AP Art History : AP Art History

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Gothic Architecture

Gothic cathedrals typically have all of the following architectural features EXCEPT __________.

Possible Answers:

rose windows

flying buttresses

vaulted arches

domed ceilings

Correct answer:

domed ceilings

Explanation:

"Gothic" architecture describes the dominant forms in Western European architecture from about the twelfth century to the sixteenth century. Gothic cathedrals are monumental in scale and scope, structured around buildings that are cross-shaped when viewed from above, and feature lots of ornamentation and design elements, including vaulted arches, statuary, rose windows, flying buttresses, and grand columns.

Example Question #1 : Visual Arts

Flying buttresses were a common feature of church architecture in which style?

Possible Answers:

Art Nouveau

Gothic

Neoclassical

Greco-Roman

Modern

Correct answer:

Gothic

Explanation:

Flying buttresses are ornate supports that stick outside the walls of Gothic church architecture, particularly cathedrals. Buttresses were necessary to keep the new, massive stone cathedrals of the middle ages standing. While they were originally functional, church builders made them reflect and enhance the design of their buildings.

Example Question #81 : Ancient Through Medieval Architecture

Ogee arches are characteristic of which period of Gothic architecture?

Possible Answers:

Flamboyant

Rayonannt

Early

High

Correct answer:

Flamboyant

Explanation:

The Flamboyant (or Late) period of Gothic architecture contains a combination of tracery and ogee arches. "Flamboyant," from the French word for flaming, denotes its highly decorative style.

Example Question #11 : Gothic Architecture

A statue of a small grotesque figure that adorns a gothic building is called __________.

Possible Answers:

a gargoyle

a keystone

a redoubt

a buttress

a turret

Correct answer:

a gargoyle

Explanation:

Gothic architecture, particularly in the building of churches and cathedrals, featured a number of ornate features. One of the most peculiar was the use of gargoyles, small stone figures of grotesque characters that were placed on the sides of buildings. These figures would often be placed between sculptures of saints and kings, and were viewed as protective features. Some gargoyles also functioned as drainage pipes (through holes in their mouths).

Example Question #12 : Gothic Architecture

Which type of arch commonly seen in Gothic architecture is wider than it is tall and has a flattened appearance?

Possible Answers:

The flamboyant arch

The lancet arch

None of the other answers

The Italian arch

The depressed arch

Correct answer:

The depressed arch

Explanation:

The depressed arch was much different from the other arches found in Gothic architecture. It was designed to look as though it had been flattened by a great pressure, and was very wide. There is no such thing as an Italian arch.

Example Question #83 : Ancient Through Medieval Architecture

Gothic architecture introduced which of the following architectural attributes?

Possible Answers:

Groin vaults

Semi-circular arches

The flying buttress

Deliberately incomplete architectural elements

Stained glass

Correct answer:

The flying buttress

Explanation:

Stained glass, semi-circular arches, and groin vaults are all contributions of the Romanesque architectural movement, which preceded Gothic architecture. Deliberately incomplete architectural elements are a feature of Baroque architecture. Gothic architecture is responsible for the flying buttress.

Example Question #281 : 3 D Art

This attribute is perhaps the most commonly known and appreciated of all the characteristics of Gothic architecture.  It can be described as a series of grotesque sculptures often used as a decorative way to divert water away from a building.

Which attribute of Gothic architecture is the above paragraph describing?

Possible Answers:

Vaulted ceilings

Depressed arches

Gargoyles

Flying buttresses

Flamboyant arches

Correct answer:

Gargoyles

Explanation:

Gargoyles, while used somewhat during the many centuries of medieval art and architecture, are most commonly thought of as a Gothic architectural attribute. While used for decoration, they also commonly had the function of diverting water from the building. Gargoyles were frequently monstrous and grotesque, because they were meant to strike fear into the peasants who saw them and motivate them to attend church.

Example Question #282 : 3 D Art

Which of the following is an accurate description of the "rose window" commonly seen in Gothic architecture?

Possible Answers:

A circular window divided by an intricate pattern, often like a wheel or flower.

A flower-shaped window decorated with ornate circular designs.

A group of large, square windows that together form a triangle.

A group of triangle windows arranged together to look like a flower.

There is no such thing as a "rose window" in Gothic architecture.

Correct answer:

A circular window divided by an intricate pattern, often like a wheel or flower.

Explanation:

The "rose window," as seen in Gothic architecture, is large, circular, often centralized window, that is divided by an intricate pattern. Sometimes the window looks like a wheel, and other times it seems to resemble a flower; however, the window is never flower-shaped. It is always circular, but sometimes has a visible flower within.

Example Question #3 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Gothic Architecture

The presence of ___________ in the interior of Gothic cathedrals, churches, etc. was an important part of worship for the people of that time period, as it represented divinity, and the presence of God.  It is for this reason that many Gothic cathedrals have very large windows.

Possible Answers:

Gold

None of these

Light

Columns

Arches

Correct answer:

Light

Explanation:

Although arches, and, to come extent, columns and the use of gold were all stylistic choices of the Gothic period, the answer is "light," because light was more than a simple stylistic choice. Light was a representation of divinity, and the large amounts of interior light were important for worship.

Example Question #281 : 3 D Art

Which type of Gothic arch is made from four original points, where each large arc turns upward into a smaller arc, all meeting at one sharp point?

Possible Answers:

The Flamboyant arch

None of these

The Depressed arch

The Lancet arch

The Equilateral arc

Correct answer:

The Flamboyant arch

Explanation:

The Flamboyant arch, known as such because it resembles the shape of a flame, was a commonly used feature in Gothic architecture. It is made from four original points, where each large arc turns upward into a smaller arc, all meeting at one sharp point.

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