Early Christian Art Chapter 7 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is an ambulatory?

A covered walkway around the apse of a basilica (correct)

A style of ancient Roman architecture

A room in Early Christian catacombs

A type of altar used in Christian churches

What does the term 'anagogical axis' refer to?

An invisible line on which the most spiritual or mystical elements of a work of art are arranged.

What is an apse?

A recess in a church, usually semi-circular, at the east end.

An arch is a curved structural member that spans an opening.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is an atrium?

A court of a Roman house that is partly open to the sky. Signup and view all the answers

What is a basilica in Christian architecture?

A church plan based on the Roman basilica Signup and view all the answers

What is a baldacchino?

A freestanding canopy often built over an altar. Signup and view all the answers

What does a baptistery refer to?

The building used for baptism, usually next to a church. Signup and view all the answers

What are catacombs?

Subterranean networks designed as cemeteries for the dead. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Cathedra?

The seat of the bishop from which the word cathedral is derived. Signup and view all the answers

What is a central plan?

A round domed building plan with parts arranged equally from the center. Signup and view all the answers

What does Christus Triumphans translate to?

Triumphant Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What does Christus Patiens translate to?

Suffering Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cloister?

A monastery courtyard with covered walkways. Signup and view all the answers

What is a codex?

Separate pages of vellum or parchment bound together. Signup and view all the answers

What is crossing in a cruciform church?

The space formed by the intersection of the nave and the transept. Signup and view all the answers

What does cruciform mean?

Cross-shaped. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cubiculum?

A small chamber in a catacomb that served as a mortuary chapel. Signup and view all the answers

What is a diptych?

A two-paneled painting or altarpiece. Signup and view all the answers

What is a folio?

A page of a manuscript or book. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Gospels?

The four books of the New Testament relating the life and teachings of Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Holy Spirit in Christianity?

The third person of the Trinity. Signup and view all the answers

What is illumination in manuscript decoration?

Decoration with drawings, usually in gold, silver, and bright colors. Signup and view all the answers

What are loculi?

Small rectangular shelf-like openings in the walls of catacombs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a lunette?

A semi-circular area in a wall over a door or window. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the Magi?

The wise men from the East who presented gifts to Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a martyrium?

A small building marking the burial site of a Christian martyr. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms in Early Christian Art and Architecture

Ambulatory: Covered walkway around the apse and choir in church architecture.
Anagogical Axis: Represents the spiritual arrangement of elements in a work of art, signifying a mystical pathway.
Apse: A semi-circular recess located at the east end of a Christian church or in a Roman basilica.
Arch: Curved structural element utilizing wedge-shaped blocks (voussoirs) to support and span openings.
Atrium: Open, colonnaded court at the entrance of a Christian basilica, inspired by Roman house designs.
Basilica: Church structure derived from Roman civic buildings, characterized by a longitudinal plan featuring distinct entry and apse ends.
Baldacchino: Freestanding canopy, typically supported by columns, often positioned over an altar.
Baptistery: Designated building for Christian baptism, usually adjacent to a church.
Catacombs: Network of subterranean galleries used as burial sites, significant in early Christian funerary practices.
Cathedra: The bishop's throne; the term cathedral denotes a church that functions as the bishop's primary place of worship.
Central Plan: Architectural arrangement featuring a domed structure where distances from the center to all parts are equal, often used for smaller buildings.
Christus Triumphans: Represents "triumphant Christ," depicting Christ alive on the cross.
Christus Patiens: Depicts the "suffering Christ," showing Jesus deceased on the crucifix.
Cloister: Monastic courtyard surrounded by covered walkways.
Codex: Early book format made of bound pages, considered a precursor to the modern book.
Crossing: Intersection area in a cruciform church layout formed by the nave and transept.
Cruciform: Latin term meaning "cross-shaped," used to describe church layouts.
Cubiculum: Small chamber in catacombs, serving as a mortuary chapel, often carved from rock.
Diptych: Two-paneled artwork or hinged writing tablet, commonly made of ivory in early Christian contexts.
Folio: A single page within a manuscript or book.
Gospels: Four New Testament books recounting Jesus' life and teachings, authored by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Holy Spirit: The third entity of the Christian Trinity, often symbolized as a dove.
Illumination: Manuscript decoration featuring drawings with gold, silver, and vivid colors.
Loculi: Shelf-like openings in catacomb walls designed for burial.
Lunette: Semi-circular area above a door or window, often used for decorative purposes.
Magi: The wise men who gifted Jesus at his birth.
Martyrium: Structure marking the burial site of a Christian martyr.
Mausoleum: Large burial structure or tomb, often richly designed.

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Explore key terminologies and definitions related to Early Christian Art and Architecture in Chapter 7. This set of flashcards will help you understand concepts like ambulatory and anagogical axis, crucial for appreciating the spiritual dimensions of the art. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike.