Middle Ages
Attribute the work to a specific art-historical period. Justify your
attribution by discussing specific characteristics of the work that are
commonly associated with that art-historical period. (10 Minutes)
The work shown is a 6th Century ivory
relief depicting Saint Michael the
Archangel.
Which elements tie the work to the
Classical tradition? Which elements
deviate from the Classical tradition? (5
Minutes)
The building shown is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
With which religion is the building directly associated? Discuss the
building’s structure and ornamentation in relation to its religious
significance. (5 Minutes)
The slide shows a manuscript
page.
Identify the culture in which
the manuscript page was
made. How is the manuscript
page characteristic of its
culture? (5 Minutes)
The two works shown were made in the same period, about 100 years apart.
Identify the period. Explain how the two works exemplify developments in sculpture
during that period. Refer to specific characteristics of both works to support your
answer. (10 Minutes)
The slides show a plan and an interior view of Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel in Aachen, circa
800 C.E. The building contains deliberate references to earlier architecture.
Name at least one earlier architectural period referenced in the Palatine Chapel. Identify one
significant way in which the Palatine Chapel reinterprets architectural elements of that earlier
period and explain why. (10 Minutes)
Identify the medium and art-historical
period of the object shown. Explain the
religious and visual reasons for the
extensive use of this medium during its
period. (5 Minutes)
The work shown is Early Christian.
Discuss the characteristics of the work that reveal its Classical sources.
(5 Minutes)
The slide on the left shows a portal with a
tympanum representing the Last Judgment.
The slide on the right shows a detail of that
portal.
Name the art historical period of the portal.
Discuss the relationship between the
placement of the tympanum and its
iconography. (5 Minutes)
Identify the culture or style of the manuscript page on the right.
Discuss the art historical relationship between the two works shown.
(10 Minutes)
Identify the art historical
period of the manuscript
illustration shown.
Discuss the artistic styles
evident in the work.
(5 Minutes)
The following passage was written by Abbot Suger (1081-1151):
Moreover, it was cunningly provided that…the old (church) should be equalized,
by means of geometrical and arithmetical instruments, with the central nave of
the new addition; and, likewise, that the dimension of the old side aisles should
be equalized with the dimensions of the new side aisles, except for that eloquent
and praiseworthy extension, [in the form of] a circular string of chapels by virtue
of which the whole [church] would shine with the wonderful and uninterrupted
light of most luminous windows, pervading the interior beauty.
The apse of the building Suger is describing is shown in this plan and interior view. What new
architectural style does the building introduce? Referring to both the plan and the interior
view, explain how the apse reflects Suger’s description. (10 Minutes)
The slides show a mosque and its plan.
In what ways does this mosque accommodate the religious
requirements of Islam? (5 Minutes)
1.
Works of art often combine images with text.
Choose and fully identify two specific works made after 500 C.E. that combine
images with text. The works must come from different art historical periods. Note:
Do not choose works with the text consisting only of names, labels, or artists’
signatures.
Discuss the relationship between text and image in the two works you have chosen.
2. The visual representation of deities and holy personages is a feature of religious
beliefs and practices throughout the world.
Select and fully identify two examples of representations of deities or holy
personages, in any medium, from two different cultures. At least one of your choices
must be from beyond the European tradition. Using specific visual evidence, analyze
each work in relation to the religious beliefs and practices within its culture.