ROMANESQUE ART

ROMANESQUE ART

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

Test Strategies and Concepts for ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE

IMPORTANCE OF THE BAYEUX TAPESTRYThe history behind the making of the Bayeux Tapestry, actually a work of embroidery, allows students to review issues of patronage. A major document of the Norman invasion, this brilliant art object can frequently be used as an example in long essay responses on the AP* exam. Understanding the story of the tapestry, and identifying major episodes from it, can be useful facts for students to know.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

Test Strategies and Concepts for ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE

IMPORTANCE OF THE BAYEUX TAPESTRYThe history behind the making of the Bayeux Tapestry, actually a work of embroidery, allows students to review issues of patronage. A major document of the Norman invasion, this brilliant art object can frequently be used as an example in long essay responses on the AP* exam. Understanding the story of the tapestry, and identifying major episodes from it, can be useful facts for students to know.

ELEMENTS OF ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTUREThe Romanesque style and how it differs from Classical architecture and Gothic architecture, which students will learn about in the next chapter, is the single most important concept that students should remember from this period.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

Test Strategies and Concepts for ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE

IMPORTANCE OF THE BAYEUX TAPESTRYThe history behind the making of the Bayeux Tapestry, actually a work of embroidery, allows students to review issues of patronage. A major document of the Norman invasion, this brilliant art object can frequently be used as an example in long essay responses on the AP* exam. Understanding the story of the tapestry, and identifying major episodes from it, can be useful facts for students to know.

ELEMENTS OF ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTUREThe Romanesque style and how it differs from Classical architecture and Gothic architecture, which students will learn about in the next chapter, is the single most important concept that students should remember from this period.

DECIPHERING CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISMNew images of Christian iconography appear in Romanesque art. Gislebertus's LAST JUDGMENT from Autun is a good example of the evolving body of Christian symbolism.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

The Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry was probably commissioned in the 1070s by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother of William

the Conqueror. It is over 70 metres long and although it is called a tapestry it is in fact an embroidery, stitched not woven in

woollen yarns on linen. Some historians argue that it was embroidered in Kent,

England. The original tapestry is on display at Bayeux in Normandy, France.

This is one of the first recordings of an historical event shortly after it

happened.

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Romanesque Art

Bayeux Tapestry, c1066-1082. NORMAN or ROMANESQUE

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Romanesque Art

ISTI MIRANT STELLA = “These ones look at the star.” It’s Halley’s Comet!

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

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Romanesque Art

11 important aspects of Romanesque architecture

1. “Romanesque” is the first international style since the Roman Empire. Also known as the “Norman” style in England.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

11 important aspects of Romanesque architecture

1. “Romanesque” is the first international style since the Roman Empire. Also known as the “Norman” style in England

2. Competition among cities for the largest churches, which continues in the Gothic period via a “quest for height.”

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

11 important aspects of Romanesque architecture

1. “Romanesque” is the first international style since the Roman Empire. Also known as the “Norman” style in England

2. Competition among cities for the largest churches, which continues in the Gothic period via a “quest for height.”

3. Masonry (stone) the preferred medium. Craft of concrete essentially lost in this period. Rejection of wooden structures or structural elements.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

11 important aspects of Romanesque architecture

1. “Romanesque” is the first international style since the Roman Empire. Also known as the “Norman” style in England

2. Competition among cities for the largest churches, which continues in the Gothic period via a “quest for height.”

3. Masonry (stone) the preferred medium. Craft of concrete essentially lost in this period. Rejection of wooden structures or structural elements.

4. East end of church the focus for liturgical services. West end for the entrance to church.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

5. Church portals as “billboards” for scripture or elements of faith.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

5. Church portals as “billboards” for scripture or elements of faith.

6. Cruciform plans. Nave and transept at right angles to one another. Church as a metaphor for heaven.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

5. Church portals as “billboards” for scripture or elements of faith.

6. Cruciform plans. Nave and transept at right angles to one another. Church as a metaphor for heaven.

7. Elevation of churches based on basilican forms, but with the nave higher than the side aisles.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

8. Interiors articulated by repetitive series of moldings. Heavy masonry forms seem lighter with applied decoration.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

