Chapter 9 - Romanesque Architecture Flashcards
In which time period did Romanesque occur?
11th and 12th century
What group held the greatest power during the Romanesque?
The Christian Church
Why did the Church build grand churches during the Romanesque period?
Church teaching and belief was that the year 1000 would bring ‘judgement day’. The Church was eager to build grand churches to please God
In the beginning of the Romanesque period, in what style were churches constructed?
They were built along the lines of the old Roman Basilicas → long rectangular buildings with a central nave and side aisles. To this basic form a transept (now in the shape of a cross
Apse
Semi-circular head at the head of the cross in a Romanesque church
Vault
Architectural term for a roof based on the structural principal of the arch
Give an example of a Romanesque church
Cluny Abbey, France
What are the characteristics of a Romanesque church?
Heavy construction & solid geometric appearance Round arches Stone roofs Dark interiors High small windows Cross shaped Columns Capitals Ambulatory Radiating chapels Center tower/cupula (dome)
Ambulatory
Walkway around the alter to help pilgrims view relics
What were the decorative features of a Romanesque church?
Ornamental patterns Spiral motifs Blind arcades Figurative narrative scenes Carved in relief
Blind arcades
Rows of arches built on walls that are simply decorative
Typanum
Surface enclosed by the arch and lintel of the arched doorway, frequently carved with relief structures
Capital
Topmost member of the column, wider than the column and providing broader support for the structures above
Archivolt
Ornamental moldings/bands surrounding arches that frame the typanum
Lintel
Horizontal piece of stone or timber placed across the top of an opening to support the wall above
