Roman/Medieval Vocab Flashcards
(24 cards)
Dome
An arch that is spun in space in a circular motion
Keystone
A center stone in an arch
Oculus
A round hole or an “eye” in a dome
Apotheosis
In art history, a scene of someone rising to heaven
Catacomb
Underground passageway used for burial
Cubiculum
Small underground room serving as a mortuary chapel
Orant Figure
Has his hands raised in prayer
Synagogue
A Jewish house of worship
Apse
The end point of a church where the altar is
Basilica
A building used as a gathering place in Ancient Rome, and church in early Christianity
Nave
The main aisle of any building particularly a church
Cathedral
The main church of a city, usually where a bishop sits
Icon
A panel depicting a sacred message
Iconography
The study of the symbolic meaning of objects in works of art
Arabesque
A flowing pattern that is inspired by vines, scrolls and flowers and is arranged symmetrically
Calligraphy
Decorative or elaborate handwriting
Mihrab
The niche in a mosque, which indicates the direction to Mecca
Mosque
A Moslem house of worship
Codex
A manuscript book
Gospels
The first four books of the New Testament that relates the life of Jesus
Horror Vacui
In art, a fear of leaving empty spaces in a design
Incunabula
Books printing before the technology of the printing press
Parchment
Skin of sheep or goat used in making manuscripts
Vellum
Antelope or calf hide used in making manuscripts
