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 #1 :Understanding Terminology That Describes Gothic 2 D Art

A painting of a crucified Christ laying across the Virgin Mary is called__________.

Possible Answers:

an arma Christi

a pietà

the ecce homo

a salvator mundi

Correct answer:

a pietà

Explanation:

The pietàwas 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 #2 :Understanding Terminology That Describes Gothic 2 D Art

A stained-glass window in a cathedral depicting a variety of scriptural scenes is known as__________.

Possible Answers:

The Golden Legend

Poor Man's Bible

The Tree of Jesse

Rose Window

Correct answer:

Poor Man's Bible

Explanation:

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 #3 :Understanding Terminology That Describes Gothic 2 D Art

In Christian art, a painting of the three kings visiting the Christ child is known as__________.

Possible Answers:

"The Nativity."

"The Adoration of the Magi."

"The Annunciation."

"The Road to Emmaus."

Correct answer:

"The Adoration of the Magi."

Explanation:

"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 #4 :Gothic 2 D Art

_________________ is a style of monochromatic painting in shades of gray.

Possible Answers:

Grisaille

Pointillism

Engraving

Encaustic

Correct answer:

Grisaille

Explanation:

纯灰色画是一种绘画做了完全的年代hades 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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