AP Art History

AP Art History

Chapter 14
Early Medieval Art in Europe

Study Guide


Church of Saint Michael, Hildesheim, Germany


Historical Evidence

  • What does the term "Middle Ages" refer to?
  • What circumstances led to the new political, social, and cultural reforms?
  • What role did the church have in society?
  • What was the focus of patronage?
  • Where were the Gospel Books created? Why were they so important artistically?
  • Who were the Carolingians?
  • Where did Charlemagne locate his palace and install his court in 794?

    Interpretation and Meaning

  • Who commissioned the bronze doors at Hildesheim Cathefral? What is the subject of the panels?
  • What do the Greek letters chi rho iota (XPI or chri) signify?

    Methods and Techniques

  • Explain the overall layout of a Gospel Book as it was designed in the Medieval scriptorium.

    Compare and Discuss

  • Compare the decorations of the "Lion" page in the Book of John, Gospel Book of Durrow with the "Chi Rho and Iota page" in the Book of Matthew, Book of Kells.
  • Compare the Abbey Church of Saint Riquier, France with the Basilica pf Saint Peter, Rome.
  • Explain how the Palace Chapel, Aachen relates to the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna by comparing the two architectural monuments.
    Vocabulary
    Terms Terms/Key Personalities
    ambulatory
    basilica plan
    blind arcades
    Caroline
    miniscule
    choir
    clerestory
    colophon
    crossing
    crypt
    gallery
    horseshoe arch
    illumination
    impost blocks    		 mandorla
    martyrium
    narthex
    parchment
    repousse
    refectory
    reliquary
    ribbon interlace
    transept
    triumphal arch
    scriptorium
    vellum
    westwork