AP Art History : Gothic Architecture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Gothic Architecture

What is considered the simplest arch of Gothic architecture?

Possible Answers:

The Flamboyant arch

The Italian arch

The Depressed arch

The Equilateral arch

The Lancet arch

Correct answer:

The Lancet arch

Explanation:

The Lancet arch is the simplest of all Gothic arches. It is simply composed of a vertically long opening with a pointed tip. Although the Flamboyant, Equilateral, and Depressed arches follow a similar pattern, they all have more complicated designs than the simple Lancet arch, which really is just a long opening ended with a point.

Example Question #22 : Gothic Architecture

__________________ are an architectural attribute that emphasized the great vertical height of Gothic edifices between the 12th and the 16th centuries.

Possible Answers:

Rose windows

Flamboyant arches

Groups of large windows

Equilateral arches

Towers and spires

Correct answer:

Towers and spires

Explanation:

Although arches are decorative and tend to be elongated in nature, the towers and spires of Gothic buildings add real height, and contributed to those buildings having been called the skyscrapers of their time.

Example Question #881 : Ap Art History

Chap3

The given image showcases which interior architectural attribute of the Gothic period known to allow for large amounts of interior light?

Possible Answers:

Lancet arches

Ribbed vaults

Spires

Rose windows

Depressed arches

Correct answer:

Ribbed vaults

Explanation:

Although different types of arches were often included in ribbed vaults as a decorative measure, the actual architectural element of ribbed vaults was developed to support the weight of the ceiling, and allow for larger and higher windows to be built, which had the effect of brightening the buildings a great deal.

Image from Wikipedia Image Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Voûte_musée_de_Cluny001.JPG

Example Question #15 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Gothic Architecture

The flying buttress, most commonly seen as an attribute of Gothic architecture, is best described as ________________.

Possible Answers:

an architectural attribute meant to scare peasant worshipers into heading the word of God

an architectural attribute that comes in different styles, such as Flamboyant, Depressed, and Equilateral

None of these

an architectural attribute that is both decorative and functional, as it is used to resist the force from the lateral wall of an edifice, such that the edifice is more stable

a decorative statue used to divert water away from the building it's constructed on

Correct answer:

an architectural attribute that is both decorative and functional, as it is used to resist the force from the lateral wall of an edifice, such that the edifice is more stable

Explanation:

The flying buttress is both decorative and architecturally essential for Gothic-style buildings. It is used to support the walls of the building by resisting the force of the sides under the weight of the ceiling. As such, the walls do not need to be as thick, and there is more material that can be used for decorative measures, rather than reinforcement. The flying buttress came to be used heavily during the Gothic period, and is nearly an essential piece of any large building built between the 12th and the 16th centuries, and beyond.

Example Question #23 : Gothic Architecture

Which element of Chartres Cathedral's exterior is unusual for a Gothic Cathedral?

Possible Answers:

A rose window

A flamboyant steeple

Statuary of saints and Biblical figures

Flying buttresses

Correct answer:

A flamboyant steeple

Explanation:

When Chartres Cathedral was first built between 1194 and 1250 it was a highly representative example of the Gothic architectural form then in vogue in Western Europe. As such, it included a stained glass rose window above its entryway, flying buttresses along its side, and a wide variety of statues depicting theologically important figures such as saints or Biblical characters. Today, an obvious anachronism exists in the form of a Flamboyant steeple rising to a striking point on one tower, which comes from the early sixteenth century and looks out of place on the more rigid and ornate Gothic building

Example Question #24 : Gothic Architecture

The ______________ is the area of a church reserved for singers and clergy.

Possible Answers:

apse

nave

clerestory

choir

Correct answer:

choir

Explanation:

The choir of a church is the area reserved for singers and clergy; sometimes it is also called a chancel. The choir is usually located in the east end of the church, between the main altar and the apse. It is separated from the nave so that the members of the clergy could remain separate from the rest of the congregation.

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

 

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This building is in __________.

Possible Answers:

Milan

London

Paris

Amsterdam

Correct answer:

Paris

Explanation:

This is Notre Dame de Paris, the chief cathedral and one of the most famous landmarks in Paris, France. Notre Dame was the seat of the Archbishops of Paris.

Example Question #472 : Clep: Humanities

Which of the following churches is NOT an example of Gothic architecture?

Possible Answers:

Lincoln Cathedral

Westminster Abbey

Notre Dame Cathedral

Hagia Sophia

Rouen Cathedral

Correct answer:

Hagia Sophia

Explanation:

Beginning in the twelfth century in Europe, Gothic architecture dominated the building of churches across the continent, with its massive facades, extreme buliding heights, and ornate stone work. This style was used both in new churches like Rouen Cathedral and Lincoln Cathedral, and also in the rebuilding and renovation of structures, as with both Westminster Abbey and Notre Dame Cathedral. This was not the only church style, however, as the Greek churches developed their own massive church architectural style, exemplified by the Hagia Sofia in Constantinople (present day Istanbul).

Example Question #2 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of 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. 

The images above are of what kind of building?

Possible Answers:

A Catholic Cathedral

A Roman baptistry

A royal Church of Britain

A Shiite mosque

Correct answer:

A Catholic Cathedral

Explanation:

This is the Florence Cathedral, a Catholic entity. This can been seen in a number of ways. The dome is particularly telling, as is the facade, which features a rose window. Both of these things are characteristics of catholic churches, which were being built in grander and grander style at the height of the gothic and Renaissance movements. Take special note of how the church looms over the neighboring buildings; at the time of its building, the Catholic church was the strongest entity in the land, and the buildings reflected that. 

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. 

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