8. Interiors articulated by repetitive series of moldings. Heavy masonry forms seem lighter with applied decoration.

9. Bays divide the nave into compartments

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

8. Interiors articulated by repetitive series of moldings. Heavy masonry forms seem lighter with applied decoration.

9. Bays divide the nave into compartments

10. Round-headed arches are the norm.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

8. Interiors articulated by repetitive series of moldings. Heavy masonry forms seem lighter with applied decoration.

9. Bays divide the nave into compartments

10. Round-headed arches are the norm.

11. Small windows in comparison to buildings to withstand weight

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

Church of St. EtienneCaen, France

1115-1120ROMANESQUE

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art Church of St. Etienne, 1115-1120. ROMANESQUE

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Romanesque Art

Vaulted Ceilings

Ribs

Tribune / Gallery

Clustered Piers

Ambulatory

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Romanesque Art

Aerial view (southeast) of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse, France ca 1070-1120

This church was first constructed in the honor of the city’s first bishop, Saint Saturninus (Saint Sernin in

French), who was martyred in the middle of the third century.

This church served as an important stop for pilgrims traveling to Santiago

de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

Pilgrims would flock to this church by the masses, and the church had been designed specifically to accommodate

them.

The plan of this church closely resembles that of Santiago de

Compostela’s and Saint Martin at Tours and exemplifies what has come

to be called the “pilgrimage type”.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

radiatingchapels

ambulatory

transept

uppergalleries(tribunes)

large nave

Layout of Saint-Sernin, Toulouse, France ca 1070-1120

Identify THESE parts of the church layout!

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Romanesque Art

Bernardus Geldunius, Christ in Majesty, Saint-Sernin, ca 1096.

This is one of seven marble slabs, representing angels, apostles, and Christ, made for the great pilgrimage church of Saint-Sernin at Toulouse.

An inscription states that the artist was a certain Bernardus Geldunius, 1096.

Christ sits in a mandorla (a medieval Christian artistic convention by which an oval or almond-

shaped area or series of lines surrounds a deity, most commonly Jesus.) His right hand raised in blessing, his left hand resting on an open book

inscribed with the words “Pax vobis” (”Peace be unto you”).

The signs of the Four Evangelists occupy the slab’s corners. Above are the eagle of St. John

and the angel of St. Matthew. Below are the ox of St. Luke and the lion of St. Mark.

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Romanesque Art

West facade of Saint-Étienne,Caen, France, begun 1067

Most critics consider the abbey church of Saint-Étienne at Caen the masterpiece of

Norman Romanesque architecture. It was begun by William of Normandy in 1067 and

must have advanced rapidly, as he was buried there in 1087.

The spires were added to the towers during the Gothic age in an attempt to bring the structure

closer to the heavens.

The use of these groin vaults gave the interior a more spacious feel, and allowed for the

addition of large windowed arches in the third story. The result reduced the interior wall

suface and gave Saint-Étienne’s nave a light and airy quality that is unusual in the

Romanesque period.

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Romanesque Art

Interior of Saint-Étienne,Caen, France, ca 1115-1120

Most critics consider the abbey church of Saint-Étienne at Caen the masterpiece of

Norman Romanesque architecture. It was begun by William of Normandy in 1067 and

must have advanced rapidly, as he was buried there in 1087.

The spires were added to the towers during the Gothic age in an attempt to bring the structure

closer to the heavens.

The use of these groin vaults gave the interior a more spacious feel, and allowed for the

addition of large windowed arches in the third story. The result reduced the interior wall

suface and gave Saint-Étienne’s nave a light and airy quality that is unusual in the

Romanesque period.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

Church of Sainte-FoyConques, France. c1050-1130CE.

ROMANESQUEIn the 11th century a new church was begun

which was completed by the mid 12th century. This Romanesque pilgrimage church became a major stage on the pilgrimage road

to Santiago de Compostela.

The site became famous because it housed the relics of Sainte Foy (Faith), the daughter

of a wealthy family in Agen who had converted to Christianity and thus refused to

sacrifice to the pagan gods.

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Romanesque Art

Once the relics were situated at Conques, they attracted many pilgrims; stories of the blind seeing again or prisoners being freed

are attributed to the saint's intercession. (The depiction of Sainte Foy on the tympanum of

the church includes shackles hanging above her figure as a way of emphasizing these

miracles.) Today in the Treasury of the church one can see some of the most

fabulous golden religious objects in France, including the very famous gold and jewel-

encrusted reliquary statue of St. Foy.

