Art History Chapter 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is hierarchy of scale?

A form of sculpture using geometric shapes

A painting style developed in the Renaissance

A historical period in art history

A technique used in art to depict the relative importance of figures (correct)

What is cuneiform?

Composed of slim triangular or wedge-shaped elements, used in writing by ancient civilizations.

What is a Stele?

An upright stone slab or pillar bearing an inscription or design.

What is a Ziggurat?

A temple of Sumerian origin in the form of a pyramidal tower. Signup and view all the answers

What are Registers in art?

Horizontal levels arranged one above the other in a work. Signup and view all the answers

What are votive figures?

Figures of various sizes usually carved in gypsum or limestone. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term conventions mean in art?

An accepted way of representing something, either formal or symbolical. Signup and view all the answers

What are cylinder seals?

Small stone cylinders engraved to leave impressions on clay. Signup and view all the answers

What is lost-wax casting?

A method of metal casting using a wax model. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Lamassu?

A being with the body of a bull and head of a human. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mudbrick?

A material made from mud mixed with water and straw, formed into bricks. Signup and view all the answers

What is lapis lazuli?

A deep-blue mineral used as a gem or pigment. Signup and view all the answers

What is Diorite?

A hard black stone commonly used in sculptures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hierarchical Scale

Technique in art depicting relative importance through unnatural proportions or scales.
Commonly used in paintings and sculptures to emphasize key figures.

Cuneiform

Writing system with triangular or wedge-shaped characters.
Utilized by ancient civilizations such as Akkadians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians.

Stele

An upright stone slab or pillar featuring inscriptions or designs.
Functions as a monument or marker, often commemorating significant events or individuals.

Ziggurat

A Sumerian-origin temple resembling a pyramidal tower.
Composed of several stories with a broad, winding ascent, creating a terraced appearance.

Registers

Horizontal levels arranged one above the other in a composition.
Clearly separated by lines, often used to organize scenes or narratives in art.

Votive Figures

Small figures carved in materials like gypsum or limestone.
Typically offered in religious contexts to represent worship or devotion.

Conventions

Accepted methods of representation in art, whether formal or symbolic.
Help establish recognizable styles and themes within various artistic traditions.

Cylinder Seals

Small cylindrical stones engraved in intaglio to create impressions in wet clay.
Used for marking property and were often a sign of authority and ownership.

Lost-Wax Casting

A metal casting process known as cire-perdue.
Involves creating a wax model, which is then melted away to form a mold for molten metal.

Lamassu

Mythical creature with a bull's body and a human head.
Sometimes features the wings of an eagle, symbolizing power and protection.

Mudbrick

Construction material made from a mixture of mud, water, and straw.
Dried in sunlight, commonly used in ancient architecture for building structures.

Lapis Lazuli

A deep-blue gemstone consisting mainly of lazurite.
Valued for use in jewelry and as a pigment, associated with luxury and wealth.

Diorite

A hard black stone used for carving royal sculptures.
Known for its durability and the prestige associated with the material in ancient art.

Description

Test your knowledge of key terms and concepts from Art History Chapter 2. This quiz covers essential vocabulary like hierarchy of scale and cuneiform, helping you understand their significance in art and historical writing practices. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their learning.