AP Art History : Understanding terminology that describes Gothic 2D art
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History
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Example Questions
Example Question #51 : Ancient Through Medieval 2 D Art
A painting of a crucified Christ laying across the Virgin Mary is called __________.
the ecce homo
a pietà
an arma Christi
a salvator mundi
a pietà
The pietà was a common theme among Gothic and Medieval artists who were Christians and used religious themes because it was one of the most dramatic moments of Christ's crucifixion story. The pietà depicts a dead Jesus who has just been taken down from the cross laying across the Virgin Mary's lap, with Mary looking extremely sorrowful.
Example Question #56 : Ap Art History
A stained-glass window in a cathedral depicting a variety of scriptural scenes is known as __________.
Poor Man's Bible
The Tree of Jesse
The Golden Legend
Rose Window
Poor Man's Bible
The Poor Man's Bible was a way for the largely illiterate Medieval peasantry to be able to learn Bible stories despite their inability to actually read the Bible. In many cathedrals, most notably at Canterbury Cathedral in England, the Poor Man's Bible was a giant stained-glass window that had dozens of Biblical stories that could be easily referenced by priests and parishioners alike.
Example Question #57 : Ap Art History
In Christian art, a painting of the three kings visiting the Christ child is known as __________.
"The Annunciation."
"The Adoration of the Magi."
"The Nativity."
"The Road to Emmaus."
"The Adoration of the Magi."
"Adoration of the Magi" is an Anglicization of the Vulgate Latin phrase "a Magis adoratur," a phrase found in the Gospel of Matthew. The scene, which features three distinguished men from the East visiting the newborn Jesus, was a popular one in Medieval art, thanks to its portrayal of precious gifts, ostentatious figures, and the Christ child in one scene.
Example Question #61 : Ancient Through Medieval 2 D Art
_________________ is a style of monochromatic painting in shades of gray.
Pointillism
Engraving
Grisaille
Encaustic
Grisaille
Grisaille is a type of painting done entirely in shades of gray or another neutral, monochromatic shade. By reducing the color palette to shades of gray, the artist can emulate the appearance of sculpture. It's also much less demanding on the artist, and is often used for sketches.
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