AP Art History : Gothic Architecture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Answering Other Questions About 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. 

What Gothic element is NOT featured prominently in the Cathedral (likely replaced by a Renaissance dome)?

Possible Answers:

A bell tower

A baptistry

S-curved figural statues in the king's gallery

A spire

Correct answer:

A spire

Explanation:

The cathedral does have a baptistry attached, as was tradition by the time it was completed. There are likely also s-curved figures in the space, as that was the figural building tradition of the time. Bell towers were not featured as much in Gothic architecture, although a spire could have a bell within it. As Gothic cathedrals grew more ornate, square bell towers became spindly and graceful spires, built as high as they could reach. This cathedral, though, does not feature this element. 

Example Question #902 : Ap Art History

Which Gothic architectural innovation significantly improved the structural stability of large cathedrals?

Possible Answers:

The cross, or cruciform, plan

Pointed arches

Higher steeples

Flying buttresses

Correct answer:

Flying buttresses

Explanation:

While all of the above choices are aspects of Gothic architecture, flying buttresses are the innovation that allowed for newfound structural stability in Gothic cathedral architecture by pushing the weight of the building outward. Cathedral walls did not have to be as large or as thick any longer, allowing for larger windows (often filled with stained glass). These windows helped to create brighter interiors in comparison to the dim and damp interiors of pre-Gothic cathedrals.

Example Question #2 : Answering Other Questions About Gothic Architecture

This style of architecture thrived during the high and late medieval period, evolving from the Romanesque period of architecture. It is known for pointed arches and impressive heights. The buildings of this architectural period were seen as the skyscrapers of their day.

What style of architecture is the above paragraph describing?

Possible Answers:

Baroque architecture

Gothic architecture

Mannerist architecture

Byzantine architecture

Neoclassicism

Correct answer:

Gothic architecture

Explanation:

Gothic architecture is known for being much more vertically-oriented than its predecessor, the Romanesque architecture movement. It is also known for its pointed arches and expansive interior lighting.

Example Question #111 : Architecture

___________________, known for its vertical height, intricately decorative stone work, and the flying buttress among other niche architectural elements, experienced a revival from the late 18th century through the 20th century in England and later the rest of Europe.

Possible Answers:

Byzantine architecture

Baroque architecture

Gothic architecture

Neoclassicism

Romanesque architecture

Correct answer:

Gothic architecture

Explanation:

Gothic architecture experienced a revival in England, which spread to Europe, and even reached the United States at one point. It has mostly been used for academic institutions and churches/cathedrals.

Neoclassicism is a revival of Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman art and architecture, but Neoclassicism itself never experience a revival, as it has remained somewhat popular through the 21st century.

Example Question #112 : Architecture

Which of the following statements about Gothic architecture is false?

Possible Answers:

Gothic architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries was highly influenced by the Renaissance

Gothic architecture refined and popularized the flying buttress as an architectural element

Gothic architecture experienced a European revival starting in 18th century England

All of these statements are true

Gothic architecture was subject to many regional differences, such that the Gothic architecture of France and the Gothic architecture of England, for example, were noticeably different

Correct answer:

Gothic architecture of the 12th and 13th centuries was highly influenced by the Renaissance

Explanation:

Although the Gothic period and the Renaissance coincided -meaning, at one point in time, they were occurring simultaneously- Gothic architecture was not inspired by the Renaissance during the 12th and 13th centuries, as the Renaissance did not begin until the 14th century.

Example Question #111 : Ancient Through Medieval Architecture

The plan of Chartres Cathedral is laid out in which shape?

Possible Answers:

Cross

Rectangle

Square

Circle

Correct answer:

Cross

Explanation:

Cathedrals, and many churches, built in Western Europe during the Middle Ages were usually set out in a cruciform, or cross shape. Chartres Cathedral, while featuring a wider transcept, or shorter branching of the cross, follows this pattern as well. Chartres Cathedral differed from other Gothic cathedrals in having a more uniform height for its arcade, triforium, and clerestory levels, the arches on the interior's walls.

Example Question #112 : Ancient Through Medieval Architecture

Which style emerged in France between 1140 and 1270, dominating the artistic mood of Europe for nearly 400 years? The movement is historically associated with the re-urbanization of Europe and, in its late period, an increasing aesthetic of secularity. 

Possible Answers:

The International Style

Byzantine Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

Gothic Architecture

Correct answer:

Gothic Architecture

Explanation:

The Gothic style emerged from France, was the longest lasting European architectural movement, and is associated with the rise of the Great cities in Europe. Romanesque and Byzantine architecture are rooted in other regions and were highly religious for the duration of their dominance. The International Style was a very brief phenomenon, and is distinguished by its unique, elongated rendering of the human figure.

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