Gothic Architecture and Art Quiz

Middle Ages Art

• The Middle Ages spanned from the fall of the Roman Empire (5th Century CE) to the Renaissance.
• Italian humanists coined the term "Medieval Period" to distinguish it from the Classical Period.
• The Roman Empire's fall was due to Germanic tribe attacks, internal factors (financial crisis, overspending, minimal resources, labor shortages), and political instability (frequent civil wars).
• The Empire's vast size created administrative and logistical challenges. Corruption among officials plagued the government.
• The spread of Christianity weakened polytheistic beliefs and imperial values.
• The Roman legions grew weaker.

Early Christian Art

• Early Christian art includes painting, sculpture, and architecture from the early days of Christianity to the 6th Century CE, primarily in Italy and the Mediterranean.
• Earliest Christian art, found in Roman catacombs, consists of 2nd-century wall and ceiling paintings. These displayed a sketchy style derived from Roman impressionism.
• Early Christian iconography often used symbols.

Fish Symbolism

• "Ichthys," the Greek word for fish, served as an important early Christian symbol.
• Besides its literal meaning, the fish symbol represented the acrostic of Greek phrase Iēsous Christos Theou Hyios Sōtēr (“Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior”).
• The fish frequently appeared in the Gospels in miracles of Jesus.

3rd and 4th Century Catacombs

• The earliest Christian art consisted of wall and ceiling paintings in Roman catacombs.
• Styles remained sketchy, drawing from Roman impressionism.
• Iconography tended to be symbolic at this early stage.
• 3rd-century paintings of the "Good Shepherd" exist in Catacomb of Callixtus.

Christ as the Alpha and the Omega

• The phrase "I am Alpha and Omega..." (Revelation 22.13) refers to the beginning and end in the Christian faith, symbolizing Christ's eternity.
• Alpha is the first, and Omega the last letter of the Greek alphabet.
• The phrase represents Christ as the Son of God.

Dove as the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit is represented by a dove, according to Matthew 3:16.
• This depiction is frequently shown in early baptism representations.

Jesus healing the bleeding woman

• This is a 300-350 CE Roman catacomb painting.

The Edict of Milan

• The Edict of Milan (February 313 CE) shifted Christianity from a persecuted sect to a legitimate religion of the Roman empire.
• Constantine I and Licinius issued the proclamation.

The Basilica

• Christian churches emphasized interior spaces due to their mystery religion aspects.
• Large interiors accommodated growing congregations.
• Visual significance was a priority for the churches.

Early Christian Mosaics

• Mosaics offer glimpses into early Christian artistic practices and faith.
• They provide insights into mosaic designs lost to time.
• Surviving mosaics depict Biblical scenes, like traditional ones from the Roman impressionist legacy through the early 4th century.
• The earliest Christian iconography and Christian art, in general, tended to be symbolic.
• Mosaics provide crucial knowledge to understand this early phase of Christian art.

Old St Peter's Basilica

• The site was once a Nero's Circus.
• It became a significant site in the 3rd century CE.
• It grew to have four aisles and its central areas was expanded to become more visually noteworthy.
• Fresco with Constantine St Peter's Basilica (4th Century) are a glimpse into the architecture and structure of the Basilica.

Basilica of St. John Lateran

• The oldest Christian church in Europe, associated with the Pope.
• Considered the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Church.

Early Christian Churches (Aula Palatina)

• The Basilica of Constantine in Trier, Germany, serves as an early church example.
• The Basilica was once a large extant hall from antiquity, a World Heritage Site.
• A 67 m length, 26 m width, 33 m height building.

Romanesque Art

• Romanesque art emerged in the 11th and 12th centuries across Europe.
• Originated in France and spread to other regions.
• Architecturally, it retained some basic features of Roman architecture (e.g., arches).
• Regional variations also existed.
• The style was influenced by the growing wealth of European cities and monasteries.

Gothic Art

• Gothic art evolved after Romanesque, in the 12th century.
• This architectural style lasted into the 16th century, though influenced by the Renaissance in other regions.
• Gothic architecture was characterized by cavernous spaces, tall structures, flying buttresses and intricate tracery.
• "Gothic" was a term coined from Italian writers during the Renaissance. The style was deemed unappealing and associated with barbarian Gothic tribes.

Illuminated Manuscripts

• Handwritten books adorned with gold and bright colors.
• Elaborate designs and miniature illustrations.
• They showcased the most elegant examples of the era.

Painting

• Painting in churches continued to reflect Byzantine iconographic models.
• Depictions of Christ in Majesty, the Last Judgement and scenes from the Life of Christ were prominent.
• Lavishly decorated bible or psalters.
• Featured characteristics such as originality, saturated primary colors & limited depth.

Sculpture

• Monumental sculpture emerged in the Romanesque period after a pause from Roman times.
• Relief sculpture highlighted figures from biblical history and church tenets on massive building parts (capitals of columns, doors of buildings).
• Depictions of figures (e.g., saints) were common on doorways and portals of cathedrals.
• Detailed artistry is evident in the depictions of various elements.

