The words of every faith, explained for everyone: what an iconostasis, a mihrab, a bimah or a tabernacle is.
14 terms
Also called: Brâncoveanu style
The late-17th-century architectural style of Wallachia, with columned porches and rich stone carving.
Art & iconography
Also called: panelled ceiling
A wooden ceiling divided into painted panels with floral and folk motifs, typical of Reformed and Unitarian churches in Transylvania.
The inscription above the entrance stating who built the church, when, and under which ruler or bishop.
Also called: Russian cross
A cross with three horizontal bars: a short top one, a long one and a slanted lower one.
Also called: mural painting
Painting done on wet plaster; the colours bond with the wall and last for centuries.
A sacred image painted according to ancient rules on wood, glass or a wall; the faithful venerate it rather than worship it.
Also called: Armenian cross-stone
A carved stone slab bearing a cross surrounded by plant and geometric motifs, emblem of Armenian art.
A scene usually painted on the west wall showing the end of the world: Christ judges, the righteous go to Paradise and sinners to hell.
Also called: Jewish gravestone
A gravestone in a Jewish cemetery, inscribed in Hebrew with symbols such as blessing hands or a ewer.
Also called: Christ the Almighty
The image of Christ the Almighty painted in the main dome, blessing with the right hand and holding the Gospel in the left.
Reformed churches often have a metal rooster on top of the tower instead of a cross, recalling Peter’s denial and repentance.
A window of coloured glass pieces held in lead, forming images; typical of Gothic and Neo-Gothic churches.
The painting showing the founders offering a model of the church to Christ, the Mother of God or the patron saint.
Also called: polyptych, triptych
An altar with painted or carved panels that open and close like the wings of a book.
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