Masterpieces of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture and Art

Home of San Pedro de Moissac

This architectural work, known as the "Home of San Pedro de Moissac," is a Romanesque-style piece dating back to the 12th century. The author is unknown. The primary material used is stone, similar to that used in the Church of Saint-Pierre in Moissac, Languedoc. The tympanum depicts the Apocalypse, with a grand Christ in Majesty at its center, surrounded by the Tetramorph (symbols of the four Evangelists). The scene is completed with the 24 elders of the Apocalypse, separated by the waves of the sea of glass, which are also present on the jambs. On the left jamb, Isaiah appears, while Saint Peter is represented on the mullion. Apocalyptic beasts are depicted on the mullion. The rosettes carved on the lintel are infernal, and the archivolts feature wheels of fire and vegetation. The figures are adapted to the limitations of the architectural framework, displaying symmetry, centralization, and hierarchical perspective. Their crude form and frontal carving highlight their costumes, which are conventional and hieratic.

San Clemente de Taüll Frescoes

This pictorial work, known as "The Frescoes of San Clemente de Taüll," was created by the Master of Taüll in the first half of the 12th century. It is in the Romanesque style with Lombard influences. The technique used is fresco with tempera retouches (egg white was commonly used in tempera). The frescoes are located on a wall in Catalonia. There is no perspective, except in the book held by Christ. The painting is linear, hieratic, and unnatural, with a hierarchical perspective. The apse is divided into three registers: the sky (quarter-sphere vault with the Pantocrator, Christ in Majesty), the apse cylinder (representations of the Virgin Mary and the saints), and the Earth. The composition is symmetrical. A seated Pantocrator presides over the celestial vault, flanked by the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. The Mandorla, an almond shape, symbolizes light, and within its orbit are the Tetramorphs. The second register is separated by a band with the names of the represented saints and Mary, symbolizing faith.

León Cathedral

This architectural work, known as León Cathedral, was created by Master Enrique in the second half of the 13th century. It is in the Spanish Gothic style, and the materials used are stone and concrete, showing a clear French influence. The west facade was inspired by Chartres Cathedral, flanked by two square towers topped with pinnacles. It features a triple lower cover, the highest of which is topped with a gable and a large rose window. The floor plan was inspired by Reims Cathedral, with the nave divided into six sections. A notable feature is the large header. The body is divided into three naves: the central nave is higher than the lateral ones. The header has a large transept and an apse with an ambulatory containing five chapels. The vaults used are ribbed vaults, and their nerves are thin columns attached to the ground, reaching a high altitude and creating verticality. The cathedral's system of stained glass windows is remarkable. Regarding the elevation, three sections can be distinguished: the arcades, the triforium, and the clerestory. This cathedral stands on the Way of Saint James and attracted many pilgrims due to its relics. Its structure is that of a pilgrimage temple, with aisles that extend to the ambulatory and transept.