AP Art History: Night Before Review 🌠

Hey there, future art historian! Feeling the pressure? Don't worry, we've got this. This guide is designed to be your ultimate last-minute resource, hitting all the key points you need to feel confident and ready for the AP exam. Let's dive in!

Unit 3: Early Christian and Byzantine Art (c. 200 CE – 1453 CE)

3.1 Introduction to Early Christian Art

• Transition: From Roman to Christian art, we see a shift in focus from imperial power to spiritual themes.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Use of symbolism to convey religious messages.
  • Adaptation of Roman architectural forms for Christian purposes.
  • Emergence of new artistic styles reflecting Christian beliefs.

3.2 Catacomb of Priscilla

• Form: Underground burial tunnels with frescoes in Pompeiian style. Located in Rome.
• Function: Burial place for early Christians, including martyrs and popes. Also served as a place of worship and community gathering.
• Content:
  • Frescoes depict biblical scenes (e.g., Jonah), Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and Orant figures.
  • Symbols like doves, peacocks, and pheasants represent immortality and the afterlife.
  • Greek inscriptions indicate the presence of a Greek-speaking community.
• Context:
  • Early Christians used catacombs for burials and secret worship during times of persecution.
  • The Good Shepherd image symbolizes Jesus as a protector and guide.
  • Orant figure represents prayer and the soul in the afterlife.

3.3 Santa Sabina

• Form: Early Christian basilica with three aisles, long nave, apse, flat roof, coffered ceiling, and thin walls. Plain exterior contrasts with ornate interior.
• Function: Place of Christian worship.
• Context:
  • Built on the site of a Roman matron's house (Sabina, a Christian martyr).
  • Represents a well-preserved example of early Christian basilica architecture.
  • Axial plan focuses attention on the apse, where the altar is located.

3.4 Vienna Genesis

• Form: Illuminated manuscript with classical techniques like contrapposto, foreshortening, shading, and perspective. Greek text accompanies the illustrations.
• Function: Luxury item for the wealthy, used for religious education and display of status.
• Content:
  • Includes scenes like "Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well" and "Jacob Wrestling the Angel."
  • Illustrations supplement the written text, conveying meaning through visual storytelling.
• Context:
  • Oldest book of its kind, produced in Syria during the 4th and 5th centuries.
  • Demonstrates the importance of visual storytelling in early Christianity.
  • The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Bible) was a popular text at the time.

3.5 Hagia Sophia

• Form: Byzantine architectural masterpiece with a massive central dome, combining basilica plan with a dome. Intricate mosaics and marble decoration.
• Function: Originally a cathedral, later a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again. Served various religious and cultural purposes.
• Content:
  • Mosaics include Mary and the baby Jesus, flanked by Emperor Constantius and Emperor Justinian.
  • Gold decoration throughout the interior.
• Context:
  • Built on the site of a pagan temple, later a small basilica.
  • A contentious site for Christians and Muslims.
  • The dome is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Byzantine era.

Hagia Sophia is a must-know for the exam. Its architectural innovation and historical significance make it a frequent topic.

3.6 Virgin (Theotokos) and Child between Saints Theodore and George

• Form: Encaustic icon (religious devotional image).
• Function: To foster spirituality, channel divine grace, and aid in conversion. Also a source of revenue for the Byzantine Empire.
• Content:
  • Depicts Mary and the infant Jesus between St. Theodore and St. George.
  • Features golden halos and gold leaf on the painting's surface.
• Context:
  • Icons were believed to have spiritual powers and were treated like relics.
  • Iconoclasm (image breaking) was a major issue in the Byzantine era.
  • Icons made a comeback by 843 after much debate about their role.

Final Exam Focus 🎯

• High-Priority Topics:
  • Early Christian architecture (basilica plan, catacombs).
  • Symbolism in Early Christian art (Good Shepherd, Orant figures).
  • Byzantine art and architecture (Hagia Sophia, icons).
  • The role of patronage in art production.
• Common Question Types:
  • Multiple Choice: Identifying artworks, styles, and historical contexts.
  • Short Answer: Explaining the function and meaning of specific artworks.
  • Free Response: Analyzing the relationship between art, religion, and society.
• Last-Minute Tips:
  • Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if needed.
  • Common Pitfalls: Misidentifying artworks, not providing sufficient context, and not using specific art historical vocabulary.
  • Strategies: Start with what you know, and use process of elimination for MCQs. For FRQs, plan your response before you start writing.

Practice Questions

Practice Question

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following best describes the function of the Catacomb of Priscilla? (A) A Roman bathhouse (B) A place of burial and worship for early Christians (C) A public gathering space for Roman citizens (D) An imperial palace

2. The central plan of Hagia Sophia is best characterized by: (A) A simple rectangular structure (B) A combination of basilica and dome (C) A series of interconnected courtyards (D) A traditional Greek temple design

3. What was the primary purpose of icons in the Byzantine era? (A) To decorate public spaces (B) To serve as political propaganda (C) To facilitate spiritual connection and devotion (D) To record historical events

Free Response Question

Analyze the ways in which the Catacomb of Priscilla and Hagia Sophia reflect the changing religious and cultural contexts in which they were created. Be sure to discuss specific examples of art and architecture and consider the function and content of each work.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Thesis (1 point): A clear, defensible thesis that addresses the prompt.
  • Example: "The Catacomb of Priscilla and Hagia Sophia reflect the evolving religious and cultural contexts of early Christianity and the Byzantine Empire through their distinct functions, artistic styles, and symbolic content."
• Catacomb of Priscilla (2 points):
  • Function (1 point): Underground burial site and place of secret worship during persecution.
  • Content/Context (1 point): Frescoes with biblical scenes, Good Shepherd, Orant figures, and symbolism of the afterlife. Early Christian community adapting Roman artistic style.
• Hagia Sophia (2 points):
  • Function (1 point): Originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and a symbol of imperial power.
  • Content/Context (1 point): Combination of basilica and dome, mosaics, and its historical significance in the Byzantine Empire.
• Analysis (2 points):
  • Religious Change (1 point): Shift from persecuted religion to state-supported faith, reflected in the transition from hidden catacombs to grand basilicas.
  • Cultural Change (1 point): Evolution of artistic styles and architectural forms, from Roman to Byzantine.
• Synthesis (1 point): Connects the two works to broader themes of religious and cultural development.
  • Example: "Both the Catacomb of Priscilla and Hagia Sophia demonstrate how religious beliefs shape art and architecture, reflecting the changing status and influence of Christianity."

Remember, you've got this! Take a deep breath, review these points, and go rock that exam! 🌟