Art History: Ancient & Medieval Art

What is the Egyptian system of writing that uses pictures to represent words or sounds?

Hieroglyphics

In Egyptian tomb paintings, how is the human body typically depicted to show each part from its most identifiable angle?

Composite view (or twisted perspective), where the head is in profile but the torso is frontal.

What was the primary purpose of the Great Pyramids of Giza in Ancient Egypt?

They served as monumental tombs for deceased pharaohs to protect their bodies and belongings for the afterlife.

What does the Great Sphinx, featuring a human head and a lion's body, symbolize in Egyptian art?

It symbolizes the combination of human intelligence with the physical strength and authority of a lion.

What are the Archaic Greek statues of standing, nude young men called?

Kouros

What is the term for the naturalistic pose in Greek sculpture where weight shifts onto one leg, creating a tilt in the hips and shoulders?

Contrapposto

Which famous Greek temple on the Acropolis was dedicated to the goddess Athena and represents the pinnacle of Doric architecture?

The Parthenon

How does Hellenistic Greek sculpture differ from the earlier Classical style?

Hellenistic art emphasizes intense emotion, extreme drama, and dynamic, swirling movement rather than idealized calm.

Unlike the idealized Greek style, what did Roman Republican portraiture emphasize?

Realism and individual physical features, often showing age and wrinkles to convey wisdom (verism).

What architectural innovation allowed the Romans to build massive, open interior spaces like the Colosseum?

The use of concrete and the rounded arch (and vaulting).