Question 1

In the context of Romanesque architecture, a tympanum refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tympanum in Romanesque architecture refers to the semicircular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, bounded by a lintel and arch. It often contains sculpture or other imagery.

Question 2

Carolingian architecture is called so because of:

Accepted Answer

Carolingian architecture is named after Charlemagne (also known as Charles the Great or Carolus Magnus in Latin), who was a king of the Franks and later crowned Emperor of the Romans. His reign and patronage significantly influenced the development of architecture during the Carolingian Renaissance, a period marked by a revival of art, culture, and learning inspired by the classical world.

Question 3

A distinctive feature of the Palatine Chapel is:

Accepted Answer

The Palatine Chapel features a westwerk, a cloister vault, a sixteen-sided perimeter aisle, and polychrome masonry, making all the options correct.

Question 4

The design of the Abbey gatehouse at Lorsch was modeled on:

Accepted Answer

The Abbey gatehouse at Lorsch was modeled on the Roman triumphal-arch form, reflecting the Carolingian Renaissance's interest in reviving and emulating Roman architecture and art.

Question 5

The plan of the Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés suggests a connection to:

Accepted Answer

The plan of the Oratory of Germigny-des-Prés, with its Greek cross shape and central dome, suggests a connection to Byzantine architecture, reflecting the influence of the Byzantine Empire on Western European architectural practices during the period of its construction in the early 9th century.

Question 6

The Plan of St. Gall was developed for:

Accepted Answer

The Plan of St. Gall was developed for the Benedictine Order. It is a famous medieval architectural drawing of a monastic compound dating from the early 9th century, intended for a monastery of the Benedictine Order.

Question 7

The oldest extant stave church is the church at:

Accepted Answer

The oldest extant stave church is the Urnes Stave Church in Norway, which dates back to the 12th century and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Question 8

The monastery of ________ (1001-1026) in southwestern France survives as an example of the process by which monasticism spread, and its buildings illustrate architectural accomplishments of the early Romanesque period.

Accepted Answer

The monastery of St. Martin at Canigou, built between 1001-1026, is located in southwestern France and is an example of early Romanesque architecture and the spread of monasticism during that period.

Question 9

Charlemagne traveled to Rome in the year 800 to:

Accepted Answer

Charlemagne traveled to Rome in the year 800 to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III, marking a significant event in medieval European history.

Question 10

The combination of corbel tables and pilaster strips is called:

Accepted Answer

Lombard bands are architectural features that combine corbel tables and pilaster strips, often seen in Romanesque architecture, particularly in the regions influenced by the Lombards.

Question 11

A distinctive feature of Speyer Cathedral is:

Accepted Answer

Speyer Cathedral, a prime example of Romanesque architecture, is known for its grand scale, making it one of the largest cathedrals of its time. It features high groin vaults, which were innovative for its era, contributing to the structure's impressive verticality and spacious interior. The cathedral is also characterized by its multiple towers, adding to its majestic appearance. Additionally, its use of transverse arch bands is a distinctive architectural detail that helps support the vaults and adds to the aesthetic rhythm of the interior space.

Question 12

The façade of S. Miniato al Monte in Florence demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

The façade of S. Miniato al Monte in Florence is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, which often sought to revive and maintain the architectural traditions of the Roman Empire, thus demonstrating a continuity with the Roman past.

Question 13

All of the following are Pilgrimage Road churches EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following are Pilgrimage Road...

Question 14

The sculpted Mystic Mill capital at Vézelay represents:

Accepted Answer

The Mystic Mill capital at Vézelay depicts the transformation of Old Testament prophecies into New Testament teachings and blessings, symbolizing the continuity and fulfillment of religious teachings from the Old to the New Testament.

Question 15

Sculpture in the west-front tympanum at St. Lazare in Autun depicts the:

Accepted Answer

The west-front tympanum at St. Lazare in Autun, created by Gislebertus in the 12th century, famously depicts the Last Judgment. This Romanesque sculpture is known for its detailed portrayal of the saved and the damned, emphasizing themes of salvation and damnation.

Question 16

An atypical feature in Western medieval architecture that the Romanesque churches in Aquitaine have is:

Accepted Answer

Romanesque churches in Aquitaine are distinctive for having a series of some seventy churches with domes, which is an atypical feature in Western medieval architecture.

Question 17

Stereotomy is the art of:

Accepted Answer

Stereotomy is specifically related to the art and science of cutting three-dimensional solids into particular shapes, most commonly associated with stonecutting. This skill is crucial in various architectural and construction applications, particularly in the creation of complex structures and details in stone.

Question 18

The façade design of the church of St. Gilles-du-Gard was based on:

Accepted Answer

The façade design of the church of St. Gilles-du-Gard was inspired by a Roman triumphal arch, reflecting the influence of Roman architecture on medieval church designs.

Question 19

In sharp contrast to the Cluniacs, the Cistercians:

Accepted Answer

The Cistercians were known for their austerity and simplicity in architecture, deliberately avoiding the use of expensive materials and decorative elements in order to maintain a focus on spiritual values, in contrast to the more elaborate Cluniac establishments.

Question 20

The nave vaults at St. Cuthbert in Durham are:

Accepted Answer

The nave vaults at St. Cuthbert in Durham are septpartite, meaning they are divided into seven parts by six ribs.

Quiz 8: Early Medieval and Romanesque Architecture