ROMANESQUE ART The Middle of the Middle Ages. ROMANESQUE PERIOD Romanesque means “in the Roman manner” This is the period between the 11th and 12th

ROMANESQUEROMANESQUEARTART

The Middle of the Middle AgesThe Middle of the Middle Ages

ROMANESQUE PERIODROMANESQUE PERIOD

Romanesque means “in the Roman manner”Romanesque means “in the Roman manner” This is the period between the 11th and 12th centuriesThis is the period between the 11th and 12th centuries The word was coined in the 19th century to describe The word was coined in the 19th century to describe

European church architecture which displayed the solid European church architecture which displayed the solid masonry walls, rounded arches and masonry vaults masonry walls, rounded arches and masonry vaults characteristic of imperial Romecharacteristic of imperial Rome

Soon the term was applied to all the arts of the period, Soon the term was applied to all the arts of the period, even though the influences extended beyond Rome to even though the influences extended beyond Rome to include Byzantine, Islamic and early Medieval artinclude Byzantine, Islamic and early Medieval art

ROMANESQUE PERIODROMANESQUE PERIOD

The Norman ruler in England, after the conquest of the The Norman ruler in England, after the conquest of the Anglo Saxons, became the King of EnglandAnglo Saxons, became the King of England

The Normans also took control over Sicily and southern The Normans also took control over Sicily and southern Italy from the Byzantine and Islamic rulersItaly from the Byzantine and Islamic rulers

France was beginning to emerge as a national stateFrance was beginning to emerge as a national state The Holy Roman Empire (Germany & northern Italy) broke The Holy Roman Empire (Germany & northern Italy) broke

down and local leaders arosedown and local leaders arose Although towns and cities gained in importance, Europe Although towns and cities gained in importance, Europe

remained an agricultural societyremained an agricultural society

FEUDAL SYSTEMFEUDAL SYSTEM

The economic foundation for The economic foundation for this political structure was the this political structure was the Manor, an agricultural estate in Manor, an agricultural estate in which peasants worked in which peasants worked in exchange for a place to live, exchange for a place to live, food, military protection and food, military protection and other services from the lordother services from the lord

These estates became These estates became hereditary over time, and thus hereditary over time, and thus wealth and power came to be wealth and power came to be distributed through a network of distributed through a network of largely inherited but constantly largely inherited but constantly shifting allegiances and shifting allegiances and obligationsobligations

FEUDAL SYSTEMFEUDAL SYSTEM

Women, in general, had a Women, in general, had a subordinate positionsubordinate position

When necessary, though, When necessary, though, aristocratic women took over aristocratic women took over managing estates in their male managing estates in their male relatives’ frequent absences on relatives’ frequent absences on military missions or pilgrimagesmilitary missions or pilgrimages

They could also achieve They could also achieve positions of authority and positions of authority and influence as heads of religious influence as heads of religious communitiescommunities

Among peasants, men and Among peasants, men and women often worked side by women often worked side by sideside

THE CRUSADESTHE CRUSADES

In the 11th and 12th centuries, In the 11th and 12th centuries, Christian Europe, previously on the Christian Europe, previously on the defense against expanding Islam, defense against expanding Islam, became the aggressorbecame the aggressor

In Spain, the armies of the Christian In Spain, the armies of the Christian north were increasingly successful north were increasingly successful against the Islam southagainst the Islam south

In 1095, Pope Urban II, responding In 1095, Pope Urban II, responding to a request from the Byzantine to a request from the Byzantine emperor, called for a Crusade to emperor, called for a Crusade to retake Jerusalem and the Holy Landretake Jerusalem and the Holy Land

This first Crusade was successful in This first Crusade was successful in establishing a short-lived Christian establishing a short-lived Christian state in Palestinestate in Palestine

THE CRUSADESTHE CRUSADES

Although subsequent Crusades Although subsequent Crusades were, for the most part, military were, for the most part, military failures, the crusading movement failures, the crusading movement has far-reaching cultural and has far-reaching cultural and economic consequenceseconomic consequences

The West’s direct encounter with The West’s direct encounter with the more sophisticated material the more sophisticated material culture of the Islamic world and the culture of the Islamic world and the Byzantine Empire created a Byzantine Empire created a demand for goods from the East. demand for goods from the East. This, in turn, increased trade and This, in turn, increased trade and gave rise to an increasingly urban gave rise to an increasingly urban societysociety

WEST MEETS EASTWEST MEETS EAST

Western scholars rediscovered Western scholars rediscovered many classical Greek and Roman many classical Greek and Roman texts that had been preserved in texts that had been preserved in Islamic Spain and eastern the Islamic Spain and eastern the MediterraneanMediterranean

The combination of intellectual The combination of intellectual freedom and the increase financial freedom and the increase financial resources enabled the arts to resources enabled the arts to flourishflourish

The first universities in Paris, The first universities in Paris, Bologna, Oxford and Cambridge Bologna, Oxford and Cambridge were establishedwere established

This renewed intellectual and This renewed intellectual and artistic activity has been called the artistic activity has been called the 12th century renaissance12th century renaissance

MONKS AT WORKMONKS AT WORK

Monastic communities Monastic communities continued to be powerful and continued to be powerful and influentialinfluential

