Essential terms and fundamental concepts from Global Prehistory and Unit 1, covering artistic materials, formal analysis, and early human cultural expression for the AP Art History exam.
20 cards
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Formal Analysis
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The method of analyzing art by dissecting its formal elements (line, color, shape, texture, space) and principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis) without relying on external context.
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Pigment
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A colored substance used to create paint or dye. In prehistoric art, these were often sourced from minerals like ochre (red/yellow) or manganese dioxide (black), ground into powder and mixed with a binder.
Front
Binder
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A liquid medium that holds pigment particles together and adheres them to a surface. Prehistoric binders included animal fat, plant sap, saliva, or water.
Front
Support
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The physical surface on which a two-dimensional work of art is created. Examples include cave walls, wood panels, canvas, or papyrus.
Front
Composition
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The arrangement of elements (shapes, figures, colors) within a work of art. It dictates how the viewer's eye moves through the piece and establishes visual hierarchy.
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