Church of Sainte-FoyConques, France. c1050-1130CE.

ROMANESQUE

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

Church of Sainte-FoyConques, France. c1050-1130CE.

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Although the nave of the church is short, the height is remarkable. It is 68 feet

high, which is somewhat taller than the largest of the pilgrimage churches (St.

Sernin in Toulouse).The tall arcade is carried on square piers

with either flat pilasters or half columns on each side--this rhythmical alternation

is actually seen in an alternate support system in some Romanesque naves.

These pilasters or half columns extend up to the vaults. At the second level,

galleries in effect serve as buttresses for the stone ceiling.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

Among the richest of the cloister crafts was metal working. The work of the metal smith might become a special kind of treasure when jewels donated by pilgrims were attached to a piece. One such piece is the reliquary statue of Saint Foy (Faith) in Conques, France. It is a repository of gems from many periods.

Reliquary of Sainte-FoyGold, silver, gemstones, enamel over wood,1050-1130 CE.ROMANESQUE

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Romanesque Art

Sainte Foy (English: Saint Faith) was born in the third century CE in the French city of Agen. She became a martyr for the Christian faith when she was killed by the Romans for refusing to worship pagan gods. She was believed to have only been twelve years old when she died. Her relics, or her remains, remained at the basilica in Agen until the ninth century, when they were taken to Conques. The Abbey at Conques was a stop along the route to the shrine of Saint James at Compostela; however, it became a popular pilgrimage site itself due to the miracles associated with Sainte Foy who was believed to be particularly good at curing blindness.

Reliquary of Sainte-FoyGold, silver, gemstones, enamel over wood,1050-1130 CE.ROMANESQUE

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Romanesque Art

Cathedral Complex, Pisa, Italy cathedral begun 1063, baptistry begun 1153, campanile begun 1174

Save for the upper portion of the baptistry, with its remodeled Gothic

exterior, the three structures are stylistically Romanesque.

The construction of this cathedral in Pisa began in the same year as that of

Saint Mark’s in Venice.

The goal of the project was not only to create a monument to God, but also to

bring credit to the city.

The cathedral’s campanile, detached in the standard Italian fashion, is the

famous “Leaning Tower of Pisa”. The tilted vertical axis is the result of a

settling foundation. It began to “lean” even while under construction and now

inclines some twenty-one feet out of plumb at the top.

The “Leaning Tower” is highly complex in its rounded form, as its stages are marked by graceful arcaded galleries that repeat the cathedral’s facade motif

and effectively relate the tower to its mother building.

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Romanesque Art

ITALIAN ROMANESQUE

Italian provinces developed a great diversity of Romanesque architectural

styles.

Tuscan and Roman churches featured classical Corinthian capitals and

acanthus borders, as well as colored marble in geometric patterns; open

arcades, colonnades, and galleries; and facades with sculptures in relief.

In southern Italy, a rich style combining Byzantine, Roman, Arabic, Lombard,

and Norman elements was created, with lavish use of mosaic decorations and interlaced pointed-arch arcades. Pisa Baptistry, Pisa, Italy baptistry begun 1153

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art Pisa Cathedral Complex – Pisa, Italy (begun in 1063) ROMANESQUE

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art Pisa Cathedral Complex – Pisa, Italy (begun in 1063) ROMANESQUE

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Romanesque Art

Baptistry of San Giovanni,Florence, Italy, ca 1059

Florence is always associated with the Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries, but it was already an important independent city-state

during the Romanesque era.

This structure was dedicated to the patron San Giovanni (St. John) by Pope Nicholas III in 1059.

Freestanding Italian baptistries such as this and the one at Pisa are unusual and reflect the great significance the Florentines and Pisans attached

to baptisms.

In plan, San Giovanni is a domed octagon, enwrapped on the exterior by a graceful arcade,

three arches to a bay. It has three entrances, one each on the north, south and east sides. On the

west side an oblong sanctuary replaced the original semicircular apse.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art Christ in Majesty, Saint- Pierre Moissac, France, ca 1115-1135

This frieze, in southwestern France, announces the end of the human race

(the Last Judgment)

This church was an important stop along the pilgrimage route to Santiago

de Campostela.

The monks, enriched by the gifts of pilgrims and noble benefactors,

adorned their church and its cloister, with one of the most extensive series

of sculptures of the Romanesque age.

cloister: a special place for religious seclusion- used by monks

Christ occupies the center of the composition and is again flanked by the symbols of the Four Evangelists.