Some monks and nuns were Some monks and nuns were highly regarded for their highly regarded for their religious devotion and the religious devotion and the learning, as well as their lives of learning, as well as their lives of serviceservice

Because monasteries were Because monasteries were major landowners, they were major landowners, they were part of the feudal systempart of the feudal system

Also the children of aristocrats Also the children of aristocrats who joined religious orders who joined religious orders helped forge links between the helped forge links between the monasteries and the ruling elitemonasteries and the ruling elite

Cathedral of St. James, Santiago Cathedral of St. James, Santiago de Compostela, 1078-1122de Compostela, 1078-1122

““Each people in Each people in Christendom rivaled Christendom rivaled with the other, to see with the other, to see which should worship which should worship in the finest buildings. in the finest buildings. The world shook The world shook herself, clothed herself, clothed everywhere in a white everywhere in a white garment of churches” garment of churches” Radulphus GlaberRadulphus Glaber


““Each people in Each people in Christendom rivaled Christendom rivaled with the other, to see with the other, to see which should worship which should worship in the finest buildings. in the finest buildings. The world shook The world shook herself, clothed herself, clothed everywhere in a white everywhere in a white garment of churches” garment of churches” Radulphus GlaberRadulphus Glaber


Increased prosperity made the Increased prosperity made the resources available to build on a resources available to build on a large scale, and the desire to glorify large scale, and the desire to glorify the house of the Lord and his saintsthe house of the Lord and his saints

In one sense, Romanesque In one sense, Romanesque churches were the result of master churches were the result of master builders solving the problems builders solving the problems associated with each individual associated with each individual project: its site, its purpose, the project: its site, its purpose, the building materials and work force building materials and work force available, the builder’s own available, the builder’s own knowledge and experience, and the knowledge and experience, and the wishes of the patrons providing the wishes of the patrons providing the fundingfunding


Like Carolingian churches, the basic Like Carolingian churches, the basic form of the Romanesque church form of the Romanesque church follows the plan of the Basilica, with follows the plan of the Basilica, with the following changes:the following changes: Wide projecting transeptsWide projecting transepts Complex sanctuaries with Complex sanctuaries with

ambulatories and chapels providing ambulatories and chapels providing space for additional altars and relics space for additional altars and relics and accommodating the crowds of and accommodating the crowds of worshipersworshipers

Two towered west façade became Two towered west façade became not only the entrance to the church not only the entrance to the church but the gateway to Paradisebut the gateway to Paradise

Many builders turned to stone Many builders turned to stone masonry for roofs, thus enhancing masonry for roofs, thus enhancing the acoustical properties for the acoustical properties for Gregorian chantGregorian chant

Addition of RIBSAddition of RIBS


This church held the body of St. This church held the body of St. James, the apostle to the Iberian James, the apostle to the Iberian PeninsulaPeninsula

To accommodate the crowds of To accommodate the crowds of pilgrims, builders added an aisled pilgrims, builders added an aisled transept with additional chapels on transept with additional chapels on the east and an ambulatory with the east and an ambulatory with radiating chapels around the apseradiating chapels around the apse

An octagonal LANTERN TOWER )a An octagonal LANTERN TOWER )a tower with windows) on squinches tower with windows) on squinches over the crossing flooded the over the crossing flooded the sanctuary with daylight, drawing the sanctuary with daylight, drawing the pilgrims forward to the shrinespilgrims forward to the shrines

Pilgrims entered the church through Pilgrims entered the church through portals in the transept, entering a portals in the transept, entering a space the rivaled the nave in sizespace the rivaled the nave in size


The immense ribbed, barrel-The immense ribbed, barrel-vaulted nave and transept had vaulted nave and transept had two stories--an ARCADE and a two stories--an ARCADE and a GALLERY--formed by masonry GALLERY--formed by masonry pierspiers

The piers have attached half The piers have attached half columns on all four sides, a type columns on all four sides, a type of support known as a of support known as a COMPOUND PIERCOMPOUND PIER

This is an important This is an important Romanesque innovation that Romanesque innovation that gave sculptural form the interior gave sculptural form the interior as it marked off individual as it marked off individual vaulted baysvaulted bays


A notable feature of a A notable feature of a Romanesque church Romanesque church was the portal was the portal sculpture, especially in sculpture, especially in the TYMPANUM, the the TYMPANUM, the lunette over the lunette over the doorwaydoorway

This sculpture This sculpture communicated the communicated the core doctrines of the core doctrines of the ChurchChurch


This is the Palm Sunday This is the Palm Sunday tympanum, illustrating tympanum, illustrating Christ entering Jerusalem Christ entering Jerusalem on a donkey, a fitting on a donkey, a fitting image for a place of image for a place of pilgrimagepilgrimage

These sculptures marked These sculptures marked the passage from the the passage from the secular world into the secular world into the sacred world within the sacred world within the churchchurch

ABBEY CHURCH OF CLUNY, ABBEY CHURCH OF CLUNY, Burgundy, 1130Burgundy, 1130

A different Romanesque A different Romanesque architecture could be architecture could be found at this Benedictine found at this Benedictine monasterymonastery

What do you notice is What do you notice is same from the Cathedral same from the Cathedral of St. James? What is the of St. James? What is the different?different?

