Romanesque

KEY IDEAS

• Revival of large scale sculpture and architecture due to PILGRIMAGES
• Pilgrims traveled across Europe to visit and worship relics. The greatest pilgrimage destinations were Santiago de Compostela in Spain (shrine of St. James) and St. Peter's in Rome.
• To accommodate crowds, churches developed larger naves, double aisles, ambulatories and radiating chapels
• Church portals stress the Last Judgment and the need for salvation through the Christian church
• Manuscript painting and weaving flourish

Top 10 Romanesque Characteristics

1.        First international style since the Roman Empire (Germany, Normandy, England, Tuscany)

2.        Competition for the largest church, civic pride (Pisa Cathedral)

3.        Stone Masonry (no concrete)

4.        East end of church is the religious focal point for services (apse and altar)

5.        Portals act as a "billboard" for elements of faith (The Last Judgement) 

6.        Cruciform plans, church as a metaphor for heaven

7.        Plans/elevation based on basilican forms

8.        Bays divide the nave into compartments

9.        Rounded arches are the norm

10.     Tripartite division of the elevation continues from earlier periods (nave/arcade, gallery, clerestory)

Check out this video about the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Remember, the extra credit assignment (30-min essay) is due FRIDAY! 

Extra credit assignment

 I know the last test was challenging and covered A TON of (albeit similar-looking) art and architecture. Thus, I am offering an extra credit opportunity to bump up your test scores. This is a sample 30-minute essay question from an AP test. These 30-minute questions ask YOU to come up with examples of art or architecture to support your thesis/claim. Each question pertains to a specific overarching theme (the human figure, sacred space, power, etc) and asks you to identify one work from beyond the European tradition (we've covered: Near East, Egypt, China, Islam). Although this essay is not timed, do you best to follow AP guidelines for essay writing. This 1-2 page essay is due FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30.

30-Minute Essay Question Directions: You have 30 minutes to answer Question 1. Read the question and take a moment to think about what the question asks. You can receive full credit only by answers the question asked. Therefore, spend a few minutes organizing or outlining your response in the blank space provided above the questions. Notes in the black space will not be graded. Be sure to analyze each question carefully and choose appropriate examples. Identify your examples as fully as possible.

 Question 1: Virtually all of the world’s cultures have defined sacred spaces for religious purposes. The design and appearance of these spaces vary greatly. Fully identify two specific sacred spaces, at least one of which must be from beyond the European tradition. For each choice, discuss the relationship between the appearance of the space and its religious function.



p.s.  Finish reading Ch. 17 (p. 430-459), complete RG Ch. 17 and turn in Illuminated manuscript pages if you have not FOR WEDNESDAY.

UNIT TEST 4: Ch 11, 12, 13, 16

Hello all,

It's that time again, UNIT TEST 4 is approaching. On Monday, you will be tested on Early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic and Early Medieval Art. Be sure to study how these works are INTERCONNECTED (i.e. how Early Christian churches compare to Ottonian church architecture, how Islamic interlace patterns are similar/different to Hiberno-Saxon illuminated manuscripts, etc.) as well as how they relate to their Roman roots (classical influences, or lack thereof). I also stress studying architectural vocabulary of sacred spaces, both Christian and Islamic. This vocabulary is crucial to understanding church architecture and writing concise and informed essays.

floor plan of a very simple Mosque and Old St. Peter's plan

I've added a new tab at the top of the blog for CHEAT SHEETS. These will be provided at the end of each chapter/section. I will do my best to create cheat sheets for all previous chapters for studying down the line!

For those who missed class, we have a TAKE HOME assignment due November, 26th after Thanksgiving.

Assume the role of a manuscript illuminator and create a beautiful ornamented page from your imaginary  manuscript. I will provide paper (“vellum” or “parchment”). Your manuscript page must include:

·         Your initial, large, in Romanesque or Medieval style

·         Interlace patterns (you can make this up or use a template)

·         A grotesque, mythical figure or monk

·         1 copied Latin phrase in medieval script (ex: Audio, video, disco – I hear, I see, I learn, phrases can be googled!)

·         Heraldry – family crest or flag

·         Foliate Border

***And of course, use GORGEOUS COLOR, (or even gold and silver if possible) ***

Although we sadly didn't get to it in class, you can quiz yourself or each other on your Jesus recognition skills by playing NAME THAT CHRIST!

Happy studying!

Yesterday, archaeologists discovered treasure linked to Alexander the Great's father in a Bulgarian tomb. Read about it here!

Islamic Art

ISLAMIC ART

KEY IDEAS

• Islamic art and architecture directly reflects Islamic religious beliefs, Atmosphere of Paradise
• The most important building for Muslim worship is  THE MOSQUE
• Muslims pray toward city of Mecca, the holiest place of Islam
• The mihrab is a niche in the qibla (direction toward Mecca) wall
• Calligraphy is a highly revered holy task(Persian manuscripts)
• Calligraphy includes arabesque and tessellation designs (interweaving vegetal motifs and geometric patterns)

The 5 Pillars of Islam

1. Faith: there is no God but God, Muhammad is his messenger

2. Prayer: Pray 5x per day in direction of Mecca (qibla)

3. Charity: Give alms to the poor

4. Fasting: from sunrise to sunset during holy month of Ramadan

5. Pilgrimage: Visit city of Mecca

This is a great (albeit lengthy) documentary on Islamic art and architecture. Check it out!