(EECA2) Sacred Spaces

Sacred Spaces

The College Board has used this theme on the AP Art History exam predominantly over the years. This review component has been designed to help you explore this theme.

In the earlier modules, you were introduced to several works that use symbols and iconography. The following list is just a few examples.

In this module, a few of the works that are good examples of sacred spaces are the following:

  • Annunciation Triptych (Merode Altarpiece). Workshop of Robert Campin. 1427-1432 C.E. Oil on wood.
  • The Arnolfini Portrait. Jan van Eyck. c. 1434 C.E. Oil on wood.
  • Birth of Venus. Sandro Botticelli. c. 1484-1486 C.E. Tempera on canvas.
  • Adam and Eve. Albrecht Dürer. 1504 C.E. Engraving.
  • Raphael. School of Athens. 1509-1511 C.E. Fresco.
  • Isenheim altarpiece. Matthias Grünewald. c. 1512-1516 C.E. Oil on wood.

The following images from past modules would be good examples of symbolism and iconography:

  • Palette of King Narmer. Predynastic Egypt. c. 3000-2920 B.C.E. Greywacke.
  • Akhenaton, Nefertiti, and three daughters. New Kingdom (Amarna), 18th Dynasty c. 1353-1335 B.C.E. Limestone.
  • Tutankhamun's tomb, innermost coffin. New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty. c. 1323 B.C.E. Gold with inlay of enamel and semiprecious stones.
  • Last judgment of Hu-Nefer, from his tomb (page from the Book of the Dead). New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty. c. 1275 B.C.E. Painted papyrus scroll.
  • Great Altar of Zeus and Athena at Pergamon. Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). Hellenistic Greek. c. 175 B.C.E. Marble (architecture and sculpture).
  • Augustus of Prima Porta. Imperial Roman. Early first century C.E. Marble.
  • Catacomb of Priscilla. Rome, Italy. Late Antique Europe. c. 200-400 C.E. Excavated tufa and fresco.
  • Lindisfarne Gospels: St. Matthew, cross-carpet page; St. Luke portrait page; St. Luke incipit page. Early medieval (Hiberno Saxon) Europe. c. 700 C.E. Illuminated manuscript (ink, pigments, and gold on vellum).
  • Church of Sainte-Foy. Conques, France. Romanesque Europe. Church: c. 1050-1130 C.E.; stone and paint (tympanum).
  • Chartres Cathedral. Chartres, France. Gothic Europe. Original construction c. 1145-1155 C.E.; reconstructed c. 1194-1220 C.E. Limestone, stained glass.

Learn more about the Isenheim Altarpiece in the activity below.

Learn more about the Merode Altarpiece in the presentation below.

Learn more about the Arnolfini Portrait in the presentation below.

Learn more about the Adam and Eve Engraving in the presentation below.

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