Sculpture - AP Art History
Card 1 of 776

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The time in which this work was produced was also a time of .
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The time in which this work was produced was also a time of .
Tap to reveal answer
The sarcophagus was made in the middle of the fourth century, just as Chrisitanity began to reshape the Roman Empire and split it into two conflicting Christian worlds.
The sarcophagus was made in the middle of the fourth century, just as Chrisitanity began to reshape the Roman Empire and split it into two conflicting Christian worlds.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The figural element reflects which artistic style?
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The figural element reflects which artistic style?
Tap to reveal answer
The figures appear in a Roman style of dress and appearance, although their Christian elements, like the naked Adam and Eve, suggest it is a later Roman style.
The figures appear in a Roman style of dress and appearance, although their Christian elements, like the naked Adam and Eve, suggest it is a later Roman style.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The stylized columns in the work appear to be of what influence?
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The stylized columns in the work appear to be of what influence?
Tap to reveal answer
The Corinthian columns and stylized pediment are orginially from pagan temples and would have been introduced to the Romans by the Greeks.
The Corinthian columns and stylized pediment are orginially from pagan temples and would have been introduced to the Romans by the Greeks.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The work does not demonstrate .
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The work does not demonstrate .
Tap to reveal answer
The work is from the middle of the fourth century and would have predated the height of Byzantium.
The work is from the middle of the fourth century and would have predated the height of Byzantium.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Of what material are these statues made?

Of what material are these statues made?

Tap to reveal answer
The Riace Warriors, also known as the Riace bronzes, are a pair of life-size nude male warrior statues. They were discovered in the sea in the 1970s, and, while they are primarily made of bronze, they also feature details in other materials: copper lips and ivory eyes, for example. Teak, ivory, and cement were not otherwise common materials for large statues in ancient Greece.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
The Riace Warriors, also known as the Riace bronzes, are a pair of life-size nude male warrior statues. They were discovered in the sea in the 1970s, and, while they are primarily made of bronze, they also feature details in other materials: copper lips and ivory eyes, for example. Teak, ivory, and cement were not otherwise common materials for large statues in ancient Greece.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The columns are in what style?
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The columns are in what style?
Tap to reveal answer
The columns sport the leaves of an acanthus plant, which is stylistically representative of the Corinthian order.
The columns sport the leaves of an acanthus plant, which is stylistically representative of the Corinthian order.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
To what era do these statues date?

To what era do these statues date?

Tap to reveal answer
The Riace Warriors are an excellent example of Early Classical sculpture. Their use of contrapposto and their slightly idealized forms distinguish them from earlier Archaic work, as do their elaborately worked beards and hair. Their makers are unknown, and the statues are thought to have been buried underwater after a shipwreck of uncertain date.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
The Riace Warriors are an excellent example of Early Classical sculpture. Their use of contrapposto and their slightly idealized forms distinguish them from earlier Archaic work, as do their elaborately worked beards and hair. Their makers are unknown, and the statues are thought to have been buried underwater after a shipwreck of uncertain date.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

The work of art shown here was sculpted in .

The work of art shown here was sculpted in .
Tap to reveal answer
Etruscan funerary monuments, such as this Sarcophagus of the Spouses, often featured couples and even whole families that represented the subjects in the afterlife. In order to last eternally and powerfully represent those whose remains were stored inside, these sarcophagi would be created from the earthenware material known as terra cotta. Terra cotta was not only immensely strong, but could also be easily painted to represent the subject of the work of art.
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Louvre-Lens\_-\_Les\_Étrusques\_et\_la\_Méditerranée\_-\_191\_-\_Paris,\_musée\_du\_Louvre,\_DAGER,\_Cp\_5194\_(Sarcophage\_des\_Époux)\_(A).JPG
Etruscan funerary monuments, such as this Sarcophagus of the Spouses, often featured couples and even whole families that represented the subjects in the afterlife. In order to last eternally and powerfully represent those whose remains were stored inside, these sarcophagi would be created from the earthenware material known as terra cotta. Terra cotta was not only immensely strong, but could also be easily painted to represent the subject of the work of art.
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Louvre-Lens\_-\_Les\_Étrusques\_et\_la\_Méditerranée\_-\_191\_-\_Paris,\_musée\_du\_Louvre,\_DAGER,\_Cp\_5194\_(Sarcophage\_des\_Époux)\_(A).JPG
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Roman sculpture distinguished itself from Greek sculpture by .
Roman sculpture distinguished itself from Greek sculpture by .
Tap to reveal answer
Most Roman sculpture, and art of all kinds, was heavily based on Greek examples, and oftentimes it can be hard to distinguish between a Roman original and a Roman copy of a Greek sculpture. However, one major distinguishing feature of Roman sculpture is in its portraiture. Roman portraits depicted their subjects in a "warts and all" manner that showed every imperfection, as it was seen to exhibit worldliness and wisdom.
Most Roman sculpture, and art of all kinds, was heavily based on Greek examples, and oftentimes it can be hard to distinguish between a Roman original and a Roman copy of a Greek sculpture. However, one major distinguishing feature of Roman sculpture is in its portraiture. Roman portraits depicted their subjects in a "warts and all" manner that showed every imperfection, as it was seen to exhibit worldliness and wisdom.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A is a horizontal band used to divide and order pictorial space, especially in relief sculpture.
A is a horizontal band used to divide and order pictorial space, especially in relief sculpture.
Tap to reveal answer
A register divides the picture plane horizontally, often providing the ground line for figural decoration if it is present. Registers are used especially in relief sculpture to provide spatial order within the composition. A frame would refer to the elements that actually surround and close off the picture plane.
A register divides the picture plane horizontally, often providing the ground line for figural decoration if it is present. Registers are used especially in relief sculpture to provide spatial order within the composition. A frame would refer to the elements that actually surround and close off the picture plane.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The function of this sarcophagus is to .
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The function of this sarcophagus is to .
Tap to reveal answer
The is a sarcophagus, which is an ancient casket meant to hold the remains of the dead.
The is a sarcophagus, which is an ancient casket meant to hold the remains of the dead.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The material of this piece is .
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The material of this piece is .
Tap to reveal answer
This sarcophagus, like most extant decorative pieces from the Christian period of Roman world, is marble.
This sarcophagus, like most extant decorative pieces from the Christian period of Roman world, is marble.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The figures on the sarcophagus are done in .
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The figures on the sarcophagus are done in .
Tap to reveal answer
The figures are made by removing the areas around them, which is relief carving. It is high relief because the figures are carved so far away from the marble setting that they are almost free.
The figures are made by removing the areas around them, which is relief carving. It is high relief because the figures are carved so far away from the marble setting that they are almost free.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The stylistic elements of the sarcopagus most aptly reflect .
![]()
Pictured above is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, originally from Rome.
The stylistic elements of the sarcopagus most aptly reflect .
Tap to reveal answer
The figures are done in a Roman style, but reflect images of Christ and other Christian peoples, suggesting a blending of cultures.
The figures are done in a Roman style, but reflect images of Christ and other Christian peoples, suggesting a blending of cultures.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The Riace Warriors are a clear example of contrapposto. What does that tell us about their posture?

