AP Art History : 3D Art

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

A horizontal area of sculpted decoration on a wall close to the ceiling is known as a(n) ___________________.

Possible Answers:

cornice

architrave

entablature

frieze

arcade

Correct answer:

frieze

Explanation:

A frieze is a sculpted decoration near the ceiling of a temple or other structure from classical architecture. The rest are all other architectural terms: an entablature is the upper section of a building's facade supported by columns; a cornice is the top part of the entablature; an architrave is the lower part of the entablature; and an arcade is a series of columns with arches spanning the distance between them.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

A __________ is a triangular gable found over major architectural elements, especially the porch of Classical temples.

Possible Answers:

Entablature

Stylobate

Echinus

Pediment

Correct answer:

Pediment

Explanation:

The triangular gable over a major architectural element is called a pediment. In Classical and especially Greek temples, the pediment is decorated with a sculpture that tells a story or a myth. The pediment is the defining architectural feature of the Classical temple, and it also shows up a lot in Greek Revival architecture in Europe and the United States.

Example Question #2 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

The ______________ refers to the use of a different architectural order (Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian) on each level of a building, as on the Colosseum.

Possible Answers:

progression of orders

rhythmos

progression of columns

symmetria

Correct answer:

progression of orders

Explanation:

The use of different architectural orders on each level of a building is called the progression of orders. In Classical architecture, each "order" refers to a particular style, identifiable mostly by the profile and proportions of the columns. The progression of orders takes these structural elements and uses them as decorative elements, especially in Roman and Neoclassical architecture.

Example Question #11 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

A(n) ___________ is a circular opening at the top & center of a dome.

Possible Answers:

ambulatory

impluvium

apse

oculus

rose window

Correct answer:

oculus

Explanation:

This is the definition of an oculus, and can be found in the Pantheon and other Roman & Greek buildings.

The only other answer that is an open design is the rose window, but those are not found in the top of a dome.

The apse and ambulatory are specific areas in a basilica plan church, not a part of a dome.

The impluvium is an indented/sunken area in a structure to collect rain.

Example Question #812 : Ap Art History

The Parthenon is considered the height of Classical building construction, and is situated atop the great Athenian Acropolis. It has a 9:4 length to width ratio as well as a slightly convex base and carefully carved metopes. 

To what temple order does the Parthenon belong? 

Possible Answers:

Ionic

Phidian

Doric

Corinthian

None of the other answer choices is correct.

Correct answer:

Doric

Explanation:

The 9:4 proportions, the slight curving of the base to make the temple look flat from far, and the metopes are all iconic of the Doric order. All other orders use slenderer proportions and do not have metopes in the frieze.

Example Question #821 : Ap Art History

Who was responsible for OVERSEEING the construction of the Parthenon?

Possible Answers:

Phidias

Praxiteles

Theodorus of Samos

Callicrates

Ictinus

Correct answer:

Phidias

Explanation:

Ictinus and Callicrates were the architects who designed the Parthenon, but Phidias oversaw the project and was one of its founding fathers as an iconic early Classical architect and sculptor.

Example Question #223 : 3 D Art

Ancient Roman architecture was celebrated mainly for its technological innovation. What type of Roman architecture is not an example of technological innovation?

Possible Answers:

Public Bath

Aqueduct

Coliseum

Parthenon

Correct answer:

Parthenon

Explanation:

Although the Parthenon was a significant form of architecture in the ancient world, it was not Roman, but rather Greek. The Pantheon, located in central Rome, can be considered an example of Roman technological innovation.

Example Question #821 : Ap Art History

The classic Roman building featuring a ceiling of recessed coffers, a portico with a domed rotunda, and an oculus is the __________________.

Possible Answers:

Pantheon

Pont du Gard

Ara Pacis

Colosseum

Correct answer:

Pantheon

Explanation:

The Pantheon was built by Hadrian as a temple to all gods, and is distinguished especially by the "oculus," or "eye," in its roof. The Ara Pacis is an altar built under Augustus. The Colosseum is an arena, and the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct in southern France.

Example Question #822 : Ap Art History

Which ancient civilization was this column associated with?

Romacolonnatraiana basilicaulpia

Possible Answers:

Egyptian

Greek

Babylonian

Sumerian

Roman

Correct answer:

Roman

Explanation:

This column was a work of Roman art. It was created in 112 CE as part of a burial chamber. It is located in Rome. The other cultures mentioned also created many similar architectural feats, but they often had other distinctive characteristics.

Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/RomaColonnaTraiana%26BasilicaUlpia.jpg

Example Question #823 : Ap Art History

Who is this column associated with?

Romacolonnatraiana basilicaulpia

Possible Answers:

Octavian

Julius Caesar

Marc Antony

Marcus Aurelius

Trajan

Correct answer:

Trajan

Explanation:

Trajan was a Roman emperor who ruled from 98-117 CE. This column was placed outside of the Forum of Trajan, where he was buried. The inscriptions on the column, as well as the surrounding buildings and structures, tell the stories of his life and success. (The others mentioned are also Roman emperors from different time periods.)

Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/RomaColonnaTraiana%26BasilicaUlpia.jpg

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