Question 1

The Utrecht Psalter is most closely related to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Utrecht Psalter and the Ebbo Gospels are both illuminated manuscripts that were created during the same time period (9th century) and in the same region (Frankish Empire). They also share similar stylistic features, such as the use of vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. In contrast, the Book of Lindisfarne and the Bishop Bernward Gospels are both examples of illuminated manuscripts from later time periods (7th and 11th century, respectively) and different regions (Northumbria and Germany, respectively). The Gospel Book of Otto III is also from a later time period (10th century) and was produced in the Holy Roman Empire, which was a different cultural and political context than the Frankish Empire where the Utrecht Psalter and Ebbo Gospels were created.

Question 2

The primary sacred text was the Bible, consisting of the Old Testament originally written in Hebrew and the New Testament written in Greek. In what language is the Vulgate version of the Bible written?

Accepted Answer

The Vulgate is a Latin version of the Bible, translated by St. Jerome in the late 4th century.

Question 3

Bernward's doors for Saint Michael's, Hildesheim, juxtapose scenes from Genesis with scenes from ____.

Accepted Answer

The doors depict scenes from both Genesis and the life of Christ, including the Annunciation, Nativity, Crucifixion, and Resurrection.

Question 4

The epic ____ records that heroes were buried with items of prestige, such as rings and brooches, as a testament to their greatness.

Accepted Answer

The reference to heroes being buried with items of prestige is a key characteristic of the burial customs described in The Saga of Beowulf, an epic poem from Old English literature. The Book of Durrow and Lindisfarne Gospels are illuminated manuscripts from early medieval Ireland and England, respectively, but do not contain references to burial customs. The Book of Doom is not a known work of literature or history.

Question 5

In the image of Otto III enthroned, the ____ signify his universal authority and conform to a Christian imperial iconographic tradition.

Accepted Answer

The scepter and orb are the traditional symbols of imperial and regal power in Western European iconography, and they are often used to signify the legitimate authority of a monarch or ruler. In the case of Otto III, these symbols are particularly significant because they represent his claim to universal authority as both emperor and Christian leader. This conforms to the Christian imperial iconographic tradition that was established in the medieval period and continued to be used in art and architecture throughout the Renaissance and beyond.

Question 6

Which work demonstrates that the Carolingian artist had fully absorbed the Classical manner?

Accepted Answer

The Coronation Gospels, specifically the depiction of Saint Matthew, demonstrates a complete absorption of the Classical manner as seen in the use of drapery, linear perspective, and three-dimensional depiction of the human figure. The Utrecht Psalter and Lindisfarne Gospels have elements of Classical influence but also retain distinct features of the Germanic and Celtic styles. The Gospel Book of Otto III shows a blend of Classical, Byzantine, and Germanic styles.

Question 7

In which way did the three-aisled basilica for the Monastery of Saint Gall differ from its early Christian prototypes?

Accepted Answer

The Monastery of Saint Gall's basilica differed from early Christian prototypes by having a second apse on the west end, which was not a feature of early Christian basilicas.

Question 8

What was the primary vehicle used in the Christianization of the British Isles?

Accepted Answer

Illuminated manuscripts played a crucial role in the Christianization of the British Isles, serving as both religious texts and educational tools to spread Christian teachings and beliefs.

Question 9

Later Ottonian church architecture adopted heavy square piers alternating with columns, dividing the nave into vertical units and mitigating the smooth rhythm of early Christian arcades. This system is known as ____.

Accepted Answer

The described system of using alternating piers and columns to divide the nave is known as "alternate support." None of the other answer choices accurately describe this architectural feature.

Question 10

What is the significance of the term holy when applied to a Roman emperor?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the significance of the term...

Question 11

Explain the importance of Uta Codex .

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the importance of Uta Codex ....

Question 12

Why is Christmas Day 800 significant?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is Christmas Day 800 significant?...

Question 13

The Book of Durrow has pages devoted to pure embellishment with neither text nor illustration. Why is this significant?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Book of Durrow has pages devoted...

Question 14

____ were centrally important to the revival of learning during Charlemagne's reign.

Accepted Answer

Monastic communities were crucial to the revival of learning during Charlemagne's reign as they preserved and copied manuscripts, and served as centers of education and scholarship.

Question 15

Contrast the Lindau Gospels book cover and the Gero Crucifix .

Accepted Answer

The answer of Contrast the Lindau Gospels book cover and...

Question 16

Because of their large scale, ____ are the exceptions of artistic production in Ireland and northern England.

Accepted Answer

High crosses are recognized for their impressive size and complexity, making them stand out in terms of artistic production in Ireland and northern England. Stave churches are mainly found in Scandinavia, bronze doors are not particularly prevalent in this region, and equestrian portraits are not as common in the early medieval period in these areas.

Question 17

Briefly describe and explain the juxtaposition of Old and New Testament scenes of the doors with relief panels from Saint Michael's at Hildesheim.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly describe and explain the juxtaposition of...

Question 18

The Carolingian architectural plan that demonstrated the beginnings of the modular system was found in ____.

Accepted Answer

The Monastery of Saint Gall is known for its plan that demonstrated the beginnings of the modular system, with a grid of columns and bays that could be repeated and varied.

Question 19

What model may have inspired the presence of two apses and a side entrance at Saint Michael's, Hildesheim?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What model may have inspired the presence...

Question 20

The ____ burial epitomizes the early medieval tradition of burying great lords with rich furnishings.

Accepted Answer

The Sutton Hoo burial is the most famous example of early medieval burial with rich furnishings, including a ship burial and numerous valuable artifacts. The other options are not known for such rich burials.

Quiz 11: Early Medieval Europe