Romanesque and gothic

Romanesque and Gothic

I.E.S. Alonso de Covarrubias

Christendom• Christianity was the

main religion in Europe.• Church affected all

aspect of life.• Church had great social,

political and economic power.– Crusades: were

military expeditions organised by the Pope, to take the Holy land from the Muslims.

So, Art in the Middle Ages was related to religion, it

was Christian Art.


• When we talk about art, we differentiate 3 groups:Architecture:

is the art of building.

Romanesque and Gothic.

Sculpture: The art or practice of shaping or carving figures or designs in the round or in relief (3 D).


Painting: The art of representing figures or forms with paint on a surface (2 D).

Romanesque and Gothic• In the Middle Ages, there were two Art Styles

Romanesque:11th and 12th centuries

• Aimed to spread religion and bring people closer to God.

• The use of symbols was very important.

• Artists were anonymous craftsmen.

•Only the Church commisioned art.

Gothic:12th to 15th centuries.

• Is related to a renaissance in cities. Economic changes,

peace, the end of epidemics…• Not only the Church

commisioned art. Noblemen and rich merchants built palaces and these were

decorated with paintings and sculptures.

•Portraits were very important.• Artists started being known

Romanesque Architecture• The most representative buildings were

churches, cathedrals and monasteries.• Material: Stone.• Churches and Cathedrals were usually cruciform.• Elements: barrel vaults, domes, arches, big

columns and pillars, very small windows.• They let little light inside.• As a result: The buildings looked very solid and

compact.

Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

Saint Martin of Frómista (Palencia)

Saint Mary(Taull)

Angulemme Cathedral

Romanesque Scupture• Most people could not

read or write. Art had an educational function: Images taught them about Christianism.

• Human Figures were unrealistic.

• Sculptures were painted in bright colours.

Decoration in Church of Saint Peter of Moissac.

Romanesque Sculpture• Facades were decorated with subjects such as

Christ in Glory and the Last Judgement.

Pórtico de la Gloria (Santiago de Compostela)

Romanesque Sculpture• There were wooden carvings on altars with figures

of the Virgin and Child and Christ on the cross.

Virgin of Vauclair

Don Fernando and Doña

Sancha Christ on the cross.

Romanesque Painting• Normally,

paintings were inside churches.

• Painting had similar characteristics to sculpture.

Mural Paintings were located on walls, with subjects such as Christ in Glory and Last Judgement (Pantocrator). P.e. Pantocrator in San

Clemente de Taull.

Romanesque Painting

Panel Painting: Altars and small altarpieces, were decorated with the lives of Saints. Life of Saint Julita

and her son, Saint Quirze (Church of Durro).

Romanesque PaintingMiniatures: Small paintings which illustrated bibles and manuscripts.

Gothic Architecture

• It also showed the power and wealth of cities.

• The most representative building was the Cathedral.

• Cities competed with each other to build the biggest or tallest Cathedral. Toledo Cathedral.

Gothic Cathedral

• Gothic used new architectural techniques.Pointed arches.Rib vaults.Pillars inside churches and flying buttresses outside.Large windows with stained glass. Very important

was the rose window in bright colours.• Cathedrals were high and filled with light, to

represent heaven.

Gothic Architecture

Gothic Architecture

Rose window. Saint Chapelle (París)

Gothic Sculpture

• Sculpture became independent from architecture.

• More realistic and natural. Clothes and gestures were more detailled.

White Virgin (Toledo)

Gothic Sculpture• Curved lines became popular. Figures showed movement.• There was interest in expressing feelings.• Stone and wood were the principal materials.

Tomb of Philippe Le Pot.

Gothic Painting

• Mural painting became less common (replaced by stained glass windows).

• Miniatures were the most important type.

Gothic Painting

• Altarpieces and Icons were common religious paintings.

Last Judgement, Roger Van der Weyden.

Icon: Virgin with child

Gothic Painting

• Portraits also became important.

Gothic Painting

• Characteristics:Bright

colours.Use of gold.Landscapes.Realism and

movement.

Christ's descent. Roger Van der Weyden.

Education

Romanesque and gothic