Romanesque Art II

Ex image includes elements of mystical world. World of art is in tapestry scenes during this period. | Bayeux Tapestry

Romanesque Metal work

* Ex: Tombo f Rudolf of Swabia is the oldest known bronze tomb effigy.

* Height is 6' 5 1/2", almost life size

* In the 11th century, Saxon metal workers began creating effigies. An effigy is a life-sized sculpture/portrait of someone

* Spurs depict the story of a brave hero who stood up for his beliefs. He is considered to be a martyr.

* He holds a scepter, and cross-surmounted orb-- two emblems of Christian kingship. Head has large shadow being cast--head is in high relief, whereas rest of the body is in low relief.

* Niello technique: Fine linear detailing filled with black alloy to make image pop.

Further example: Bronze Baptismal font (dated 1107-1118)

* Tells a story on religious leaders getting baptized

* Created by Renier in a style that seems classical

* Shows three baptisms happening, 1 of St. John the Baptisst preaching to and baptizing christ. 2nd, St. Peter baptizes Cornelius and John baptizes philosopher Crato. At bottom of baptismal font, there are 12 oxen to represent the twelve apostles and their suport of his work.

* Classical style, clingly clothing--shows Renier's understanding of anatomy and the evolution of anatomy in sculpture. 

* Attempt to create perspectivee--the dept of artwork. Trying tom make depth out of 2d image. Triangular structure, similar to railroad tracks as they go off into the distance, gets smaller and closer together as it moves beyond.

The Bayeux Tapestry 

* Tells the history of the Norman conquest of England.

* Divided into several different stories

* Technically embroidery, because a tapestry is something that is completely woven, while embroidery is stitchwork

* 70 meters long. One piece of linen stretches 70m long, three full-length swimming pools.

* Subjects; 623 people, 202 horses, 41 ships, 55 dogs, 500 mythical creatures, and 2000 words.

Further scene from The Bayeux Tapestry

* Nobles feasting-- cooks present, preparing meal for returning masters, nobility coming back from hunting party

* 11th century

* Preparing either a sheep or an oxen or a pig or a cow over a spit. Image of cauldron boiling on fire. 

* Other scene shows other servants dining separate from their masters. Servants dine on makeshift made of shields, while wealthy have table with fancy silverware

Illustrated Books

* The Nun Guda, Book of Homilies

* Guda's self portrait is the earliest signed self portrait by a woman

* Germany, early 12th century

* Ink on parchment

* Not profound or major work, but it chronologically significant

* Writing says "Guda, the sinful woman, wrote and illuminated the book." She authors her work

* Women were far from anonymous in German scriptoria perio

| The Mouth of Hell painting from the Winchester Psalter

* England, dated 1150

* Ink and tempera on vellum

* Mouth of Hell is locked by an angel

* Inscription include says "Here is hell." and the angels lock the doors in response. Those inside mouth of hell have fear, in contrast with relaxed angel outside.

Definitions

Tomb effigy - An artistic representation of a person for their burial tomb.

Niello technique - A metalworking technique that was used for decorative figures.

Bayeux tapestry - A famous textile that tells the story of Norman conquest.

The nun Guda - A noted female manuscript illustrator.

Parchment - A thin material used for pages in books, made from animal skin, often sheepskin or goatskin.

The Winchester Psalter - A famous illustrated book from the Romanesque period.