Romanesque and Freestanding Sculpture: Forms & Features

Romanesque and Freestanding Sculpture

Romanesque sculpture was intrinsically linked to architecture. Its primary purpose was not only decorative but also to indoctrinate a largely illiterate population. While religious themes predominated, sculptures also depicted fantastic animals, scenes of everyday life, and decorative floral, vegetal, and geometric motifs. This secular character was often found in the decoration of cloister capitals and interior spaces.

Architectural Integration and Key Examples

In Spain, the Cloister of Santo Domingo de Silos is particularly noteworthy. On cathedral portals, the tympanum typically features the Theophany or Christ in Majesty, accompanied by the Tetramorph. Surrounding this central space, the archivolts display figures arranged radially. The jambs, lintel, and trumeau (mullion) were often adorned with geometric reliefs and numerous religious figures, such as the Four Elders of Revelation.

Key Characteristics of Romanesque Sculpture

• Hieratic figures, often stiff and expressionless.
• Lack of true perspective and architectural backgrounds.
• Adaptation of characters to the architectural framework.
• Tendency to fill the entire composition space (horror vacui).
• Use of hierarchical perspective.
• Tendency towards symmetry and geometric shapes.
• Extensive use of polychromy.

Freestanding Devotional Sculpture

Many of these characteristics also apply to freestanding devotional sculptures, often crafted from wood. These sculptures were typically richly polychromatic. Two common themes for freestanding sculptures include:

The Virgin Mary with Child

This depicts the Virgin with the Child Jesus seated on her lap. She is often depicted seated and rigid, with the Child in a blessing posture. The Virgin is presented less as a mother and more as a throne upon which the Child is seated. Example: La Virgen de Montserrat.

The Crucified Christ

This theme typically presents two distinct forms:

Christ in Majesty

In this depiction, Christ on the cross is clothed in a long robe, appearing as the King of Kings. His eyes are wide open, and his feet are often fastened separately to emphasize suffering. Light colors were typically used. Example: The Majesty Batlló.

Naked Christ

This image portrays Christ naked, save for a loincloth, with open eyes, a serene expression, and a crown of thorns.