All Flashcards
What was the function of the White Temple and its Ziggurat?
A religious structure in Uruk, elevated to allow priests to be closer to the gods.
What does the Standard of Ur reflect about Sumerian society?
It reflects a hierarchical society with distinct social classes, as well as extensive trade networks.
What is the significance of the Code of Hammurabi?
It is one of the earliest known written legal codes, demonstrating Hammurabi's authority and divine endorsement of his laws.
What does the Palette of King Narmer commemorate?
The unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer, signifying the beginning of a unified Egyptian state.
What does the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut signify?
It commemorates Hatshepsut's reign as a female pharaoh, a unique event in ancient Egyptian history.
What was the purpose of the Athenian Agora?
It served as a central public space in Athens for political, social, and commercial activities.
What was the function of the Colosseum?
It served as a public entertainment venue, hosting gladiator contests and other spectacles.
How does the Seated Scribe reflect Egyptian artistic traditions?
It reflects the Egyptian tradition of creating funerary objects to honor the deceased and provide for their afterlife.
How does the Doryphoros relate to Greek artistic ideals?
It embodies the Greek ideal of human perfection and the pursuit of harmonious proportions.
How does the Pantheon reflect Roman engineering and architectural traditions?
It showcases the Roman mastery of concrete construction and innovative use of arches and domes to create vast interior spaces.
How does the Lamassu relate to Mesopotamian artistic traditions?
It represents the Mesopotamian tradition of creating composite creatures to guard important sites and symbolize power.
How does the Tomb of the Triclinium relate to Etruscan artistic traditions?
It reflects the Etruscan tradition of decorating tombs with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes of daily life and celebrations.
What is a ziggurat?
A stepped tower, often made of mud brick, serving as a religious structure in ancient Mesopotamia.
Define hierarchy of scale.
A technique used in art where the size of figures indicates their relative importance.
What are registers in art?
Horizontal bands used to divide a visual narrative into distinct scenes.
Define contrapposto.
A pose in sculpture in which the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a naturalistic S-curve in the body.
What is veristic portraiture?
A style of portraiture that emphasizes realism, often depicting age and imperfections.
What is horror vacui?
The filling of the entire surface of a space or an artwork with details.