Chartres Cathedral

• This cathedral displays one of the largest medieval collections of stained-glass windows in the world.
• It demonstrates the period's artistic, intellectual and spiritual activity.

Amians Cathedral

• The tallest completed cathedral in France, with 138.8 feet internal height.
• The cathedral has the largest interior volume at 260,000 cubic yards.

Notre Dame de Reims

• The renowned cathedral in Reims, France, was constructed during the 13th century.
• It served as a location for coronations of kings.

Westminster Abbey

• Commissioned in 1245 by King Henry III for his burial place.
• Site for many British royal coronations.

Canterbury Cathedral

• Site of the Archbishop Thomas Becket murder.

Milan Cathedral

• The largest church in Italy, took approximately 600 years to complete.

Renaissance Art

• Renaissance was a period of fervent European rebirth in culture, arts, politics and economy following the Middle Ages.
• This era spanned between the 14th and the 17th centuries.
• The movement saw rediscovery of classical philosophy, art and literature.
• Discoveries of Ancient Greek and Roman texts spurred Renaissance.
• Humanism led people to use their God-given talents and knowledge.
• Invention of the printing press meant easy access to literature.

Proto-Renaissance Art

• The Proto-Renaissance (late 13th to early 14th centuries in Italy) laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.
• It drew inspiration from Franciscan radicalism rather than classical ideals.
• Artists like Giotto Di Bondone paved the way for the era's artistic innovations.
• Giotto started to portray more human expressions and emotions.

High Renaissance Art

• This period marks the pinnacle of the Renaissance.
• Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael flourished.
• It saw an emphasis on beauty, perfect proportions and mastery in various art forms.
• Artists employed techniques like sfumato and quadratura to convey vivid expressions, realistic human anatomy and three-dimensional designs.

The Holy Trinity

• This Masaccio fresco displays the Holy Trinity, with Christ crucified at the center, God the father behind and a halo representing the holy spirit.

The Dome of Florence Cathedral

• Filippo Brunelleschi designed the dome for the Cathedral.
• It has an octagonal shape and is constructed using over 4 million bricks.

David

• Donatello's bronze and Michelangelo's marble sculptures of David, though portraying a young man facing a foe are remarkably different works of art showcasing various artistic methods.

The Annunciation

• Depicts the Virgin Mary receiving an angel's visit.
• Fra Angelico's fresco is noteworthy for its detailed perspective and realism.

The Kiss of Judas

• A Giotto fresco featuring Judas kissing Jesus, marking a significant moment in the Passion.

Lamentation

• Giotto's fresco depicts the grieving family of Jesus after his crucifixion.

The Epiphany

• This Giotto fresco displays the Adoration of the Magi.

The Virgin and Child with St. Anne

• Leonardo da Vinci's work exemplifies the humanist movement.

The School of Athens

• The fresco by Raphael depicts a gathering of ancient Greek philosophers in a classical setting.
• The art form utilized sophisticated perspective techniques to depict the scene.

The Creation of Adam

• Michelangelo's fresco showcases God touching Adam.
• The image symbolizes humanity and God.

The Sistine Madonna

• The masterpiece created by Raphael that displays the Virgin Mary.
• The figure appears as a serene and well-composed vision.

Moses

• Depiction of Moses by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.
• This famous artwork has a unique characteristic since it depicts Moses with horns.

The Last Judgement

• Depicts a depiction of the final judgment where various characters are shown to be awaiting their fate.

Philippine National Artists

• The Order of National Artists is the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who contributed to the arts.
• Criteria for selection include artists' contributions to Filipino nationhood, impact on succeeding generations, and significant artistic contributions.

Antonio Mabesa

• Antonio Mabesa, a multi-faceted figure (director, actor and teacher), made considerable contributions to Philippine theater.
• His work established theater education in UP, and various initiatives.

Painting

• Fernando Amorsolo, known as the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art", focused on landscape, figures and lighting.
• Guillermo Tolentino, a sculptor & artist, led the art movement from Romanesque and Gothic into the new period's vision.

Literature

• Bienvenido Lumbera, a poet, librettist, and scholar, is a landmark figure in Filipino poetic tradition, particularly for his style of poetry.
• Amado Hernandez was instrumental in the social consciousness and human spirit.

Architecture

• Leandro V. Locsin was influential in Philippine architecture, blending oriental and occidental styles.

Music

• Felipe Padilla de Leon, a renowned composer and conductor, popularized Western-style music by Filipino composers.
• Lucio San Pedro, a master composer, conductor and teacher, used folk elements and traditions in their music

Dance

• Francisca Reyes Aquino, a dance pioneer, documented Filipino folk dances, and contributed to their study and understanding of the cultural movement.
• Ramon Obusan, a dancer, choreographer, stage designer and artistic director greatly impacted the understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture.

Film and Broadcast Arts

• Ishmael Bernal, a critically acclaimed director, focused his cinema work on social commentaries and reflections on the Filipino struggle.