A-Frame

A three-piece rigid structural frame in the shape of the upright capital letter "A".

 

Agalma

any work of art dedicated to a god in ancient Greece.

Agnus Dei

A figure of a lamb as emblematic of Christ.

Agiasterium

In the early church, that part of a basilica in which the altar was placed.

  

Aisle

The longitudinal passage between sections of seats in an church or auditorium. The space flanking and parallel to the nave, usually separated from it by columns, in order structures, intended primarily for circulation

Aisleway

A passage or walkway within a church which permits the flow of people from the rear to the front and back.

  

Ajimez

In Moorish architecture, two-light window with central colonnette.

  

Alabaster

A fine-grined, translucent variety of very pure gypsum, generally white or delicately shaded, usually use for stone carving. The picture to the left shows sheets of alabaster used as windows.

Album

In ancient Roman architecture, a space on the surface of a wall covered with white plaster, located in a public place on which public announcements and records.

  

Allegory

A figurative representation in which the meaning is conveyed symbolically

Alette

The wing of the pier on both sides of an engaged column. A minor wing of a building.

 

Alemar

A desk on which the Torah is read in a synagogue.

 

Altar

Derived from the Latin word, altare, meaning a raised, high place, the altar is any structure upon which sacrifices or other offerings are offered for religious purposes, or some other sacred place where ceremonies take place. Altars are usually found in shrines, a sacred place. They are found worldwide in many cultures, particularly in the religions of Christianity, Neo-Paganism, Shinto, Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism (also known as daoism). They were also found in other ancient religions. In Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican services.

Altar Frontal

An ornamental hanging or panel for the front of an altar.

Altar Kneeler

Also called the Altar rail. A low rail or barrier in front of the altar,upon which worshiper's kneel way praying.

Altar of Repose

A pedestal or niche upon which the sacraments are preserved from Maundy Thursday,to Good Friday.

Altarpiece

A painted or carved screen behind or above the altar or communion table in Christian churches.

Altar Rail

A low rail or barrier in front of the altar,upon which worshiper's kneel way praying.

Altar Screen

A richly decorated partition of stone, wood, or metal, separating the altar from the space behind it.

Altar Slab

A flat stone or slab forming the top of the altar.