Romanesque Art and Architecture

Introduction

• Topic: Romanesque art and architecture.
• Location: Altun, France (on the border of the Holy Roman Empire).
• Time Period: Churches in the 11th and 12th centuries (e.g., Church begun in 1120, consecrated in 1132).

Architectural Elements

• Key Terms: Tympanum, Lentil, Trumeau, Arch Voussoirs, Jamb Figures.
• Example: A church in Altun from 1120 to 1135.

Significant Works

The Last Judgment

• Central Figure: Christ in a modified mandorla.
• Symbolism: Christ’s head emits rays of light, indicating judgment and transition.
• Surroundings: Blessed and Damned on either side, people below awaiting judgment, angel on the left lifting someone to Heaven.
• Detail Location: Tympanum and portal structure at the Melaine deas, France (started in 1120).

Christ's Ascension

• Theme: Christ’s dead body, soul ascending to Heaven.
• City of Importance: Assay (launching place for three Crusades).
• Depiction: Christ foretelling apostles receiving Holy Spirit, apostles surrounding Christ with odd poses and scale issues.

Notable Churches and Features

St Trompy, ARL

• Feature: Projecting portal resembling a Roman temple front.
• Decor: Frontal bays, concentric arch voussoirs with patterns and figures.
• Christian Themes: Christ surrounded by angels, four evangelists.

Cathedral in Italy

• Material: Marble, almost life-size figures.
• Artist: Benedito Anami, late 12th century.
• Figure: King David in a niche, full-scale sculpture
• Comparison: More realistic than previous works, no contrapposto.

Sculpture and Carvings

Wooden Sculpture: Virgin and Child

• Material: Polychrome wood, about 2.5 ft tall.
• Known As: Morgan Madonna (named after J.P. Morgan).
• Symbolism: Throne of Wisdom (Sedes Sapientiae).
• Characteristics: Rigid, frontal, non-motionful.

Reliquary of St. Alexander

• Location: Present-day Belgium.
• Material and Techniques: Silver repoussé, glass enamel, adorned with Jewels.
• Depiction: Three Saints modeled after Byzantine icons.

Hildegard of Bingen

• Contribution: Writer and illustrator, recorded her visions.

Hell-mouth Illustration

• Material: Ink and tempera on vellum.
• Depiction: Composite form of the devil's head, Angel holding the key to the door.
• Symbolism: Protective borders like the walls of a Cathedral.

The Bayeux Tapestry

• Misconception: Not a tapestry but an embroidery.
• Details: 230 feet long, records the Battle of Hastings (1066).
• Commissioned By: Bishop Odo (1077).
• Material: Linen with wool yarn, vividly describes battle scenes.
• Historical Significance: Mounted in the Bayeux Cathedral, survived through significant historical events including wars.
• Notable Scene: Harold's coronation depicted with Halley’s Comet (referred to as “Estrella”).

Conclusion

• Romanesque Period: Characterized by detailed sculpture, grand architecture, and significant religious and historical artworks.