Let’s look at the two side-Let’s look at the two side-by-sideby-side



Financed by King Alfonso of Financed by King Alfonso of northern Spain, Cluny III (the 3rd northern Spain, Cluny III (the 3rd church built) was the largest church church built) was the largest church in Europein Europe

Richly carved, painted and Richly carved, painted and furnished, it was described as the furnished, it was described as the work of angelswork of angels

The proportions were based on The proportions were based on harmonic relationships discussed in harmonic relationships discussed in ancient Greek musical theory and ancient Greek musical theory and mathematicsmathematics

The towering barrel vaulting--98 feet The towering barrel vaulting--98 feet high, 40ft wide and 450 ft long--high, 40ft wide and 450 ft long--enhanced the sound of the monk’s enhanced the sound of the monk’s chantchant


Cluny had a special independent Cluny had a special independent status, its abbot answerable directly status, its abbot answerable directly to the Pope rather than the local to the Pope rather than the local bishop and feudal lordbishop and feudal lord

This independence led to reforms This independence led to reforms that spread to other monasteries, that spread to other monasteries, and garnered the favor and and garnered the favor and patronage of successive rulers and patronage of successive rulers and popespopes

Cluny monks and nuns dedicated Cluny monks and nuns dedicated themselves to scholarly and artistic themselves to scholarly and artistic interestsinterests

Most importantly was the Most importantly was the celebration of the 8 hours of the celebration of the 8 hours of the Divine OfficeDivine Office

ABBEY CHURCH NOTRE-ABBEY CHURCH NOTRE-DAME, FONTENAY 1139-47DAME, FONTENAY 1139-47

The Cistercians turned from The Cistercians turned from Cluny’s elaborate liturgical Cluny’s elaborate liturgical practices and emphasis on the practices and emphasis on the arts to a simpler monastic lifearts to a simpler monastic life

By the end of the middle ages By the end of the middle ages there were 1,500 abbeys, half there were 1,500 abbeys, half for women, spread from Russia for women, spread from Russia to Irelandto Ireland

Their life was devoted to prayer Their life was devoted to prayer and intellectual pursuits and intellectual pursuits combined with shared manual combined with shared manual laborlabor

How can this perspective be How can this perspective be seen in this church?seen in this church?



The Cistercians relied on The Cistercians relied on harmonious proportions and fine harmonious proportions and fine stone work, not elaborate surface stone work, not elaborate surface decoration, to achieve beautydecoration, to achieve beauty

Another feature is the use of Another feature is the use of pointed ribbed vaults over the nave pointed ribbed vaults over the nave and pointed arches in the nave and pointed arches in the nave arcade and side aisle baysarcade and side aisle bays

Furnishing included little else tan Furnishing included little else tan alters and candlesalters and candles

The large windows in the end wall, The large windows in the end wall, rather than the clerestory, provided rather than the clerestory, provided lightlight

The three windows, repeated twice The three windows, repeated twice on the east wall, reminded the on the east wall, reminded the monks of the Trinitymonks of the Trinity


This simple style spread This simple style spread from Burgundy to become from Burgundy to become an international stylean international style

The masonry vaults and The masonry vaults and harmonious proportions harmonious proportions were to be influential in the were to be influential in the development of the Gothic development of the Gothic style latter in the Middle style latter in the Middle AgesAges

DOUBTING THOMAS, Abbey of DOUBTING THOMAS, Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, SpainSanto Domingo de Silos, Spain

Like Cluny, and unlike the Like Cluny, and unlike the Cistercian churches, most Cistercian churches, most Romanesque churches have a Romanesque churches have a remarkable variety of painting remarkable variety of painting and sculptureand sculpture

Superb reliefs embellish the Superb reliefs embellish the corner piers in this churchcorner piers in this church

The arch that forms a canopy is The arch that forms a canopy is crowned with a crenellated wall crowned with a crenellated wall and towers plus musicians. and towers plus musicians. These images from medieval life These images from medieval life frame the biblical story, just as frame the biblical story, just as preachers used elements of preachers used elements of daily life to create a context for daily life to create a context for the biblical storiesthe biblical stories

DOUBTING THOMAS, Abbey of DOUBTING THOMAS, Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos, SpainSanto Domingo de Silos, Spain

The composition is expert:The composition is expert: Christ is larger and off-centerChrist is larger and off-center His right arm forms a strong His right arm forms a strong

diagonal that bisects the space diagonal that bisects the space between his haloed head and between his haloed head and Thomas’Thomas’

Thomas’ arm forms an opposing Thomas’ arm forms an opposing diagonal parallel to the slope diagonal parallel to the slope between their heads, leading the between their heads, leading the eye back to Christeye back to Christ

The massed presence of the The massed presence of the apostles gives visual weight to apostles gives visual weight to scene through the rhythmic scene through the rhythmic repetition of formrepetition of form

It echoes the way the repetition of It echoes the way the repetition of nave bays in a nave bays in a Romanesque Romanesque church culminates in the apse, church culminates in the apse, its symbolic coreits symbolic core

