AP Art History : Architecture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Gothic Architecture

The Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, with its pointed arches and flying buttresses, is a good example of which style of architecture?

Possible Answers:

Romanesque

Medieval

Religious

Baroque

Gothic

Correct answer:

Gothic

Explanation:

Notre Dame has many of the typical features of Gothic cathedrals and differs from Romanesque cathedrals, which lack the height, light, and pointed arches of the Gothic style.

"Medieval" and "Religious" are too vague to be considered styles of architecture, and the Baroque period came centuries after construction on Notre Dame began. 

Example Question #891 : Ap Art History

Who was the famous designer/patron of the great Church of Saint-Denis and was, therefore, one of the earliest patrons of Gothic architecture?

Possible Answers:

Pope Innocent III

Saint Francis

Abbot Suger

Bernard of Clairvaux

Correct answer:

Abbot Suger

Explanation:

Although he was also a prolific writer and historian, Abbot Suger is arguably most famous for his contribution to the reconstruction of Saint-Denis in the middle of the twelfth century. With its adoption of new architectural styles and forms (the church has the first known example of a large "rose window" above the West portal, for instance), Saint-Denis is often cited as the first example of Gothic architecture and the cathedral that inspired the construction of countless others in France in the years to follow.

Example Question #892 : Ap Art History

Which of the following options is the name of a famous Gothic cathedral in France that is also a popular tourist destination?

Possible Answers:

The Notre Dame cathedral

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Abbey Church of Saint Foy

Lessay Abbey

Angoulême Cathedral

Correct answer:

The Notre Dame cathedral

Explanation:

Although there are other French churches or cathedrals in this list of answers, the only one that is part of the Gothic architectural movement is the Notre Dame. In fact, the only answer, French or otherwise, on this list that is truly a Gothic cathedral is the Notre Dame cathedral.

Example Question #893 : Ap Art History

Reims kathedrale

This Cathedral, built in France in 1211, is an example of which style of architecture?

Possible Answers:

Art Deco

Baroque architecture

Gothic architecture

Renaissance architecture

Romanesque architecture

Correct answer:

Gothic architecture

Explanation:

This cathedral, known as the Reims Cathedral, was built in France in the year 1211.  It very accurately depicts the popular architectural trends that were popular in that time period, which is now known as the Gothic period. This period took place between the 12th and 16th centuries. Features popular in Gothic architecture that can also be seen on this cathedral are:

1) Vertical length over horizontal length.  Gothic buildings tended to be slender and tall.

2) Pointed arches

3) Spires and towers, especially when they come in doubles.

4) Ornate façades

5) Rose windows

Image citation: Photo taken by bodoklecksel (2006) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Reims_Kathedrale.jpg

Example Question #894 : Ap Art History

Oudenaarde_Stadhuis.jpg

Oudenaarde Town Hall constructed in Belgium in the mid-16th century, is an example of which style of architecture?

Possible Answers:

Gothic architecture

Renaissance architecture

Baroque architecture

Byzantine architecture

Romanesque architecture

Correct answer:

Gothic architecture

Explanation:

Although Oudenaarde Town Hall was constructed in the mid-16th century, which was nearing the end of the Gothic period, it is very firmly set in the trends of Gothic architecture. Its Gothic features are the following:

1) Vertical length over horizontal length. Gothic buildings tended to be slender and tall.

2) Pointed arches

3) Spires and towers

4) Ornate façade

5) Rose window

6) Groups of large windows

Image citation: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oudenaarde_Stadhuis.jpg

Example Question #891 : Ap Art History

Chartres cathedral

The Chartres Cathedral was constructed in France in the early 13th century. What architectural style does it represent?

Possible Answers:

Romanesque architecture

Baroque architecture

Byzantine architecture

Gothic architecture

Rococo architecture

Correct answer:

Gothic architecture

Explanation:

The Chartres Cathedral of the early 13th century is an example of Gothic architecture. Its Gothic features are the following:

1) Vertical length over horizontal length.  Gothic buildings tended to be slender and tall.

2) Pointed arches

3) Spires and towers

4) Ornate façade (though not as ornate or decorated as other Gothic buildings)

5) Rose window

6) Groups of large windows

Image citation: Photograph taken by Tony Hisgett, accessed through Wikipedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chartres_Cathedral.jpg

Example Question #891 : Ap Art History

Which kinds of buildings best articulated the various features of Gothic architecture?

Possible Answers:

Forts

Museums

Castles

Cathedrals

Correct answer:

Cathedrals

Explanation:

Gothic architecture dominated between the fall of Rome in the fifth century CE and the rise of the Renaissance in the fifteenth century. Gothic architecture was notable for large, ornate stone structures with many elements and imposing figures. All of these are best seen in the many Gothic cathedrals that allowed architects and designers their most control over the shape of buildings.

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About Gothic Architecture

 

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______________, a key feature of Gothic churces, symbolized an effort to reach heaven.

Possible Answers:

verticality

foundation

building materials

stonework

Correct answer:

verticality

Explanation:

A key feautre of Gothic churches is their extreme height. This verticality was partly for show, but more importantly symbolized an attempt to reach heaven. For many centuries, Gothic cathedrals were the tallest buildings in Europe.

Example Question #31 : Gothic Architecture

Florence Duomo from Michelangelo hill.jpg

 

The previous images are all public domain and can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Cathedral. 

There are likely three doors because __________.

Possible Answers:

three is a visually appealing number, when applied to architectural feats

three is a powerful and often-used number in the Catholic tradition

the shape and style of the cathedral called for three copies of doors to be used

the builders needed more bronze panels to feature as much artwork as possible on the doors

Correct answer:

three is a powerful and often-used number in the Catholic tradition

Explanation:

Three is perhaps the most powerful number in the Catholic world, representing the holy trinity. Gothic cathedrals often featured three doors- a center door as well as two flanking doors. It was believed that one walked in the door a sinner (these were the flanking doors) and walked back out through the grand center doors absolved of their sins in the eyes of God. 

Example Question #101 : Ancient Through Medieval Architecture

Florence Duomo from Michelangelo hill.jpg

 

The previous images are all public domain and can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Cathedral.

The long rectangular plan of the cathedral is due to __________.

Possible Answers:

the transept

the nave

the aisles

the apex

Correct answer:

the nave

Explanation:

The centermost sweeping area of the church is the nave. Its length is what contributes to the rectangular nature of the plan. The aisles are what give the church its cross shape, and the transepts are the outcroppings on the sides. The apex is the half-circle at the top of the nave across from the doors, and is where the church official would stand. 

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