Nave
The central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation. Typically, rectangular.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Nave | The central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation. Typically, rectangular. |
| Apse | A large semicircular recess in a church, arched or with a domed roof. Typically at the eastern end and usually containing the altar. |
| Transept | (in a cross-shaped church) either of the two parts forming the arms of the cross shape, projecting at right angles from the nave. |
| Atrium | The open place or court before a church. it consisted of a large quadrangle with colonnaded walks on its four sides forming a portico or cloister. Situated between the porch/vestibule and the body of the church. |
| Narthex | An antechamber, porch, or distinct area at the western entrance of a church; This is where those who were not yet Christians would stand. |
| Nave arcade/colonnade | A row of arches and their supporting columns that separates the nave from the side aisles. |
| Clerestory | High section of wall that contains windows above eye level, typically to admit light and improve ventilation. |
| Ambulatory | A covered walkway or passageway that encircles the apse or choir of church. Serves as a processional way that improves traffic flow and provides access to sacred relics and shrines. |
| Basilica | Rectangular hall, on a long axis, with clerestory lighting for central space. Built with several parallel aisles separated by rows of columns ending in a semi-circular structure, the apse. |
| Martyria (loca sancta) | Church or shrine built over the tomb of a martyr. Typically with a central or circular plan and thus centered on a central element. |
| central-plan buildings | Type of architectural design where the floor plan is symmetrical around a central point. Thus, often circular. Creates a sense of unity in the space. |
| Neutral Iconography | Neutral imagery that may be used by any persons, not necessarily attached to religious meaning. |
| Bucolic | Relating to countryside or pastoral life. |
| Paradisiac | Relating to paradise |
| Philosopher | Typically bearded older man. Barechested. Signifies wisdom. |
| Orante | Figure with arms outstretched; Piety |
| Retrospective Biographical | Regarding an individual's life story that occurred in the past. |
| Prospective Afterlife | Concept of continued existence beyond death. Just afterlife. |
| Signitive Iconography | The study of the classification, description, interpretation of imagery. |
| Prefiguration | The depiction of Old Testament persons and events as prophetic forerunners of Christ and New Testament events. |
| Typology | Classification of something based on shared characteristics. Study and interpretation of types and symbols in the Bible. |
| Annunciation | Biblical event where angel Gabriel informed Mary that she will conceive Jesus. |
| Interlace | Decorative motifs characterized by intricate, overlapping designs. |
| Figure-ground ambiguity | The distinction between the subject of an image and background is unclear or can be interpreted in multiple ways. EX: M.C. Escher |
| Dotted Bands | Possibly referring to pointillism |
| Color Alternation | Repetition of 2 or more contrasting elements. This creates a rhythm or pattern. |
| Good Shepherd | Can mean philanthropy, but typically relates to Jesus as the "Good Shepherd", guiding human souls (sheep). |