Romanesque and Gothic Art Romanesque Art Basic History
Romanesque and Gothic Art
Romanesque Art Basic History Applies to the 11 th and 12 th centuries in Western Europe. Some factors that contribute to the growth and development are: n n – – n n The threat of Islam had declined in power. The barbarian raids from the north had subsided The eastern tribes were held in check. Christianity was triumphing everywhere in Europe. Most artists during this period designed Church Buildings and Sculptural Decoration. Characterized by its expressive nature and by the religious fervor it represents.
Romanesque Architecture n n n n Built of carefully cut local stone varying in Color and Texture. Entrances at west end and worshipers faced east (symbolically toward Jerusalem. ) The nave and transept intersect to form the shape of a Latin cross. The use of vaults created the need for a massive exterior buttress and think walls. Windows were kept small so the walls would not weaken. Therefore, the inside was very dark. The apse included a row of seating for the singing clergy (choir) and large crypts under the seating.
Romanesque Buildings n Worms Cathedral – – – Built about 1080 -1120 Worms, Germany Strong geometric forms and fortress-like.
Romanesque Buildings n Saint-Sernin – – – Built about 1080 -1120 Toulouse, France A pilgrimage church built to accommodate large groups.
Romanesque Buildings n Sainte-Madeleine – Built about 1104 -1132 – Vezelay, France – Use of groin vaults allows for more light inside.
Romanesque Buildings n Norte-Dame-la-Grande – Built about 1162 -1271 – Poitiers, France – Has many sculptures on the exterior
Romanesque Buildings n Complex at Pisa – Begun in 1174 – Pisa, Italy – Built of white marble
Romanesque Buildings n Marksburg Castle – – Bulit in 12 th century Braubach, Germany Stands on a cliff 495 feet above the Rhine River The main tower is 130 feet tall
Romanesque Sculpture Placed in niches both inside and outside the church n Helped people understand the teaching of the church n Tympanum – arched area below the arch and above the lintel of a doorway. n
Romanesque Sculpture n Sainte-Madeleine – The central tympanum contains “The Mission of the Apostles” – The huge figure of Christ is placed in the mandorla (an almond-shaped form) – The whole composition is crowded and agitated – Sculpture work is in relief.
Romanesque Sculpture n The Last Judgement – West tympanum of St. Lazare in Autun, France – Built about 1130 – One of the earliest known sculptures to be signed – GISLEBERTUS HOC FECIT (Gislebertus made this)
Romanesque Paintings and Crafts Fresco gained popularity. n Tapestry work and heavily embroidered panels. n n Chalice of Abbot Suger – Crafted about 1140 – Carved from a single piece of sardonyx
Gothic Art Basic History Massive shift in population during 12 th and 13 th centuries due to people moving from the countryside into towns. n Cathedrals become the religious cultural and social centers of the growing cities. n Gothic was first used as a term of ridicule by Renaissance critics. n Unity is the key concept in Gothic Architecture. n
Gothic Architecture n Began when Abbot Suger started to enlarge and redesign his small church. – Wanted it to be beautiful and richly decorated as possible because anything less would be unsuitable for God’s House – Added huge windows to allow more light. Builders try to make the interior as high as possible, as if reaching toward heaven. n The pointed arch provided greater height and more open area. n Solid, thick walls were eliminated with the addition of flying buttresses. n Rose windows were placed over the main portal. n
Gothic Architecture n Chartres Catherdral – – – Built about 1194 France The construction proceeded through four centuries and was never completely finished. – Represented the effort of all who gave their labor, skill, and money to build it.
Gothic Architecture n Notre Dame – – – Built about 1163 -1250 Paris, France Best known Gothic Catherdral.
Gothic Architecture n Cathedral of Reims – – – Built about 1225 -1299 France Kings of France were crowned here.
Gothic Architecture n Cathedral of Amiens – – – Begun about 1220 France Has an interior nave that is 137 feet high.
Gothic Architecture n Cathedral of Cologne – – – Begun in 1248 Germany Largest in the country
Gothic Architecture n Salisbury Cathedral – – – Begun in 1220 England Builders did not desire a soaring effectso few flying buttresses are used.
Gothic Sculpture Return to natural human, animal, and plant forms. n Statues lack a sense of movement in the early Gothic. n Toward late Gothic, figures seem free of the columns and are sculpted in the round. n
Gothic Sculpture n Toledo Cathedral alterpiece – – – About 1498 -1504 Toledo, Spain Designed by Peti Juan but carved by artists from Holland, France, Germany, and Spain. – Very elaborate detail.
Stained Glass Started with a full-scale line drawing called a cartoon. n Paint applied on glass to create shading, lines and detail. n Reds and Blues dominant color schemes. n
Late Gothic Painting n Most done in manuscript illuminations, like the French Book of Hours. – Elaborate and very decorative. – Painted in tempera and gold leaf. n Giotto (about 1267 -1337) – Revived the artwork of nature. – Worked in fresco at Arena Chapel.
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