AP Art History : Romanesque Architecture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #62 : Architecture

Semi-circular arches from the first millenneum CE are a common feature of European churches in the style of architecture known as __________.

Possible Answers:

Byzantine

Romanesque

Gothic

Classical

Correct answer:

Romanesque

Explanation:

Romanesque churches dominated European architecture from sometime in the mid-to-late first millennium CE until about 1200. Romanesque churches were massive stone edifices that were marked out by having their doors and windows constructed out of simple semi-circular arches. Romanesque architecture was largely supplanted by the much more ornate and imposing Gothic style in the late Middle Ages.

Example Question #63 : Architecture

The sides of a door or window frame, often decorated with sculpture in medieval churches, is called a _____________.

Possible Answers:

portal

cornice

jamb

tympanum

Correct answer:

jamb

Explanation:

The side of a window frame or doorway in a medieval church is called a jamb. In medieval churches, the portal (or entrance way) often was elaborated with decorative sculpture on every available surface, including the jamb and the tympanum, the semi-circular or triangular wall space over a door.

Example Question #1 : Romanesque Architecture

Of the following choices, which is a recognizable aspect of Romanesque architecture?

Possible Answers:

Stained glass windows

Flying buttresses

Ribbed vaults

Rounded arches

Correct answer:

Rounded arches

Explanation:

Rounded arches are perhaps the most recognizable feature of Romanesque architecture-not only because they are recognizably "Roman-like" and are similar to the rounded architectural forms found on classical Roman ruins, but also because they stand in stark contrast to the pointed arches of Gothic architecture.

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