Early Christian and Byzantine Art
This famous mosaic, located in the apse of San Vitale in Ravenna, depicts Emperor Justinian surrounded by clergy and soldiers.
What is the Mosaic of Justinian?
This Gothic cathedral, known for its distinctive blue stained glass, was built in the 12th century and is located in the town of Chartres, France.
What is Chartres Cathedral?
This ancient Mesopotamian structure, built in a tiered design, served as a temple dedicated to the goddess Inanna and exemplifies early urban religious architecture.
What is a ziggurat, specifically the Ziggurat of Ur?
This intricate gold funerary mask, discovered in the tomb of a pharaoh, dates back to around 1323 BCE and is one of the most famous artifacts from ancient Egypt.
What is the Death Mask of Tutankhamun?
This cave painting, located in Lascaux, France, is famous for its detailed depictions of animals and is believed to have been created around 15,000 BCE.
What is the Lascaux Cave Paintings?
These underground burial sites in Rome feature frescoes and symbols like the Good Shepherd and the orant figure, reflecting early Christian beliefs.
What is The Catacomb of Priscilla
This term refers to the decorative art of adding gold, silver, and vivid colors to handwritten texts, often seen in religious books from the Middle Ages.
What is illumination or illuminated manuscript?
This architectural marvel, constructed during the Roman Empire, served as a central place for worship and is known for its grand dome and oculus.
What is the Pantheon?
This massive amphitheater, completed in 80 CE, is known for its innovative use of arches and is one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Rome.
What is the Colosseum?
This 11th-century embroidered cloth depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England and is famous for its narrative style and historical detail.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
This iconic church in Istanbul, originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, is known for its massive dome and stunning mosaics.
What is Hagia Sophia?
Often found in Gothic cathedrals, this creature symbolizes the protection of the church and was used as a water spout to direct rainwater away from the building.
What are gargoyles?
This ancient Greek temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is renowned for its Doric columns and the iconic statue of Athena Parthenos housed within.
What is the Parthenon?
This grand architectural complex in Rome, completed in 112 CE, features a basilica, a monumental column, and a market, and was built to commemorate the emperor's victory in the Dacian Wars.
What is the Forum of Trajan?
This rectangular artifact, dating back to around 2600-2400 BCE, features intricate inlays depicting scenes of war and peace and was discovered in the Royal Cemetery of Ur.
What is the Standard of Ur?
In Byzantine art, this term refers to the veneration of religious images, particularly icons, which were believed to mediate the divine.
What is iconography?
This architectural element, allowing for greater height and light in Gothic cathedrals, distributes the weight of the roof and walls away from the building.
What are flying buttresses?
This architectural masterpiece, originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, features stunning horseshoe arches and a unique hypostyle hall, later converted into a cathedral.
What is the Great Mosque of Córdoba?
This ancient fragment from the Lapita culture, characterized by its intricate geometric designs and motifs, dates back to around 1000 BCE and provides insight into early Oceanic art and pottery.
What is a Terracotta Fragment (from the Lapita culture)?
This decorated beaker, dating back to around 4200-3500 BCE and found in the burial site of Susa, features stylized representations of ibexes and is an example of early Persian craftsmanship.
What is the Beaker with Ibex Motifs?
This influential text, often depicted in Early Christian art, is known as the first four books of the New Testament and recounts the life of Jesus.
What are the Gospels?
This illuminated manuscript, created in the 8th century, is renowned for its intricate designs and serves as one of the finest examples of Insular art.
What are the Lindisfarne Gospels?
This Renaissance chapel, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is known for its harmonious proportions and classical elements, located adjacent to the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence.
What is the Pazzi Chapel?
This ancient stone sculpture from Papua New Guinea, dating back to around 1500 BCE, is thought to represent a specific animal or ritual significance, showcasing the craftsmanship of early Melanesian cultures.
What is the Ambum Stone?
These small ceramic figures, dating back to around 1200-900 BCE, were discovered in Mexico, and often depict exaggerated features and dualities, suggesting a connection to fertility or the afterlife.
What are Tlatilco figurines?