Prehistoric and ancient civilizations
What was the main purpose of prehistoric cave paintings like those in Lascaux?
To record hunting scenes, tell stories orfor spiritual beliefs
What type of column is the simplest in Greek architecture?
Doric
What material did the Romans use to build large structures like the Pantheon?
Concrete
What is a catacomb?
An underground burial place often decorated with Christian art.
What is the principle of design that means equal visual weight on both sides?
Balance
What is significant about Göbekli Tepe in art history?
It is one of the earliest known religious structures, built before agriculture. Its discoveryhas made us rethink human history
Why did the Greeks use contrapposto in sculpture?
to show a natural human stance with weight shifted to one leg, making the body have a sort of 's' shape
What is a major difference between Roman and Greek portrait sculpture?
Roman portraits are more realistic, while Greek ones are idealized.
Why did early Christians use symbols like the fish or the Good Shepherd?
To represent faith secretly during times of persecution.
What principle is shown when elements are repeated to create movement?
Rhythm
Which writing system was used by the Mesopotamians and often carved into clay tablets?
Cuneiform.
What is the name of the large temple dedicated to Athena in Athens?
The Parthenon
What is the function of a Roman basilica?
A public building for legal and civic gatherings.
What was shown the synagogue at Dura-Europos?
Continuous narrative showing 58 different scenes from the Torah and Old Testament
How does contrast work in art?
It highlights differences between elements, like light vs. dark.
What is unique about Skara Brae as an archaeological site?
It is a well-preserved Neolithic village with stone-built houses
What is the difference between Archaic, Classical and Helenistic Greek sculpture?
Archaic sculptures are more stiff and stylized (archaic smile), while Classical ones are more realistic and dynamic. Helenistic scultpures are very dramatic and show complex scenes
What was the Hagia Sophia originally built as, and what artistic features made it unique?
A Christian church with a massive dome and gold mosaics representing divine space.
What is one major difference between Jewish and Christian art in the early period?
Christian art often depicted Christ and saints, while Jewish art avoided images of God.
Give an example of pattern in Roman art or architecture.
Repeating arches in aqueducts or the colosseum, and the front of temples
How did ancient Egyptian art reflect their beliefs about the afterlife?
It showed gods, pharaohs, and symbolic scenes to prepare the dead for the next world
How did Greek vase painting serve both decorative and narrative purposes? What were these vases called?
It showed mythological or everyday scenes while decorating functional objects. Called 'red figure' or 'black figure' pottery
How does Byzantine art differ from Roman art in its style and purpose?
Byzantine art is more spiritual and symbolic, while Roman art is realistic and often political.
What is symbolic about a synagogue having a floor mosaic? Why would a Christian church not have something like this?
In Judaism, followers cannot worship art that represents a God. The floor mosaic allows them to show their religion through art without worshipping it. Christianity does allow for people to worship artistic representations of God or Jesus, so it would be disrespectful to put this art on the floor.
How can emphasis guide a viewer’s eye in Byzantine mosaics?
Through the use of gold, halos, and central placement of holy figures.