South Portal and Porch, Priory South Portal and Porch, Priory Church of St. Pierre, MoissacChurch of St. Pierre, Moissac

Carved portals are Carved portals are significant innovation in significant innovation in Romanesque artRomanesque art

These complex works that These complex works that combine biblical narrative, combine biblical narrative, legends, folklore, history, legends, folklore, history, and Christian symbolism, and Christian symbolism, represent the first large represent the first large scale architectural scale architectural sculpture since the end of sculpture since the end of the Roman Empirethe Roman Empire

ROMANESQUE CHURCH ROMANESQUE CHURCH PORTALPORTAL


The sculpture of Christ in Majesty The sculpture of Christ in Majesty dominates the huge tympanumdominates the huge tympanum

A Pantokrator-like Christ points to the A Pantokrator-like Christ points to the “book sealed with seven seals”, a “book sealed with seven seals”, a reference to Revelationsreference to Revelations

He surrounded by mandorla and a He surrounded by mandorla and a cruciform halo rings his headcruciform halo rings his head

Four winged figures symbolizing the Four winged figures symbolizing the evangelists frame Him, as do Elongated evangelists frame Him, as do Elongated angels seraphim and old testament angels seraphim and old testament kings and prophets, the ancestors of kings and prophets, the ancestors of JesusJesus

The figures reflect a hierarchy of scale The figures reflect a hierarchy of scale and locationand location

The shifting of poses and off center The shifting of poses and off center composition create a scene of action composition create a scene of action and not a rigid mirror imageand not a rigid mirror image


This work would have been This work would have been painted and gildedpainted and gilded

The two side jambs and a The two side jambs and a central TRUMEAU support the central TRUMEAU support the weight of the lintel an tympanum weight of the lintel an tympanum and have scalloped profiles of and have scalloped profiles of Sts. Peter and Paul, and two Sts. Peter and Paul, and two Old Testament prophets.Old Testament prophets.

The many rosettes suggest the The many rosettes suggest the influence of Islamic art, which influence of Islamic art, which makes sense since this was makes sense since this was created after the 1st Crusadecreated after the 1st Crusade

There is also scroll work much There is also scroll work much like the animal style of the like the animal style of the VikingsVikings

The Last Judgment, Cathedral of The Last Judgment, Cathedral of St Lazare, AutunSt Lazare, Autun

A very different pictorial style A very different pictorial style can be seen here in Gislebertus’ can be seen here in Gislebertus’ workwork

Christ has returned to judge the Christ has returned to judge the cowering naked human souls at cowering naked human souls at his feethis feet

The damned writhe in agony on The damned writhe in agony on his left, while the saved enjoy his left, while the saved enjoy bliss on the rightbliss on the right

Let’s look at both and point out Let’s look at both and point out the similarities and differencesthe similarities and differences



Christ dominates like at Moissac, Christ dominates like at Moissac, but the surround figures are thinner but the surround figures are thinner and taller than at Moissac and are and taller than at Moissac and are arranged in less regular arranged in less regular compartmentalized tierscompartmentalized tiers

The overall effect is less The overall effect is less consciously balanced than the consciously balanced than the pattern filled composition at pattern filled composition at MoissacMoissac

The stylized figures, stretched out The stylized figures, stretched out and bent at sharp angles, are and bent at sharp angles, are powerfully expressive, successfully powerfully expressive, successfully conveying the terrifying urgency of conveying the terrifying urgency of the momentthe moment

MAGI ASLEEP, Cathedral of St. MAGI ASLEEP, Cathedral of St. Lazare, AutunLazare, Autun

Gislebertus.1120-32Gislebertus.1120-32 An important Romanesque An important Romanesque

contribution to architectural contribution to architectural decoration was the ingenious decoration was the ingenious compression of instructive narrative compression of instructive narrative scenes into geometric confines of scenes into geometric confines of column capitals, called column capitals, called HISTORATED CAPITALHISTORATED CAPITAL

Most Romanesque capitals were Most Romanesque capitals were flaring Corinthian and in order that flaring Corinthian and in order that their work could be seen from a their work could be seen from a distance they used distance they used UNDERCUTTING, a technique UNDERCUTTING, a technique used sine ancient times to sharpen used sine ancient times to sharpen contours and convey depthcontours and convey depth

MAGI ASLEEP, Cathedral of St. MAGI ASLEEP, Cathedral of St. Lazare, AutunLazare, Autun

Medieval tradition identified the Medieval tradition identified the magi as kings Casper(beard), magi as kings Casper(beard), Melchoir(moustache) and Melchoir(moustache) and Balthazar(clean-shaven, and later Balthazar(clean-shaven, and later portrayed as a black African)portrayed as a black African)

The angel has arrived and is The angel has arrived and is awakening Melchoir and pointing awakening Melchoir and pointing towards the Star of Bethlehemtowards the Star of Bethlehem

The sculptor’s use of two vantage The sculptor’s use of two vantage points simultaneously--the Magi and points simultaneously--the Magi and the head of the bed viewed from the head of the bed viewed from above, the angel and foot of the bed above, the angel and foot of the bed seen from the side--communicates seen from the side--communicates the key elements with wonderful the key elements with wonderful economy and clarityeconomy and clarity

