In the early- and mid-twentieth century, Romanesque art was often viewed as crude and primitive—a view that Romanesque architecture had already been subject to for centuries. But thanks in part to scholars like George Zarnecki, David Gwynn, and John Harvey, Romanesque art has been reassessed. The recent scholarly consensus is that Romanesque art is sophisticated and expressive, equal in many ways to the art of the Renaissance.
Titled “Romanesque Art,” this blog combines written and photographic content with a forum where readers can ask questions and make comments. Posts include discussions of medieval works of art like the tenacious frescoes at Santo Domingo de Silos or the intricately carved capitals at Moissac , as well as practical information about how to visit historic sites around Europe. Photographs feature striking works of art from Spanish cathedrals, French abbeys, Italian monasteries and German chapels, among other places. In addition to offering an overview of Romanesque art online, Romanesque Art also aims to provide a resource for those planning a trip to Europe. The site provides travel guides for several European locations, with information about where to find the best examples of Romanesque architecture
You will find here a guide to the Romanesque art of Europe and a blog about Roman civilization. The site includes pictures, descriptions of important Romanesque buildings and churches as well as links to other resources. The main focus is on Romanesque art in France, Spain and Italy.
Romanesque art flourished from about AD 1000 to about 1200 and is one of the most original styles in Western European art. It is related to but different from the earlier Carolingian style, which was a continuation of Roman art. After 1200, when the style died out, it was gradually replaced by Gothic art.
The Romanesque period was one of massive changes in European society: the feudal system emerged, towns were founded and grew in size, trade increased and cities became powerful centres for local rulers. Communications improved as roads were made better for horses and carts. New monastic orders were created with new architectural styles, creating a renaissance in Christian worship.
Romanesque architecture is characterized by thick walls supporting rounded arches that create an impression of lightness and height (see the picture above). The walls are often decorated with small arcaded windows. Vaults are made mostly with stones or bricks but sometimes wood is used too. Naves are usually long and narrow with little natural
The Romanesque art is a style of medieval art that flourished throughout Europe in the period between 1000 and 1200 CE. It is also called “First Romanesque” or “Lombard Romanesque,” names that describe the place it was made (Romanesque) and the people who made it (the Lombards). The term originated only in the 19th century, but its use was popularized by the Victorian and Edwardian antiquarians who were interested in Medieval art.
The term Romanesque describes a family of styles which were developed across Europe during a period of hundred years. There is no clear-cut break between Romanesque art and its successor, Gothic art.
Romanesque art was known for a verism, an intense expressionism often conveyed through a highly nervous and agitated draughtsmanship. This contrasts with the classical equilibrium of Roman art, which had been transmitted through Roman architecture, painting and sculpture from antiquity to the High Middle Ages, and can be seen as part of the Western development towards realism.
The Romanesque style of art developed from the Carolingian art during the early Middle Ages. The Romanesque period lasted from the 10th century to the beginning of the 13th century. The Romanesque art was characterized by a sense of strength and massiveness in its figures, along with an emphasis on geometric and architectural forms.
The Romanesque style of architecture was used for many churches built during this period. It had many common features, such as large rounded arches, barrel vaults, small windows, groin vaults and blind arcades (rows of small columns). The Romanesque cathedrals were also characterized by verticality, with massive towers.
Romanesque art flourished in many other fields including illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, metalwork and architecture. In addition to churches and cathedrals built in the Romanesque style, other structures such as castles were also built in this manner.
Romanesque art was more realistic than its predecessor, the Carolingian art. The faces in late Romanesque sculptures were depicted with greater realism than before.
Romanesque art is a style of art produced at the dawn of the 12th century, mostly in France, Germany and Italy. This style of art was heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire and was characterized by simple geometric patterns which remained popular even as the Romanesque period transitioned into Gothic art. The Romanesque period lasted from 1000 AD to 1200 AD, during which time most churches were constructed in stone, with round arches and barrel vaults.
The term Romanesque was coined by 19th century historians who thought that the art was a direct transition from Classical Roman architecture. However, it was not until the 20th century that this theory was disproved when art historians began to take note of the differences between Romanesque and Classical Roman architecture. For example, Romanesque churches had flat ceilings and much smaller windows than their Roman predecessors. Also, there were remarkable similarities between Romanesque churches built on opposite sides of Europe. For example, Romanesque churches in Southern France looked remarkably similar to those found in Northern Portugal.
Tintagel Castle (Cornish: Din Tagell, “fortress at the tide-rip”) is a medieval fortification located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island adjacent to the village of Tintagel in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The island is connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway that was built in the late 19th century to improve access to the castle.
The castle was built in the 12th century as part of King Henry II’s campaign to conquer, extend and control the tin-rich region of Cornwall. It was subsequently used as a prison, particularly for clergy. It is associated with legends concerning King Arthur and is best known as being featured in Arthurian literature because it is said to be his birthplace (see below). It has been in state care since 1925.
The ruins represent most phases of the development of medieval fortifications from the 11th century onwards: they include an early shell keep; a massive rectangular tower; a large round tower; and a 14th-century gatehouse. They are now kept under official guardianship and are managed by English Heritage. The site has been called “the most spectacular historic monument in Cornwall”.
