art history Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is manuscript illumination?
The art of decorating manuscripts with elaborate designs and illustrations
Often involves gold leaf and intricate patterns.
What does the term microscopic-telescopic refer to?
A perspective that encompasses both minute details and vast distances
Useful in art to show depth and detail.
Define triptych.
A three-paneled artwork, often used in altarpieces.
What is a polyptych?
An artwork composed of multiple panels, typically more than three.
What is disguised symbolism?
The use of hidden meanings in art that convey deeper messages.
List three advantages of oil paint.
- Slow drying time
- Rich color saturation
- Versatility in techniques.
What are the three principles of humanism discussed in class?
- Emphasis on individual potential
- Importance of classical texts
- Focus on human experience and reason.
What role do guilds play in art?
Organizations that regulated the practice of artists and craftsmen.
Define contrapposto.
A technique in sculpture where the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a sense of dynamism.
What is chiaroscuro?
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume.
What is linear perspective?
A mathematical system for creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface.
Define atmospheric perspective.
A technique that creates the illusion of depth by reducing color saturation and detail for distant objects.
What was the Reformation?
A movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of Protestant churches.
What is the Counter-Reformation?
The Catholic Church’s response to the Reformation, aiming to reform and reaffirm its doctrines.
What were the decrees on art from the Council of Trent?
Guidelines that sought to regulate religious art and promote moral themes.
Define woodcut.
A printmaking technique that involves carving an image into a wooden block.
What is engraving?
A printmaking technique that involves incising a design onto a hard surface.
What are genre scenes?
Artworks depicting everyday life and ordinary people.
Who was Louis XIV?
The King of France known for his absolute rule and patronage of the arts.