RELIQUARY STATUE OF SAINT RELIQUARY STATUE OF SAINT FOY(FAITH), 9TH CENTURYFOY(FAITH), 9TH CENTURY

Silver gilt over wood core, 33”Silver gilt over wood core, 33” Within is the skull of the saintWithin is the skull of the saint The head was made from a The head was made from a

Roman parade helmetRoman parade helmet The relics were stolen from her The relics were stolen from her

shrine in Saint-Agens by monks shrine in Saint-Agens by monks from Conquesfrom Conques

This was called “a holy robbery” This was called “a holy robbery” because the new owners because the new owners insisted that the saint had insisted that the saint had encouraged them because she encouraged them because she wanted to movewanted to move

VIRGIN AND CHILD, Auvergne, VIRGIN AND CHILD, Auvergne, late 12th centurylate 12th century

One form of devotional image that One form of devotional image that became popular during the late became popular during the late Romanesque period was the seated Romanesque period was the seated Virgin with the child on her lap, a Virgin with the child on her lap, a type known as the Throne of type known as the Throne of WisdomWisdom

The throne-like bench symbolized The throne-like bench symbolized the lion throne of Solomonthe lion throne of Solomon

Though his hands are missing, we Though his hands are missing, we can assume that Jesus held a book, can assume that Jesus held a book, the Word of God, in one and the Word of God, in one and delivered a blessing with the otherdelivered a blessing with the other

To the medieval believer. Christ To the medieval believer. Christ represented the priesthood, represented the priesthood, humankind and God, while Mary humankind and God, while Mary represented the Churchrepresented the Church

BATLLO CRUCIFIX, CataloniaBATLLO CRUCIFIX, Catalonia

In the 12 century, poorer In the 12 century, poorer churches began commissioning churches began commissioning sacred works made from less sacred works made from less costly materials, painted wood costly materials, painted wood for instancefor instance

The crucifixion continued to be a The crucifixion continued to be a primary devotional theme in the primary devotional theme in the Romanesque periodRomanesque period

The Batllo Crucifix derived from The Batllo Crucifix derived from Byzantine sources and is quite Byzantine sources and is quite different from the Gero Crucifixdifferent from the Gero Crucifix



His bowed head, down-turned His bowed head, down-turned mouth and heavy lidded eyes mouth and heavy lidded eyes convey a sense of deep convey a sense of deep sadness and contemplationsadness and contemplation

His royal robes emphasize his His royal robes emphasize his kingshipkingship

His gown has pseudo-kufic His gown has pseudo-kufic inscriptions--designs meant to inscriptions--designs meant to resemble Arabic script--since resemble Arabic script--since silks from Arabic Spain were silks from Arabic Spain were highly prized and used to highly prized and used to designate great kingsdesignate great kings

WALL PAINTING, CHURCH OF WALL PAINTING, CHURCH OF SAINT-SAVIN, POITUSAINT-SAVIN, POITU

Wall painting was subject to the Wall painting was subject to the same influences as the other same influences as the other visual arts. The painters were visual arts. The painters were inspired by models available to inspired by models available to them--some had seen examples them--some had seen examples of Byzantine, some Carolingian of Byzantine, some Carolingian or even Early Christian models or even Early Christian models from manuscriptfrom manuscript

During the Romanesque period During the Romanesque period painted decoration largely painted decoration largely replaced mosaic on the wall of replaced mosaic on the wall of churches, a change largely due churches, a change largely due to the request by churches for to the request by churches for less expensive techniquesless expensive techniques


The tunnel-like vault of the The tunnel-like vault of the Benedictine Abbey Church, running Benedictine Abbey Church, running the length of the nave and choir, the length of the nave and choir, provides an ideal surface for a provides an ideal surface for a program of paintingsprogram of paintings

Biblical scenes inspired by Biblical scenes inspired by manuscriptsmanuscripts

They did not use the wet FRESCO They did not use the wet FRESCO technique favored in Italy, but did technique favored in Italy, but did moisten the walls before painting to moisten the walls before painting to allow for some absorption of the allow for some absorption of the pigmentpigment

Thus the paintings on the nave Thus the paintings on the nave have a soft, powdery tone in have a soft, powdery tone in contrast to the richer,more brilliant contrast to the richer,more brilliant hues of the Byzantine-inspired work hues of the Byzantine-inspired work in the apsein the apse


Tower of BabelTower of Babel The painters immediately followed the The painters immediately followed the

masons, using their scaffolding, perhaps masons, using their scaffolding, perhaps accounting for the vividness of this accounting for the vividness of this painting of builderspainting of builders

The tower is a medieval looking The tower is a medieval looking structure, reflecting the practice if structure, reflecting the practice if depicting legendary events in depicting legendary events in contemporary settingscontemporary settings

Workers haul heavy stones which are Workers haul heavy stones which are lifted by a hoist, while the giant Nimrod, lifted by a hoist, while the giant Nimrod, right, simply hands over blocksright, simply hands over blocks

God, left, steps away while confronting God, left, steps away while confronting the peoplethe people

The dramatic action, large figures, The dramatic action, large figures, strong outlines and bold colors make it strong outlines and bold colors make it intelligible from far belowintelligible from far below

