1. Romanesque Art Slides # 20-23

2. Romanesque Characteristics
Plain on the outside and decorated with sculptures.
Inside is often dark and solemn
Use of the rounded arch
The walls are supported with piers and large thick walls.
They began using stone to construct the roofs (Roman Churches often used wood)
Buttresses are used to build higher churches.

3. Nave
Apse
Crossing
Ambulatory
Transept
Buttresses
Tympanum
Side Aisle
Façade

4. Terminology
Nave – the central aisle of the church Apse – where the altar is located at the head of the church – often faced the east. Crossing – where the transept arms and nave cross in the middle (sometimes the base of a tower) Ambulatory – a route of outer aisles that could be used for piligrims to walk around the church without distrubing a mass. Transept – the arms of the cross shaped church plan Buttresses – external structures used to help support the walls. Tympanum – the arched space above a door or window, where decorative carvings can be made.

5. 21. St Foy & Reliquary of St. Foy (1050-1120). Conques, France.

10. 21. St Foy & Reliquary of St. Foy (1050-1120). Conques, France.
History:
-dedicated to St. Faith
-the center of her veneration was transferred to the Abbey of Sainte-Foy, Conques, where her relics arrived in the ninth century, stolen from Agen by a monk from the Abbey nearby at Conques.
-known as a pilgrimage church
Architectural Features:
-cross floor plan
-barrel vaulted stone ceiling
-radiating chapels

11. 22. Sainte-Madeleine. (1104-1132) Vezelay, France.

13. Q. What Romanesque features to you see?
Roman arches
Think walls
Long nave
Stone roofs
Q. What Romanesque features to you see?

14. Interior of Ste-Madeleine…

15. Barrel Vault:
Cross / Groin Vault:

16. 22. Sainte Madeleine. (1104-1132) Vezelay, France
History:
-Claims to guard the relics of
St. Mary Magdalene.
-where the Crusaders set off
-The 2nd and 3rd crusades launched from this church
Architectural Features:
-Latin cross floor plan
-Largest Romanesque church in France
-use of Buttresses*
-barrel / cross vaulting*
-thick stone walls and few windows
-use of the Roman arch
*used to build higher and wider
Side Note:
Crusader – purpose was to convert or destroy non-believers
The Crusades began to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims.

18. 23. The Mission of the Apostles.
Tympanum of Sainte-Madeleine. ( ) Vezelay, France.

19. Q. What is the purpose of this piece?
Q. How would you describe the figures?

21. 23. The Mission of the Apostles
23. The Mission of the Apostles. Tympanum of Sainte-Madeleine ( ) Vezelay, France
Example of a Tympanum
About the Art:
- shows Christ sending his apostles to preach the word of the Lord
Forms of Decoration / Style:
- stone sculptures usually in the Tympanum
- stylized figures/not natural
Purpose:
-to tell a story
-to educate the illiterate

22. 24. The Battle of Hastings. (1073-1083) Detail from the Bayeux Tapestry
wool embroidery on linen.

23. 24. The Battle of Hastings. (1073-1083) Detail from the Bayeux Tapestry
wool embroidery on linen.
History:
-Recounts the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
-It is a story of loyalty, friendship and betrayal.
Purpose:
Tapestries were used as decorative wall hangings and helped to warm the stone wall of castles.
Details:
230 feet long
75 different scenes
623 figures