Romanesque Art and Architecture
Romanesque art and architecture was the first major artistic movement in Europe since Antiquity to develop an identity of its own. Influenced by the earlier Carolingian styles, it’s marked by fairly simple, massive and block like forms, decorated with floral, foliate, and figurative designs. Romanesque architecture, which coalesced in the 11th century, was characterized by heavy masonry construction, imposing churches, and fortifications.
What Are The Influences of Romanesque Architecture?
The style of Romanesque architecture was directly influenced by a multitude of different sources. These included regional traditions such as the Lombard style from northern Italy, architectural and liturgical practices from the contemporary Church, and surviving elements from earlier styles such as the mosaics of Ravenna and Carolingian art and architecture. Other influences included Byzantine and Islamic styles.
The Three Most Important Influences of Romanesque Architecture
Of these influences, three stand out as the most significant in the development of the Romanesque style: the Lombard Romanesque, the Cluniac Romanesque, and the Eleventh-Century Romanesque.
The Lombard Romanesque, which was characterized by a strong sense of verticality, was the earliest manifestation of the Romanesque style and was a direct result of the impact of northern Italian artists and masons working in Spain during the 10th century. The Cluniac Romanesque, a style influenced by the Cluniac reform movement, was marked by its grandeur, grand arches and great spaces, and continued to be influential in the development of Romanesque architecture.
The most important influence was the Eleventh-Century Romanesque, also known as the “Cathedral Style,” as it was closely associated with the development of the large cathedral churches. This style was heavily influenced by the traditions of the Church, and thus was characterized by its monumentality, balance, and use of sculptural decoration.
The Relevance of Romanesque Architecture Modern Day
Today, Romanesque architecture retains its relevance and beauty, particularly in the preservation of its well-built examples. When entering into an old Romanesque church, one can immediately experience the secondhand awe that these giant structures must have inspired in their 11th-century viewers. The classical lines and ornamentation of Romanesque architecture have also served as a major inspiration to later artistic styles such as the Gothic and Baroque.
Notable Figures Who Directly Influenced the Romanesque Style
As with any major artistic movement, there are a few key figures who played a key role in the development of the Romanesque style. Chief among these is the abbot Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who is credited with popularizing the Cluniac style through his influential writing and actions. Other important figures include the monastic architect Robert of Mrthiol, who designed pioneering new designs for cathedral churches, and the Italian sculptor Niccolò di Giovanni dei Arrigucci, who created many of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture.
The Impact of the Romanesque on Northern Europe
The impact of Romanesque architecture on Northern Europe, particularly England and Germany, was extraordinary. Here, Romanesque churches had a symbolic importance to the spiritual life of the people as it became seen not just as architectural, but as religious and personal characteristics. Many Romanesque churches were personalised and endowed with local artwork and touched by people who have been dead for centuries, lending a character and intimacy to the entire church experience.
The Influence of Trade and Commerce on Romanesque Architecture
The rise of the Romanesque style had a significant impact on the expansion of Europe’s commercial and networking capabilities. With the growing trade networks in the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Europe, these early Roman style art and architecture was also spread, with Romanesque becoming the two pillars of artistic style on the continent until the Renaissance.
The Transmutation from Romanesque to Gothic Architecture
During the 12th century, a steady transmutation was occurring in the Romanesque style. This gradual evolution gradually developed into the famously distinctive “Gothic” look and feel, which formed the foundation of many of today’s iconic churches, cathedrals, and basilicas. This transmutation was driven by the combination of artistic innovations, increased technical capability, and the demands of a growing religious and commercial class.
Conclusion of Romanesque Architecture
The Romanesque period of architecture was a particularly important one. Not only were the artistic and technical innovations laid down in this period foundational for the development of later architecture, such as the Gothic and Baroque styles, but the style had a profound effect on the religious, political, and economic landscapes of Europe. In the end, it is clear that the Romanesque period was one that had a significant impact on all areas of life.