WALL PAINTING, CHURCH OF WALL PAINTING, CHURCH OF SAN CLEMENTE, CataloniaSAN CLEMENTE, Catalonia

Christ in Majesty,Christ in Majesty, 1123 1123 The intensity of color was The intensity of color was

created by building up many thin created by building up many thin coats of paint, a technique coats of paint, a technique called GLAZINGcalled GLAZING

What traditional Byzantine What traditional Byzantine features do you recognize here?features do you recognize here? A Pantokrater-like Christ in A Pantokrater-like Christ in

power and judgmentpower and judgment MandorlaMandorla Open Gospel (reads “I am Open Gospel (reads “I am

the light of the world”)the light of the world”) Alpha Omega signsAlpha Omega signs

CLUNY LECTIONARYCLUNY LECTIONARY

Like the other arts, the output of Like the other arts, the output of books increased dramatically in books increased dramatically in the 11th & 12th centuriesthe 11th & 12th centuries

Monastic and convent Monastic and convent SCRIPTORIA continued to be SCRIPTORIA continued to be centers of production, where centers of production, where monks and nuns copied booksmonks and nuns copied books

The illuminated LECTIONARY, The illuminated LECTIONARY, a work containing excerpts from a work containing excerpts from the Bible read during Mass and the Bible read during Mass and arranged according to the arranged according to the Church calendar, was made for Church calendar, was made for the wealthy Cluny monastery in the wealthy Cluny monastery in the early 1100’sthe early 1100’s

CLUNY LECTIONARYCLUNY LECTIONARY

PentecostPentecost The glowing red rays are the tongues of The glowing red rays are the tongues of

fire as the apostles speak in tonguesfire as the apostles speak in tongues Below is a beautifully interlaced “A”Below is a beautifully interlaced “A” The subject may have been chosen as a The subject may have been chosen as a

symbolic reminder of Cluny’s direct tie to symbolic reminder of Cluny’s direct tie to the papacythe papacy

Just as the apostles received miraculous Just as the apostles received miraculous powers from Christ, so Cluny derived its powers from Christ, so Cluny derived its power from the Pope, the heir of St. power from the Pope, the heir of St. Peter, who sits holding a gold bookPeter, who sits holding a gold book

The Christ is another reinterpretation of The Christ is another reinterpretation of the Byzantine Pantokrater Christthe Byzantine Pantokrater Christ

The supernatural event is deemphasized The supernatural event is deemphasized to convey the psychological bond to convey the psychological bond among the figuresamong the figures

TREE OF JESSETREE OF JESSE

Despite their ascetic teachings and Despite their ascetic teachings and architecture of the Cistercians, they architecture of the Cistercians, they produced many elaborately produced many elaborately illustrated manuscripts like this oneillustrated manuscripts like this one

The Tree of Jesse is a pictorial The Tree of Jesse is a pictorial representation of the genealogy of representation of the genealogy of Jesus, illustrating the Church’s Jesus, illustrating the Church’s doctrine that Christ was both human doctrine that Christ was both human and divine: Jesse was King David’s and divine: Jesse was King David’s father, an ancestor of Mary’sfather, an ancestor of Mary’s

The growing importance of Mary, The growing importance of Mary, both with the public and with the both with the public and with the Cistercians, emphasized her place Cistercians, emphasized her place in the genealogyin the genealogy

TREE OF JESSETREE OF JESSE Jesse is asleep at bottom with a Jesse is asleep at bottom with a

small tree growing out of his bodysmall tree growing out of his body A monumental Mary dwarfs the A monumental Mary dwarfs the

sleeping patriarchsleeping patriarch The Christ Child, following the late The Christ Child, following the late

Byzantine and Romanesque Byzantine and Romanesque tradition, is portrayed as a miniature tradition, is portrayed as a miniature adult with his arm raised in blessingadult with his arm raised in blessing

His cheek presses Mary’s in His cheek presses Mary’s in affection like with the affection like with the Virgin of Virgin of VladimirVladimir icon icon

Mary holds a flowering sprig from Mary holds a flowering sprig from the tree, a symbol of Christthe tree, a symbol of Christ

The building held by the angel is the The building held by the angel is the Christian Church, the crown refers Christian Church, the crown refers to Mary as Queen of Heavento Mary as Queen of Heaven

TREE OF JESSETREE OF JESSE

Beneath the dove, the Holy Beneath the dove, the Holy Spirit, Mary’s v-shaped folds Spirit, Mary’s v-shaped folds and jeweled hems reflect the and jeweled hems reflect the Byzantine influence and her Byzantine influence and her elevated statuselevated status

The artist has drawn with color, The artist has drawn with color, rather than painted. This rather than painted. This subdued look is in keeping with subdued look is in keeping with the restraint of the Cisterciansthe restraint of the Cistercians

Her elongated form also echoes Her elongated form also echoes forth to the beautiful stained forth to the beautiful stained glass work that will be one of glass work that will be one of the hallmarks of the upcoming the hallmarks of the upcoming Gothic periodGothic period

