Overview
The content covers medieval art in the Christian kingdoms during the Reconquista, with emphasis on Romanesque and Gothic art, their characteristics, and main examples.
The Christian Kingdoms and the Reconquista
- The Christian kingdoms promoted the Reconquista against the Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula.
- Important artistic and architectural works were developed during the Reconquista.
Romanesque Art
- Romanesque art emerged during the Middle Ages as a Christian expression.
- Architectural typologies: castles, churches, monasteries, and walls.
- Examples: San Martín de Frómista, Loarre Castle, Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos, walls of Ávila.
- Architectural elements: semicircular arch, cruciform pillars.
- Types of vaults: groin vault, barrel vault, quarter-sphere vault.
- Pilgrimage churches have a Latin cross shape and three naves.
- Use of buttresses and splayed doors/windows.
Gothic Art
- Gothic art follows Romanesque, with taller and brighter buildings.
- Architectural typologies: cathedrals, market halls, palaces, and civil buildings.
- Examples: Cuenca Cathedral, Valencia Market Hall, Infantado Palace in Guadalajara.
- Architectural elements: pointed arch, star vault, rib vault, sexpartite vault.
- Notable cathedrals: Burgos, Toledo, León.
- The White Virgin is an emblematic sculpture of León Cathedral.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Reconquista — Process of recovering Christian territories occupied by Muslims.
- Romanesque art — Medieval artistic style characterized by semicircular arches and thick walls.
- Gothic art — Style following Romanesque with pointed arches and large windows.
- Barrel vault — Semicylindrical ceiling used in Romanesque churches.
- Rib vault — Ceiling formed by the crossing of arches in Gothic art.
- Buttress — Vertical wall reinforcement to support the structure's weight.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Research images of the mentioned cathedrals and monuments.
- Review the key differences between Romanesque and Gothic art for upcoming exams.