Unit 3 Master Notes: Evolution of Sacred Space and Image in Medieval Europe

Late Antiquity and Early Christian Art

Period (c. 200–500 CE) characterized by a shift from classical realism to spiritual symbolism in art as Christianity became the official religion.

Basilica

A Roman civil law court structure adopted by early Christians for worship, featuring a longitudinal axis focused on the altar.

Nave

The central aisle in a basilica where the congregation stands.

Apse

A semi-circular niche at the east end of a basilica that holds the altar.

Transept

An aisle crossing the nave in a basilica that creates a cruciform shape.

Spolia

The reuse of architectural or decorative elements from earlier monuments in new constructions.

Santa Sabina

A key church in Rome, exemplifying early Christian architecture with an unadorned exterior and a spiritually rich interior.

Orant Figures

Figures depicted with arms raised in prayer, representing a standard pose of piety in early Christian art.

The Good Shepherd

A motif originally representing Apollo or Hermes, later adapted to depict Jesus in early Christian art.

Byzantine Art

Art from the Eastern Roman Empire characterized by formal, frontal representations and an emphasis on spiritual themes.

The Pendentive

A structural innovation that allows a dome to be placed over a square base by using a triangular segment of a sphere.

Hagia Sophia

A key architectural work in Constantinople known for its dome and windows creating a 'ring of light' effect.

San Vitale

An octagonal church in Ravenna, notable for mosaics of Justinian and Theodora reflecting political and spiritual power.

Icon

A sacred image used in prayer and meditation in Byzantine culture.

Theotokos

A title for the Virgin Mary meaning 'Bearer of God'.

Encaustic

A painting technique that uses pigment mixed with hot wax, prominent in Byzantine art.

Iconoclasm

A period (726–843 CE) marked by the destruction of religious images due to concerns over idolatry.

Scriptorium

A monastic writing workshop where illuminated manuscripts were created before the printing press.

Parchment/Vellum

Animal skin prepared for writing; vellum is the highest quality type of parchment made from calfskin.

Codex

A bound book with pages, which replaced the scroll.

Early Byzantine

A style of illuminated manuscript art exemplified by works like the Vienna Genesis.

Hiberno-Saxon (Insular Art)

Art produced in the British Isles characterized by intricate interlace patterns and decorative pages.

Romanesque Architecture

Architecture from c. 1000–1150 CE, marked by pilgrimage and the expansion of churches to accommodate large crowds.

Barrel Vaults

Continuous arched ceilings used in Romanesque architecture requiring thick walls and resulting in dark interiors.

Church of Sainte-Foy

A Romanesque church notable for its tympanum depicting the Last Judgment, located on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Pointed Arch

An architectural innovation in Gothic architecture that channels weight more directly downward than a round arch.

Röttgen Pietà

A late Gothic sculpture depicting a grieving Mary holding an emaciated Christ, emphasizing emotional expression.