THE Romanesque art it refers to a style that emerged during the Middle Ages, more precisely in the High Middle Ages (between the 11th and 13th centuries).
The term "Romanesque” is closely related to the influences of the Roman Empire, which for centuries dominated almost all of Western Europe.
Characteristics of Romanesque Art
The Romanesque style stood out in architecture, painting and sculpture. Although it has had greater relevance in the architecture of religious buildings.
Romanesque architecture
In Romanesque architecture, we can highlight some characteristic elements, such as the horizontality, that is, the buildings did not have very tall structures. Several churches, monasteries, convents and cathedrals were built in this style.
There was also the use of vaults, which could be of two styles: the cradle and the edges.
The barrel vaults were more simplified, based on a semicircle structure called a full arch. Due to some disadvantages in this type of construction, such as low light and risks of collapse, a new style was created, the vault with edges.
In it, two barrel vaults were supported on pillars, at right angles. In this way, they managed to create better lit and safer environments.
We can also point out other particularities, such as the thick walls and an unadorned interior. In addition, the plans of the Romanesque buildings were cross-shaped and solid constructions made in stone.
They still had few windows and openings and usually had a main door, the entrance.
Because of their grandeur and solidity, they were called "Fortresses of God".
Romance Painting
Biblical and religious themes mark the Romanesque painting. These paintings generally adorned churches and cathedrals at the time.
The fresco technique was used, in which the painting was done on a damp wall. Several murals, illuminations and tapestries appear with religious themes. Made in bright, bold colors, they filled the walls of religious temples.
This is because in the Middle Ages, few knew how to read and write and, thus, these paintings served as “religious literacy” for the most laymen.
The main characteristics of painting from this period are deformation and colorism, namely:
- Deformation: To convey religious sentiments, figures were not always produced in the right proportions. Thus, Jesus could be portrayed bigger than the other characters to bring out the notion of magnitude.
- Colorism: application of pure colors, without halftones and concern with light and shadow play.
Romanesque Sculpture
As in Romanesque painting, Romanesque sculptures were produced to adorn sacred sites.
Therefore, the great theme revolved around religiosity, since in this period theocentrism (God as the center of the world) was a strong characteristic.
They were unnaturalist sculptures and usually represented by carved figures on the walls of churches. Some reliefs also adorned the facades.
In the last phase of Romanesque art, it is possible to find a more realistic style in the sculptures.
Romanesque Art and Gothic Art
During the Middle Ages, two styles prevailed: the Romanesque style and the Gothic style. After the Romanesque, the Gothic style appears in the Low Middle Ages.
At gothic architecture, the style was marked by the verticality and monumentality of its constructions.
Furthermore, another important feature of Gothic art is related to the use of stained glass in its constructions.
Curiosities about Romanesque Art
Many Romanesque buildings were intended to house pilgrims, so they were erected on the paths of sacred places. That's why the churches of this period became known as Pilgrimage Churches.
Today, it is possible to find in Europe several buildings in the Romanesque style. In Portugal, there is a tourist-cultural route called Route of the Romanesque. It is made up of 58 monuments and buildings designed in the Romanesque style.
