AP Art History : Identifying artists, works, or schools of Ancient Greek and Roman architecture

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #811 : 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:

Phidian

Doric

None of the other answer choices is correct.

Corinthian

Ionic

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 #1 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

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

Possible Answers:

Pantheon

Colosseum

Pont du Gard

Ara Pacis

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 #2 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

Which ancient civilization was this column associated with?

Romacolonnatraiana basilicaulpia

Possible Answers:

Roman

Egyptian

Greek

Babylonian

Sumerian

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 #3 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Ancient Greek And Roman Architecture

Who is this column associated with?

Romacolonnatraiana basilicaulpia

Possible Answers:

Trajan

Octavian

Julius Caesar

Marcus Aurelius

Marc Antony

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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