Romanesque Architecture Flashcards

Flashcards about Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

Developed in Western Europe (9th–12th century) under Roman rule with Byzantine influences, named for similarities to Roman architecture.

Geological Factors in Romanesque Architecture

Local materials such as stone, brick, marble, and terracotta were commonly used, with reused features from Roman buildings.

Climatic Adaptations in Romanesque Architecture

In the North, buildings had enlarged window openings and high-pitched roofs, while the South used small window openings and flat roofs.

Religious Influence on Romanesque Architecture

Christianity shaped culture and education, driving church construction. Bishops held governance and military authority.

Social and Political Context of Romanesque Architecture

The rise of religious orders and the emergence of the Feudal System influenced design; landlords built castles for separation and protection.

Historical Context of Romanesque Architecture

Developed from Roman and Byzantine styles, preceding Gothic architecture. A new era began with Charlemagne's coronation, promoting church and monastery construction.

Carolingian Architecture

Laid foundations for Romanesque architecture through Charlemagne's promotion of masonry construction for churches and monasteries.

Romanesque Expansion

Found across Italy, France, Spain, Central Europe, and the Holy Land.

Romanesque Definition

"Roman-like art," emerged after the Roman Empire's decline. Roman ruins influenced construction & decorative treatment.

Architectural Character of Romanesque Buildings

Sober & dignified style, widespread across Western Europe, using dressed stonework in small pieces connected with thick mortar beds and rib & panel vaulting.

Romanesque Building Types

Churches, Castles, Monasteries, and Fortified Towns

Norman Romanesque

Developed in Britain by the Normans, characterized by massive stone forms.

Ottonian Romanesque

Developed in Germany, influenced by Carolingian & Byzantine styles.

Medieval Society's Influence

Landowning Lords and Knights built fortresses, Peasants and Laborers contributed to construction, and Monks and Priests developed monasteries, reinforcing religious influence.

Recessed Arch Entrance

Multiple layers of arches creating depth.

Blind Arcade

Decorative arch series built against a wall.

Ambulatory

Extended aisle flanking the nave, wrapping around the apse to accommodate pilgrims.

Absidioles

Small round chapels radiating around the ambulatory.

Tympanum

Stone slab above the doorway, focal ornament.

Historiated Capitals

Carved figures, animals, birds, or symbols used as decoration.

Vaulting Shift

Roman cross vault replaced by rib & panel vaulting which leds to groins shaping vault profiles

Lombard Band

Exterior decorative blind arcade (Basilica di Santa Giulia, Italy).

Voussoirs

Wedge-shaped stones forming the arch.

Archivolts

Decorative arch bands.

Stilted Arch

Curve begins above impost line.

Horseshoe Arch

Moorish Keyhole arch, widening before tapering to a rounded/pointed crown.

Sicilian Romanesque

Influenced by Greek, Italian & African styles. Uses Sulfur, Calcareous, & Shelly Limestone in construction. Facades decorated with geometric patterns.

San Miniato, Florence

Departure from long basilican arcades and Arcades restricted to top gables & apses.Constructed with Stone & Brick.