Art history exam definitions – Flashcards
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Pendentive
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a construction shaped like a triangle that transitions the space between square walls and the base of a round dome
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Catacomb
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underground burial place
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Typology
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the study of biblical types; a biblical type is anything in the Old Testament that is mirrored and re-established in the New Testament.
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Central-plan building
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any structure designed with a primary central space surrounded by symmetrical areas on each side; also called a greek-cross plan
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Apse
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a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church
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Ambulatory
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the passage (walkway) around the apse in a basilican church or around the central space in a central-plan church
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Tesserae
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the small piece of stone, glass, or other object that is pieced together with many others to create a mosaic
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Chi-rho-iota
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The first three letters of Christ's name in Greek. (in Latin XPI) The symbol, often called a chi-rho, is a monogram of Christ.
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Monastery
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A place where communities of monks live lives of devotion to God in isolation from the outside world
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Fibula
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A decorative pin, usually used to fasten garments.
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Tympanum
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half-round panel that fills the space between the lintel and arch over the doorway of the church.
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Trumeau
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in church architecture, the pillar or center post supporting the lintel in the middle of the doorway.
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Jambs
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In architecture, the side posts of a doorway.
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Cloister
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a courtyard with covered walks (as in religious institutions)
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Flying buttress
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a buttress that stands apart from the main structure and connected to it by an arch
