Romanesque Art & Architecture: Medieval Europe's Enduring Legacy

The Romanesque Era: Context and Foundations

Romanesque art developed between the 11th and 12th centuries. During this period, Europe lacked political unity, being primarily based on feudalism and the feudal-vassal system. A unified religious discourse emerged, shaping the Romanesque era.

New states, organized under the feudal system, emerged as patrons, funding artistic endeavors. The Catholic Church underwent internal reform, leading to the rise of two significant monastic orders: Cluny and the Cistercians. This was also a period marked by widespread pilgrimages.

Fundamentals of Romanesque Art

Romanesque art drew its origins from Roman and Byzantine influences, evolving into a unified European style. It was primarily a sacred art, deeply rooted in religious fervor. With culture dominated by the Church, art served as an offering to God, rather than merely for aesthetic contemplation. It embodied a Roman mentality of symbolic representation.

Romanesque Architecture: Key Features

Materials and Construction

• Material: Stone was the primary material, often regular in form, with a deliberate refusal to use ostentatious materials.
• Building Elements: Key elements included columns, pillars, and thick walls.
  • Columns: Typically short, cylindrical, and very thick.
  • Pillars: Often with rectangular or square bases, and could also be polygonal.
  • Walls: Exceptionally thick, with few openings, which were usually splayed.

Arches and Vaulting Systems

• Arches: The semicircular arch was most commonly used, with the pointed arch appearing from the 12th century onwards.
• Roofing Systems: Vaulting was employed to cover roofs, primarily to prevent fires.
  • Barrel Vault: Formed by extending a semicircular arch along a linear axis.
  • Groin Vault: Created by the intersection of two barrel vaults, typically without ribs.
  • Domes: Hemispherical domes were sometimes used, supported by squinches or pendentives.

Main Romanesque Buildings and Structures

While the temple was a primary monument, monasteries and pilgrimage churches also held significant importance.

Architectural Plans and Layouts

• Floor Plans: Basilical plans, typically with one, three, or five naves, always featured a semicircular apse. The main entrance was usually at the west end.
• Latin Cross Plan: The most common plan was the Latin cross, characterized by a long nave intersected by a transept.
• Pilgrimage Churches: For these, an ambulatory was often included to facilitate the movement of pilgrims around the apse.
• Chapels: Radiating chapels sometimes expanded the apse or transept arms.
• Nave and Aisles: Naves were often tall, and windows were sometimes present in the aisles.

Decorative and Structural Elements

• Content and Iconography: Romanesque art was predominantly symbolic and religious.
• Proportions: Proportions and measurements were often based on Roman systems, aiming for a sense of order.
• Towers: Bell towers were a notable innovation, sometimes integrated into the church structure.
• Portals: The main portal was typically located at the west end of the church. Secondary portals could be found on the lateral sides, often at the transept crossing.

Monasteries and Civil Architecture

• Monasteries: Monastic complexes often featured a prominent cloister, a courtyard typically with a fountain at its center. The decoration of capitals within cloisters was particularly emphasized.
• Civil Architecture: Castles, primarily defensive structures, were strategically built in elevated locations.