THE NORTH SEA KINGDOMSTHE NORTH SEA KINGDOMS

In the early 10th century, a band of Norse raiders In the early 10th century, a band of Norse raiders (damn Vikings!) seized the peninsula in northwest (damn Vikings!) seized the peninsula in northwest France known as NormandyFrance known as Normandy

Within a little more than a century, their leader Within a little more than a century, their leader Rollo’s (Rolf’s) successors had transformed Rollo’s (Rolf’s) successors had transformed Normandy into one of the most powerful feudal Normandy into one of the most powerful feudal kingdoms, becoming the Normanskingdoms, becoming the Normans

In 1066, their leader William the Conqueror, In 1066, their leader William the Conqueror, invaded England and became ruler, and replaced invaded England and became ruler, and replaced the Anglo-Saxon leaders, aligning politically and the Anglo-Saxon leaders, aligning politically and culturally with Franceculturally with France

NORTH SEA KINGDOMSNORTH SEA KINGDOMS

Borgund stave churchBorgund stave church, Norway 1125-50, Norway 1125-50 The Normans built masonry castles and The Normans built masonry castles and

churches, but back in Norway and the churches, but back in Norway and the north the tradition was to build in woodnorth the tradition was to build in wood

There were two kinds of timber There were two kinds of timber construction:construction: Horizontally stacked logs, the Horizontally stacked logs, the

popular log cabinpopular log cabin Vertical plank walls, with timbers set Vertical plank walls, with timbers set

directly in the ground or on a directly in the ground or on a horizontal beamhorizontal beam

Typical buildings had a rectangular Typical buildings had a rectangular floor plan, wattle and daub walls, floor plan, wattle and daub walls, and a turf or thatched roof and a turf or thatched roof supported by interior postssupported by interior posts

TIMBER CONSTRUCTIONTIMBER CONSTRUCTION

Wattle-and-Daub is Wattle-and-Daub is composed of woven composed of woven light branches (wattle) light branches (wattle) covered with clay, covered with clay, mud, or other mud, or other substances (daub)substances (daub)

The roof, made up of a The roof, made up of a ridgepole, rafters, and ridgepole, rafters, and eave beams, was eave beams, was covered by shingles, covered by shingles, turf or thatchturf or thatch

TIMBER CONSTRUCTIONTIMBER CONSTRUCTION

Most of the wooden buildings are Most of the wooden buildings are gone,subject to decay and fire, but some gone,subject to decay and fire, but some stave churches--staves are the four stave churches--staves are the four huge timbers(staves) that form the huge timbers(staves) that form the structural core--survive in Norwaystructural core--survive in Norway

At the Borgund stave church four corner At the Borgund stave church four corner staves support the central roof, and staves support the central roof, and additional posts placed within or to the additional posts placed within or to the side of the space that the corner staves side of the space that the corner staves create the effect of a nave and side create the effect of a nave and side aisles, narthex, and choiraisles, narthex, and choir

A rounded apse covered with a timber A rounded apse covered with a timber tower is attached to the choirtower is attached to the choir

A steep roofed gallery rings the entire A steep roofed gallery rings the entire building, and wooded shingles cover the building, and wooded shingles cover the roof and some wallsroof and some walls

BORGUND STAVE CHURCHBORGUND STAVE CHURCH

Steep pitched roofs protect Steep pitched roofs protect the walls from rain and the walls from rain and snowsnow

Openwork timber stages Openwork timber stages set on the roof ridge create set on the roof ridge create a tower and an overall a tower and an overall pyramidal shapepyramidal shape

On the GABLES are On the GABLES are crosses and dragons to crosses and dragons to protect the church and its protect the church and its congregationcongregation

BORGUND STAVE CHURCHBORGUND STAVE CHURCHMEDUSELD, ROHANMEDUSELD, ROHAN

Tolkien’s creation of the Riders of Rohan…and Tolkien’s creation of the Riders of Rohan…and Peter Jackson’s cinematic interpretation is strongly Peter Jackson’s cinematic interpretation is strongly influenced by the people and art of the north sea influenced by the people and art of the north sea kingdomskingdoms


Doorway Panels, Doorway Panels, Parish Church, Urnes, Parish Church, Urnes, Norway, 1050-70Norway, 1050-70

The penchant for relief The penchant for relief decorations seen on decorations seen on the Osberg ship the Osberg ship endured in the endured in the decoration of decoration of Scandinavia’s earliest Scandinavia’s earliest churcheschurches


Although it didn’t originate Although it didn’t originate here, this style of carving here, this style of carving came to be known as came to be known as Urnes styleUrnes style Animal interlace composed Animal interlace composed

of serpentine creatures of serpentine creatures snapping at each othersnapping at each other

Satin smooth carving of Satin smooth carving of rounded surfaces, the rounded surfaces, the contrast of thick and very contrast of thick and very thin elements, the thin elements, the organization of the interlace organization of the interlace into harmoniously balanced into harmoniously balanced figure -8 patternsfigure -8 patterns


When the British turned When the British turned from timber construction to from timber construction to stone and brick, the stone and brick, the associated the masonry associated the masonry building with the power of building with the power of ancient Rome(and of ancient Rome(and of Charlemagne).Charlemagne).

