Romanesque Art: History, Architecture, and Painting Styles

Romanesque Art Historical References

Thanks to the introduction of feudalism, the tranquility, and political supremacy of the Church, Europe achieved stability. A new middle class emerged in Europe, divided into groups of artisans and merchants. Monks, who dedicated their lives entirely to God, promised chastity, poverty, and worship Him as superior.

Localization and Artistic Development

Romanesque art acquired a European character. It developed in three stages:

• First Romanesque
• Full Romanesque
• Late Romanesque

Characteristics of Romanesque Art

The term Romanesque arises from the desire to unify different styles, drawing heavily from Roman architecture. Romanesque art placed great importance on precious materials like gold and silver, and on symbolism. Any form of art was employed to achieve the goal of glorifying God. Consequently, cathedrals, churches, and monasteries are the most representative buildings.

Architecture

Temples were built from east to west so that the first ray of sun illuminated the apse. To create a cross-shaped building, the transept was used, resulting in either a:

• Greek cross plan (with equal arms)
• Latin cross plan (with uneven arms)

The area where the nave and transept cross is called the crossing, which was covered by a dome.

The eastern end (header) is formed by the transept, the presbytery, the apse, and the ambulatory (a circular corridor extending the aisles, surrounding the rear of the sanctuary, from which small radial chapels or apses opened). Some churches also featured a narthex.

Within the main space, the nave was covered by a barrel vault, supported by arches. Where there was less money, the ceiling was higher. The walls separating the different naves are the arches and the gallery.

Painting

The two main forms of Romanesque painting were mural fresco and tempera painting. Many biblical stories were depicted, including the Christ in Majesty, the Last Judgement, and scenes of the Virgin Mary, typically located in the apse area of the central and western walls. Several distinct painting styles existed:

Romanesque Style (Frankish Influence)

Found in Western France and Spain. This stage emphasized naturalism, detail, expression, movement, and spontaneity, often favoring clear backgrounds.

Byzantine Style

Seen in Italy and Catalonia. This style is characterized by the absence of spatial and volumetric effects. It stresses hieratic poses, frontal presentation, lengthening and stylization of bodies, and symmetry.