Romanesque Art and Architecture Summary

Romanesque Art and Architecture

Introduction to Romanesque

  • "Romanesque" means "in the manner of the Romans."

  • Term used for European art and architecture from the 11th-12th century.

  • International style from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean.

  • Architecture, sculpture, and painting were closely connected.

  • Key architectural features: semicircular or Roman arch and barrel vault.

Pilgrimage

  • Pilgrimage routes were significant.

  • Relics: Objects associated with a saint, martyr, or Christ.

  • ≈ Container for relics.

  • Cult and commerce of relics were important aspects.

Pilgrimage Churches

  • Examples include:

    • France: Church of Saint Foy.

    • Spain: Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Church of Saint-Foy, Conques, France

  • Features radiating chapels and ambulatory.

  • Tympanum: Recessed space enclosed by a pediment or arch over a doorway.

  • Last Judgment tympanum depicts the blessed in paradise and the mouth of hell.

  • Reliquary statue of Sainte-Foy contains gold, silver, jewels, and cameos over a wooden core.

Church of Saint Trophime, Arles, France

  • Features an archivolt: Ornamental molding following the curve on the underside of an arch.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain

  • Construction from 1075-1211 (Romanesque part).

  • Portico de la Gloria by Master Mateo.

Other Religious Architecture

  • Norman Architecture: Durham Cathedral, England, featuring chevron and lozenge patterns.

  • Italian Romanesque Architecture: Church of San Miniato, Florence.

Monasteries

  • Monastery of Saint Gall, Switzerland.

  • Monastery of Saint Martin de Canigou, France, featuring a cloister: Covered passage around a courtyard.

Painting, Sculpture, and Iconography

  • Religious Wall Painting in Spain: Murals of Sant Clement in Taüll.

  • Basilica of San Isidoro in León.

  • Illustrated Manuscripts: Annunciation from Swabian gospel.

  • Enthroned Virgin and Child Sculptures: Virgin from Ger.

Secular Interiors

  • Hedingham Castle, England.

  • Painted Representations of Interiors: Manuscript illustration of Christine de Pizan.

  • Wriothesley manuscript.

Romanesque Furniture

  • Types include chairs, tables, beds and chests.