Early Medieval Art and Architecture in Spain: Visigothic, Asturian, and Mozarabic Styles

Visigothic Art in Hispania (5th–8th Centuries)

Visigothic art flourished in Hispania from the 5th century until the Muslim invasion in 711. It synthesized Greco-Roman classical heritage, early Christian traditions, and Byzantine and Eastern barbarian influences.

Historical Stages

• Early Period: Up to 587.
• Conversion: Conversion to Catholicism under King Reccared (587).
• Decline: Ended with the Muslim invasion (711).

Architecture

Visigothic architecture is characterized by robust construction and specific decorative motifs:

• Plan: Often basilica floor plans or Greek cross plans.
• Structure: Barrel vaults, walls of ashlar masonry, and a notable lack of windows, resulting in dark interiors.
• Features: Square apses, horseshoe arches (often slightly narrower than the Roman arch), and Byzantine Corinthian capitals.
• Iconostasis: A screen separating the nave and transept, known as the iconostasis, was common.
• Ancillary Rooms: Rooms for the clergy and vestry were often included.

Key Architectural Examples

• San Juan de Baños: Consecrated by King Recceswinth. Features a basilica plan, narthex/porch, three longitudinal naves, transept, and a square apse. The interior is separated by horseshoe arches, and the porch and apse access are marked by large horseshoe arches with a carved cross in the keystone.
• San Pedro de la Nave: A centralizing basilica plan with three apses and a prominent square apse. The transept features a sacristy at each end, forming a Greek cross floor plan. Known for its dark interiors due to few windows.

Sculpture and Decoration

Temples were decorated with sculpted reliefs, primarily geometric, diamond, and floral motifs. Interior coverings often utilized soft stone, with barrel vaults covering the naves and apse.

Goldsmithing (Orfebrería)

Visigothic goldsmithing involved working with noble metals. Votive crowns were significant objects—offerings made by Visigothic kings to the temples upon their coronation, typically placed in the apse or shrine.

Asturian Art: The Kingdom of Asturias (8th–10th Centuries)

Following the Muslim invasion in 711, the Visigothic kingdom fell. The only region that remained free was the Kingdom of Asturias. Asturian art, based on 8th-century Visigothic tradition, reached its splendor under King Ramiro I (842–850).

Architectural Characteristics

Asturian architecture is known for its high walls and robust structure:

• Plan: Basilica plan with a rectangular apse.
• Masonry: Very high walls constructed of ashlar masonry.
• Decoration: Medallions, alfiz frames, and lattices in the openings.
• Structure: Half-barrel vaults, arches, buttresses, and banked murals.
• Access: Porches and side doors were common.

Key Monuments by Ruler

• Alfonso II (791–842):
  • Cámara Santa de Oviedo
  • San Julián de los Prados
• Ramiro I (842–850):
  • Santa María del Naranco
  • San Miguel de Lillo
• Alfonso III (866–910):
  • San Salvador de Valdediós

Mozarabic Art (9th–11th Centuries)

Mozarabic art was created by Christians (Mozarabs) living in Muslim-controlled lands who later migrated to the Christian north. This style exhibits a wide geographical spread, combining strong Visigothic influences with distinct Arab elements, particularly from the Caliphate of Córdoba.

Architecture

Mozarabic architecture is characterized by structural and decorative variety:

• Structure: Variety of floor plans, ribbed vaults, and walls.
• Arches: Prominent use of horseshoe arches (often lobed or scalloped) and cantilevers.
• Frames: Alfiz frames surrounding the arches.

Key Architectural Example

San Miguel de Escalada.

Miniatures and Manuscripts

Mozarabs were known for hand-copied books decorated with vibrant miniatures. All copies of the Commentary on the Apocalypse of St. John are known as Beatus manuscripts. These works are characterized by intense chroma (color) and expressionism.