The Riace Warriors are a clear example of contrapposto. What does that tell us about their posture?

Tap to reveal answer
While these statues may well have held weapons once, the term contrapposto denotes a specific technique first used in ancient Greek sculpture. It describes a posture wherein most of a statue’s weight rests on one foot, leading to a more natural, relaxed pose. Contrapposto also usually results in a more lifelike stance for the torso and arms as well.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
While these statues may well have held weapons once, the term contrapposto denotes a specific technique first used in ancient Greek sculpture. It describes a posture wherein most of a statue’s weight rests on one foot, leading to a more natural, relaxed pose. Contrapposto also usually results in a more lifelike stance for the torso and arms as well.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The Riace Warriors were created using what method?

The Riace Warriors were created using what method?

Tap to reveal answer
From the Archaic period on, many ancient Greek bronze statues were created using the complex, multi-step lost-wax casting process. In this process, a series of molds are created using wax and clay and molten bronze is poured into the final set of molds. This technique continues to be used today, and it often allows for greater creativity than earlier sculpting methods.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
From the Archaic period on, many ancient Greek bronze statues were created using the complex, multi-step lost-wax casting process. In this process, a series of molds are created using wax and clay and molten bronze is poured into the final set of molds. This technique continues to be used today, and it often allows for greater creativity than earlier sculpting methods.
(Image taken from the public domain: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Reggio\_calabria\_museo\_nazionale\_bronzi\_di\_riace.jpg)
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Who did the Greeks often model their sculptures after?
Who did the Greeks often model their sculptures after?
Tap to reveal answer
Greek sculptures modeled their sculptures after young, Green athletes. The athletes competed in their sports naked, allowing the sculpture to see their strong, muscular, athletic form in motion.
Greek sculptures modeled their sculptures after young, Green athletes. The athletes competed in their sports naked, allowing the sculpture to see their strong, muscular, athletic form in motion.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
was the sculptor responsible for the massive sculptures decorating the Parthenon in Athens.
was the sculptor responsible for the massive sculptures decorating the Parthenon in Athens.
Tap to reveal answer
Phidias is one of the most well-known Greek sculptors. Phidias was responsible for the strategy behind the decoration of the Parthenon. One of his masterpieces was the gold statue of Athena inside the Parthenon.
Phidias is one of the most well-known Greek sculptors. Phidias was responsible for the strategy behind the decoration of the Parthenon. One of his masterpieces was the gold statue of Athena inside the Parthenon.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →

The work shown here represents a .

The work shown here represents a .
Tap to reveal answer
This statue, the Augustus of Prima Porta, is a classic Roman sculpture of the Emperor Augustus Caesar. Carved in marble, the statue presents Augustus in the armor of Roman General, but posed and shaped in a way as to evoke the Roman gods. The Romans had a belief that the Caesars became gods upon their death, a belief fostered by the construction of temples by their successors.
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Statue-Augustus.jpg
This statue, the Augustus of Prima Porta, is a classic Roman sculpture of the Emperor Augustus Caesar. Carved in marble, the statue presents Augustus in the armor of Roman General, but posed and shaped in a way as to evoke the Roman gods. The Romans had a belief that the Caesars became gods upon their death, a belief fostered by the construction of temples by their successors.
Image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Statue-Augustus.jpg
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The difference between a bas-relief and a high relief in a carved sculpture is that .
The difference between a bas-relief and a high relief in a carved sculpture is that .
Tap to reveal answer
A relief is a sculpture that is carved into a large slate of stone or metal, with its figures raised above a flat background. A bas-relief is a form of relief with very little depth between the carving and the background, while a high relief has much more depth. Neither term indicates any level of how ornate the carving actually is.
A relief is a sculpture that is carved into a large slate of stone or metal, with its figures raised above a flat background. A bas-relief is a form of relief with very little depth between the carving and the background, while a high relief has much more depth. Neither term indicates any level of how ornate the carving actually is.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →