AP Art History Unit 4 Practice Test 2026 - Free AP Art History Practice Questions and Study Guide

The artistic movement that follows the Early Byzantine period is the Middle Byzantine period. This phase is characterized by significant developments in church architecture, iconography, and religious art that evolved during the height of Byzantine culture from around the 9th to the 12th century.

During the Middle Byzantine period, there was a resurgence in the use of icons, and the style became more refined and elaborate. This era saw the construction of notable structures such as the Hagia Sophia in its later transformations and the expansion of the use of domes in church designs. Additionally, the artistic techniques and themes during this period were strongly influenced by religious devotion and the Orthodox Christian faith, reflecting a continuity of the traditions established during the Early Byzantine period while also incorporating new ideas that emerged over time.

In contrast, the Gothic and Romanesque periods emerged later and were primarily characterized by different architectural styles and cultural contexts. The Renaissance marks a distinct shift towards humanism, classical themes, and the revival of ancient Roman and Greek art rather than being a direct continuation of Byzantine traditions. Therefore, the Middle Byzantine period is the correct choice as it directly follows the Early Byzantine era and showcases its developmental progression.