Soon they began to Soon they began to experiment with masonry experiment with masonry vaults as can be seen in vaults as can be seen in Durham Castle and Durham Castle and CathedralCathedral

DURHAM CASTLE & DURHAM CASTLE & CATHEDRALCATHEDRAL

Durham Castle (1075) is a perfect Durham Castle (1075) is a perfect example of a Norman fortressexample of a Norman fortress

The only way in or out was over a The only way in or out was over a drawbridge, which was controlled drawbridge, which was controlled from gatehousefrom gatehouse

Beyond the gatehouse was the Beyond the gatehouse was the BAILEY, or courtyardBAILEY, or courtyard

In times of danger, the castle’s In times of danger, the castle’s defenders took up their battle defenders took up their battle positions in the KEEP(DONJON in positions in the KEEP(DONJON in French)French)

Though many medieval fortresses Though many medieval fortresses had moats to protect them, Durham had moats to protect them, Durham had the Wear Riverhad the Wear River


The cathedral’s scale and décor The cathedral’s scale and décor are both ambitiousare both ambitious

Enormous compound piers Enormous compound piers alternating with robust columns alternating with robust columns support the nave arcadesupport the nave arcade

The columns are carved with The columns are carved with CHEVRONS, spiral fluting, and CHEVRONS, spiral fluting, and diamond patterns, and some of diamond patterns, and some of scalloped, cushion shaped scalloped, cushion shaped capitalscapitals

The arcades have round The arcades have round moldings and chevron moldings and chevron ornamentsornaments

All this ornamentation was All this ornamentation was originally paintedoriginally painted


Above the cathedral Above the cathedral wall rise ribbed vaultswall rise ribbed vaults

The typical The typical Romanesque ribbed Romanesque ribbed groin vault used round groin vault used round arched that produced arched that produced separate, domed separate, domed spatial units, such as spatial units, such as at Sant’Ambrogio in at Sant’Ambrogio in Milan, leftMilan, left


To create a more unified interior To create a more unified interior space, the Durham builders space, the Durham builders divided each bay into two pairs divided each bay into two pairs of crisscrossing ribs, and so of crisscrossing ribs, and so kept the crown of the vault at kept the crown of the vault at almost the same height as the almost the same height as the keystone of the transverse keystone of the transverse archesarches

This system of vaulting was This system of vaulting was carried across to Norman carried across to Norman France and adopted by masons France and adopted by masons in the Gothic periodin the Gothic period

ENGLISH BOOKSENGLISH BOOKS

Hellmouth, Winchester Psalter, Hellmouth, Winchester Psalter, 11501150

The pages depicts the gaping The pages depicts the gaping jaws of hell, a subject that jaws of hell, a subject that inspired poetry and drama as inspired poetry and drama as well, besides enlivening many well, besides enlivening many preacher’s sermonspreacher’s sermons

The inscription at the top of the The inscription at the top of the page reads “Here is hell and the page reads “Here is hell and the angels who are locking the angels who are locking the doors”doors”

The ornamental frame that fills The ornamental frame that fills the page represents the door to the page represents the door to hellhell

BAYEUX TAPESTRY, 1066-72BAYEUX TAPESTRY, 1066-72

Probably the most famous work of Norman art, a narrative wall Probably the most famous work of Norman art, a narrative wall hanging, 230 ft long and 20 inches high, documenting events hanging, 230 ft long and 20 inches high, documenting events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England in 1066surrounding the Norman Conquest of England in 1066

This not tapestry, but an example of embroidery done by women, This not tapestry, but an example of embroidery done by women, scholars now believescholars now believe

This is a major political document, celebrating William’s victory, This is a major political document, celebrating William’s victory, validating his claim to the English thronevalidating his claim to the English throne

BAYEUX TAPESTRY, 1066-72BAYEUX TAPESTRY, 1066-72

The section above shows Bishop Odo and William feasting on the eve The section above shows Bishop Odo and William feasting on the eve of battleof battle

The man on the right of Odo points impatiently to the next evemt, a The man on the right of Odo points impatiently to the next evemt, a council of war between William (central) Odo and Rotbert, the three council of war between William (central) Odo and Rotbert, the three men who held power after the conquestmen who held power after the conquest

BAYEUX TAPESTRY, 1066-72BAYEUX TAPESTRY, 1066-72 At the beginning of the Bayeux, At the beginning of the Bayeux,

Harold is the crowned king of Harold is the crowned king of EnglandEngland

The tapestry is a justification for the The tapestry is a justification for the conquestconquest

In this section, after Harold’s In this section, after Harold’s coronation, Halley’s comet crosses coronation, Halley’s comet crosses the sky, seen as a portent of the sky, seen as a portent of disasterdisaster

A man rushes to inform the new A man rushes to inform the new king, Harold slumps on his throne king, Harold slumps on his throne because he forsees what will because he forsees what will happenhappen

Below his feet is his vision of a Below his feet is his vision of a ghostly fleet, the last great Viking ghostly fleet, the last great Viking flotilla to assemble on the flotilla to assemble on the Normandy coastNormandy coast

Documents

ROMANESQUE ART The Middle of the Middle Ages. ROMANESQUE PERIOD Romanesque means “in the Roman manner” This is the period between the 11th and 12th