Medieval art - Romanesque

1050-1150 A.D.
The period of Romanesque Art started around 1000 AD and lasted to around 1300 with the beginning of the Gothic Art period. Art prior to that is called pre-Romanesque. Romanesque art was influenced by both the Romans and Byzantine Art. Its focus was on religion and Christianity. It included architectural details like stained glass art, large murals on walls and domed ceilings, and carvings on buildings and columns. It also included illuminated manuscript art and sculpture.

Life syle.
  • Christianity was widely practiced – church was powerful
  • shift from outer beauty to inner beauty
  • warfare was common
  • the fighting was over land, which was the source of power and wealth
  • in the Feudal system the wealthy land owners dominated the peasants who worked the land
  • in addition, the peasants had to pay rent to work on the land so that they could provide food to their family
  • the workers could barely survive, while the owners and lords lived in luxury
  • the wealthy build fortresses to protect themselves and their possessions

Painting.

Sculpture.

ARCHITECTURE.
  • few paintings during this period – all the energy was transferred to building churches
  • painted work consisted of manuscript illuminations
  • sculpture covered the exterior of churches
  • used to teach the faith to the illiterate people
  • relief sculpture was very popular
  • sculpture was a part of the architecture
  • castles with moats and drawbridges
  • thick walls and dark interiors
  • large pilgrimage churches built for worshippers and tourists
  • use of barrel vaulting and the round arch
  • few windows
  • Latin cross floor plan
  • height was important

Key info - study of specific art pieces
13. St. Sernin   1080-1120 A.D.

​Title: St. Sernin
Architect: Unknown
Date: 1080-1120 A.D.
Style/Period: Romanesque
Materials: Stone
​
During the Feudal Era (Medieval Era), the rich landowners and Lords lived in castles.  The castles had thick walls and few windows.  Moats and drawbridges further protected the residents from attack.  The churches at this time were similar with thick walls.  In order to build the walls of the church taller, few windows were used.  The church was lit by candles and oil lamps.  Romanesque churches were noted for the round arches, barrel vaulting and the Latin Cross floor plan.  San Sernin was a pilgrimage church built for the multitude of worshipers coming for prayer.

​KEY ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES
Line
Form (geometric)
Balance (formal)
Rhythm
​14. The Prophet Jeremiah – 1115-1135 A.D.

​Title: The Prophet Jeremiah
Artist: Unknown
Date: 115-1135 A.D.
Style/Period: Romananesque
Materials: Stone
​
Most people in the Medieval Era were illiterate.  The churches were covered with sculptures and reliefs that told Bible stories.  
 
The combination of sculpture and architecture reached new heights and achievements during this period.  Note the elongated movements of the sculptures.

​KEY ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES
Line
Texture
Form
Movement
 
​

Activities

  1. Watch the video below to get a better understanding:
  2. Take a ten question quiz about this page.
GO TO GOTHIC ART