Fiorella Intriago Lamota 

Romanesque Art: 
Stories in stone 
 
● Roman  Catholic  faith  established.  Builders  borrowed  elements  from  Roman 
architecture. Began to roof churches with stone vaulting.  
● Pilgrimages  were  in  vogue  at  the  time,  visited  shrines  of  sacred  bones,  garments,  or 
splinters from the True Cross. Layout was cruciform, symbolizing the body of Christ. 
● The  “chevet”  (pillow):  resting  place  for  Christ’s  head  as  he  hung  on  the  cross,  behind 
the altar, were semicircular chapels with saints’ relics. 
 ● Exterior  of  churches:  plain,  sculptural  relief  around  main  portal.  Sculpture  taught 
religious doctrine by telling stories in stone. Concentrated on the tympanum. 
 
● ILLUMINATED  MANUSCRIPTS:  Monks  and  nuns  copied  manuscripts,  keeping  alive  the 
art  of  illustration  in  particular  civilization  in  general.  Papyrus  scroll  replaced  by  the 
vellum or parchment. Considered sacred objects. 

 
Book of Kells 
(760-820)