The Romanesque Period

Europe

th 11

th -12

Centurieskind of
The start and finishing dates differed in different countries around Europe. Also known as the Medieval Period or Middle Ages. Came after the dark ages.

Why the sudden change?

New hope since the wolrd didnt end in the year 1000!! Peace came to Euope. New farming methods population growth. Learning and education improved. Roman Catholic Church became very important and dominated politically and spiritually. Monastries were very wealthy and influential places.

The Social Order of the Time The Feudal System

Medival People
Average life expectancy 35 years.
Light and warmth only came from the sun. Only pictures belonged in monastries. Deep belief in the afterlife where they were promised happiness in return for prayer and penance. Many went on pilgrimages or joined the crusades.

What were the crusades?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv_Gussoya8

They brought back relics

Pilgrimage - Santiago de Compostella

Tomb of St. James (Christs apostle) was rediscovered there. Rome and Jerusalem were very dangerous bandits and pirates.

Cluny Abbey promoted the detination.

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Passport

European Romanesque Architecture

Cluny Abbey - France

Typical Characteristics
Blocky in shape Rounded arches Stone roofs Cut Stone Massive walls Dark interiors Crucifrom in shape Radiating chapels Tower/ Cupola (dome) Vaults

Romanesque Church Floorplan

Romanesque Vaults

Romanesque Architectural Sculpture

Early Middle Ages classical
sculpture regarded with suspicion. France began to see classical art as art Cluny Abbey first to use art in architecture. Architectural sculpture new way for church to teach the word or god. Some life-size figures of saints, most dramatic Last Judgement scenes.

Death and the grotesque devils, demons and tormented souls create fear of hell.

The Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene

 Vezelay, France. Largest Romanesque church in France. Benedictine abbey. Acquired the relics of Mary Magdalene in 1037. Cluny designated it a major stop on Compostela route. Rebuilt 1150 (fire 1200 died). Faade and one tower destroyed in Revolution, restored in C.19th. Ochre and white stone in interior Islamic influence from Spain. Balance, rhythm and light,.

Tympanum Western Portal Doorway

Pentecost Jesus gives holy spirit in form of fire to apostles
Size of figures show how important they are Different races to be taught word of God Flames coming out of hands Holy Spirit strength to teach word of God to all

Apostles

Mandorla (oval halo)

Jesus with arms open (symbolise resurrection)

Robe in whirling patterns

Sections missing

The Mystic Mill - Capital

Most famous capital from the church Sculptor unknown
Ornate plant designs Moses pouring grain into a mill Grain Mill

St. Paul the Apostle gathers the flour

Intricate details in folds of robes

Grain the law given to Moses

Mill - Christ

Saint-Lazare of Autun

Saint-Lazare of Autun
Autun, Burgundy,

France.

Mid 12th Century.

Held relics of Lazarus (Jesus raised from the dead). Romanesque style with later Gothic additions (exterior, spire). Famous for sculptures by Gislebertus

 Built on grand scale after recils were found in hopes it would become a pilgrimage destination. Bishop of Autun great admirer of Cluny and classical Roman decoration.

Suicide of Judas - Capital - Gislebertus

Judas hanging after he betrayed Jesus

Ornamental trees contast with grotesque imagery

Tongue protruding and head lolling grotesquely

Devils pull on rope

Flight into Egypt Capital - Gislebertus

Warned in a dream Herod seeking to kill Jesus Holy family leave for Egypt.
Mary holding Jesus Jesus appears happy and content Joseph leading the donkey

Donkey appears to be happy

Ornate plant designs Fine details in cobblestones and clothes

The Tympanum - Gislebertus

West-facing door.
Weighing of the souls inspire hope and fear. Most famous Romanesque Last Judgement scene artist signed it. Survived revolution, in C.18th plastered.
GISLEBERTUS HOC FECIT Gislebertus made this

Rediscovered nearly 100 years later. Gislebertus trained in Cluny and Vezelay.

The Last Judgement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PATkTJhAUhM

What Came Next?

Developments in architecture, sculpture and stained glass lead to a new period known as the Gothic Period.