for painting

Human skin surface for painting

Chicken skin surface for painting

Explanation

Vellum is a calfskin surface prepared for painting. It is often used for manuscripts (handwritten documents or scrolls).

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