Romanesque Art & Architecture

Lecture by: Professor Will Adams

Key Questions

Pilgrimages

• Why were there so many?

  • Pilgrimages were popular in medieval Europe as individuals sought spiritual fulfillment, the chance for penance, or healing through visiting sacred sites.

• How did they affect the building of Churches?

  • The influx of pilgrims necessitated the construction of larger churches, often with distinct architectural features to accommodate large crowds and enhanced liturgical functions.

History

• Impact of William the Conqueror’s victory in England.

  • William's rule initiated the spread of Romanesque architecture in England, leading to the construction of significant cathedrals and churches reflective of Norman styles.

• Importance of the Bayeux Tapestry and its uniqueness.

  • This tapestry serves not only as an artistic representation of the Norman Conquest but also provides crucial historical narratives through its detailed embroidery, highlighting critical events and figures.

Churches

• Why were Churches referred to as ‘Romanesque’?

  • The term 'Romanesque' indicates the architectural style’s roots in Roman designs, characterized by rounded arches and robust structures reminiscent of Roman basilicas.

• Common elements found in Romanesque Churches.

  • Key characteristics include thick walls, barrel vaults, and extensive use of stone, with common decorations like sculptures and reliefs depicting biblical scenes.

The Bayeux Tapestry

• Commissioned by: Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror.

• Length: Over 70 metres.

• Material: Embroidery, not woven, using woollen yarns on linen.

• Historical Significance: One of the first records of historical events soon after they occurred. It presents a unique narrative style through visual art.

• Location: Displayed at Bayeux, Normandy, France.

Romanesque Art Characteristics

• Bayeux Tapestry Date: c. 1066-1082.

• Nomenclature: Norman or Romanesque, indicating the cultural blend of England and France during this period.

Important Aspects of Romanesque Architecture

• International Style: The first since the Roman Empire; known as “Norman” in England and signifying cultural hegemony.

• Competition Among Cities: Striving for larger churches led to architectural innovations that evolved into Gothic styles.

• Masonry: Preference for stone construction, reflecting strength and permanence; wooden structures largely rejected due to durability concerns.

• Church Layout:

  • East end for liturgical services; west end for the church entrance, promoting a clear focus on the altar during services.

• Church Portals: Serve as 'billboards' for scripture and faith teachings, often adorned with sculptural decoration to educate the illiterate.

• Cruciform Plans: Nave and transept forming right angles symbolize the heaven and contrasts sacred space from secular.

• Basilican Influence: Elevation with higher nave than side aisles, accentuating the spatial hierarchy crucial for liturgical ceremonies.

• Interior Design: Articulated by a series of moldings; heavy forms were lightened with decorations, integrating spiritual narratives and enhancing the worship experience.

• Nave Compartments: Divided into bays for both structural stability and aesthetic purposes, contributing to the rhythmic experience of interior spaces.

• Round-headed Arches: A standard architectural feature that provided strength while creating expansive sense with the vaulted space.

• Window Size: Generally small windows relative to structural weight, optimizing stability while allowing minimal light, creating a somber atmosphere ideal for meditation.

Case Study: Church of St. Etienne

• Location: Caen, France.

• Construction Date: 1115-1120.

• Significance: It serves as a paragon of Norman Romanesque architecture, showcasing clarity of design with harmonious proportions.

Pilgrimage Churches: Saint-Sernin

• Location: Toulouse, France.

• Construction Date: c. 1070-1120.

• Importance: Important pilgrimage stop to Santiago de Compostela, the route known for spiritual significance and the quest for enlightenment.

• Planning: Designed to accommodate massive pilgrim influx with an expansive plan, featuring an abnormally large transept and radiating chapels for relaid altars.

Christ in Majesty, Saint-Sernin

• Artist: Bernardus Geldunius, ca. 1096.

• Artistic Convention: Depicts Christ in a mandorla, flanked by Evangelists, encapsulating divine authority and serves an educational function for worshippers.

• Inscription: “Pax vobis” (peace be unto you), revealing the theological underpinnings of mercy and grace.

Architectural Marvels of Saint-Étienne

• Construction Began: 1067 under William of Normandy.

• Structural Features: Groin vaults for spaciousness and large windowed arches in the third story contributed to the grandeur of the interior space.

Judgement Themes in Art

• Artist: Gislebertus, Last Judgment from Saint-Lazzare, ca. 1120-1135.

• Depiction: Christ separating the Blessed from the Damned highlighted pilgrimage themes, where the notion of salvation became palpable for the viewers.

Italian Romanesque Architecture

• Cathedral Complex: Pisa, Italy, begun in 1063; includes the Leaning Tower, representing technical achievement and audacity in medieval engineering.

• Diversity: Italian provinces developed various styles influenced by classical legacies, including Byzantine and local traditions.

Key Artistic Structures in Italy

• Baptistry of San Giovanni: Dedicated in 1059, its richly decorated and domed octagonal plans mirror significant independent city-state influences and architectural creativity during the period.

English Romanesque Architecture

• Transition from wood to stone after the Norman Conquest in 1066 marked a critical shift toward more durable, grand constructions.

• Characterized by: Heavy walls, flat roofs, and deeply recessed portals that created a sense of fortress-like security.

• Key Examples:

  • Durham Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture showcasing ribbed vaults.

  • Canterbury Cathedral, known for its historical significance and architectural innovation.

Summary of Romanesque Art Traits

• General Characteristics: Thick stone walls, small windows, ribbed vaults, and decorative tympanums that together create a characteristic aesthetic.

• Architectural Evolution: Included separate Baptistries and adaptations to meet pilgrimage needs, which illustrate the dynamic nature of this period's religious focus.

Conclusion

• Romanesque Art reflects a unique peak of architectural and artistic achievement spanning several nations, serving both spiritual functions and contributing to communal identity during the Middle Ages.