(Left) eagle, ox

(Right) angel, lion

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Romanesque Art

To one side of each pair of signs is an attendant angel holding scrolls

to record human deeds for judgment. The figures of crowned

musicians, which complete the design, are the Twenty-Four Elders

who accompany Christ as the kings of this world and make music

in his praise.

Two courses of wavy lines symbolizing the clouds of Heaven

divide the Elders into three tiers.

Christ in Majesty, Saint- Pierre Moissac, France, ca 1115-1135

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art Christ in Majesty, Saint- Pierre Moissac, France, ca 1115-1135

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Lions and Old Testament ProphetMoissac, France ca 1115-1130

Below the tympanum of Moissac are the richly decorated trumeau and elaborate door jambs

with scalloped contours.

The figure on this trumeau is debatable. Some scholars believe it to be Jeremiah, and

others think it to be Isaiah.

Whoever the prophet is, he diplays the scroll where his prophetic vision is written

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art Gislebertus, Last Judgment (from Saint-Lazzare) ca 1120-1135

This scene depicts the Judgment in progress, announced by four trumpet-

blowing angels.

Once again, Christ sits enthroned in the center of the tympanum in a mandorla that

angels support. He presides over the separation of the Blessed from the Damned.

On the left, when facing the tympanum, an obliging angel boosts one of the Blessed

into the heavenly city. Below, the souls of the dead are lined up to await their fate.

On the left end of the lintel, two men carry bags with a cross and shell, symbolic of the

pilgrims to Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. Those who had made the

difficult journey would be judged favorably.

To thier right of the two men are three small figures begging to an angel to intercede on

their behalf. The angel responds by pointing to the Judge above.

To Christ’s left, are all those condemned to Hell. One poor soul is plucked from the earth by giant hands.

Angels and devils contest at the scales, each trying to manipulate the balance for or against a soul.

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

To Christ’s left, are all those condemned to Hell. One poor soul is plucked from the earth by giant hands!

Angels and devils contest at the scales, each trying to manipulate the balance for or against a soul.

Gislebertus, Last Judgment (from Saint-Lazzare) ca 1120-1135

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Romanesque Art

Key Questions When Studying ROMANESQUE ART

PILGRIMAGES…Why were there so many?How did they affect the building of Churches?

HISTORY…

How did William the Conqueror’s victory in England affect them?What is the Bayeux Tapestry, and what’s so special about it?

CHURCHES…

Why were Churches at this time given the name ‘Romanesque’?What were the common elements of a Romanesque Church?

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art

DO YOU KNOW THESEArt History TERMS?

trumeau

buttress

mandorla

clustered pier

voussoir

groin vault

campanilelintel

cloisonne

lantern

undercutting

jamb

archivolt

ribs

ROMANESQUE ART

Romanesque Art Gislebertus’ Name carved here below Christ’s feet

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Romanesque Art

The

The

Blessed

Damned

&

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Romanesque Art

Simple Guide to Understanding Romanesque Art

▪ Spans across many countries & styles▪ Small Windows, thick stone walls▪ Many Churches had Gothic spires added later▪ Long Ribbed Vaults in the Nave▪ Small piers used as buttresses▪ Decorative Tympanums & Portals▪ More side aisles and ambulatories to meet needs of pilgrimages

(i.e. outside galleries)▪ Addition of the separate Baptistry

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Romanesque Art

Modena CathedralModena, Italy1099-1110ROMANESQUE

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Romanesque Art

Wiligelmo, Creation and Temptation of Adam and Eve, Modena Cathedral, Italy, 1110. ROMANESQUE

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Romanesque Art Compare and contrast the two reliefs.

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Romanesque Art

ENGLISH ROMANESQUEBefore the 10th century, most English buildings were wood; stone buildings were small and roughly constructed. The Norman Romanesque style replaced the Saxon style in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066, and from about 1120 to 1200, builders erected monumental Norman structures, including numerous churches and cathedrals. The long, narrow buildings were constructed with heavy walls and piers, rectangular apses, double transepts, and deeply recessed portals. Naves were covered with flat roofs, later replaced by vaults, and side aisles were usually covered with groined vaults.

Durham Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral

Other examples

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Romanesque Art

Worms Cathedral(Worms, Germany)

Other examples