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!