Medieval Art History Exam 1 Flashcards

Old Testament

Jewish foundation of the bible

New Testament

teachings of Jesus Christ, central beliefs of Christianity

Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John
writers of 4 gospels, each provide a different version of the life
and teachings of Jesus Christ

Epistles

St. Paul's letters to the newly-formed Christian communities

Acts of the Apostles

documents the establishment of Christianity

Book of Revelation

St. John's description of the apocalypse, the end of earthly time

Vulgate

Latin translation of the bible

Tituli

official Christian homes where members of the faith reenact the last supper

Transubstantiation

when the bread and wine miraculously become the blood and flesh of Christ

Tetrarchy

literally means "rule of 4" emerged under
Emperor Diocletian, ruler of the Roman Empire there was an
"Augustus" in the Eastern & Western Empire, each
designated a co-ruler, titled "Caesar"

Edict of Milan

Religious Tolerance issued by Constantine
push out of Pagan belief system, allowed religious followers of
other faiths to practice

Pax Romana

a period of relative peace that existed under constantine

Catacombs

underground cemeteries with narrow passageways

Loculi

niches carved into the wall to hold the deceased

Traditio Legis

Handing down of the law" or "Giving of the law

Iconographer

artist familiar with the conventions of traditional religious imagery
and sacred text who could translate these into works of art

Clerestory

a "Clear story" or a story of windows (architecture in a church)

Apse

semi-circular space housing the clergy and the altar

Triforium

covered space formed by the sloping roofs over the aisles (above the
colonnade, blocks the view of the roof structure)

Triumphial Arch

�juncture of apse with nave wall,� over the altar; separates
congregation from clergy, symbolizes the triumph of Christ overcoming
death; usually heavily decorated

Baldachino/Ciborium

canopy over the altar, serves to direct focus

Martyria

shrines dedicated to martyrs, constructed to protect relics

Ambulatory

a walkway encircling the apse, allowed worshipers to walk around
altar and view relics, yet protected relics (similar to a fence at the zoo)

Palm Leaf (symbol)

symbol of Victory

Dove (symbol)

Holy Spirit

Anchor (Symbol)

Hope

Cross (symbol)

typically disgused as:
the mast of Jonah's ship, an anchor the
Egyptian ankh

Fish (symbol)

Christ disciples of Christ as "fishers of
men" baptism

Phionex (symbol)

Rebirth/Christ's Resurrection

Lamb (symbol)

sacrifice Christ as the Good Shepherd
Christ's flock of followers

Peacock (symbol)

immortality/resurrection

Swan (symbol)

Grace and Purity

Goose (symbol)

Holy Spirit geese have good sense of smell and can
find men who are followers of Christianity

Trophy

identifies places of burial a shrine commemorating a
martyr

Old St. Peter's Basilica

built in the traditional basilica style, longitudinal structure with
long nave and apse at one end. They added the transept (makes it the
shape of a cross from an aerial view)

Transept

space available to clergy and pilgrims a hall as wide
and as tall as the nave, projects beyond the side aisles (makes
aerial view of cross-shaped church)

Theotokos

literally means "Mother of God" recognizes
Mary's role as the "Queen of Heaven"

Oratory

small chapel used for private worship typically
commissioned by a ruler/the wealthy