Midterm terms

Question 1

Romanesque Architecture

Answer 1

[Similar/Tribute to Roman Architecture] – the term “Romanesque” was created in 19th century

1. An artistic style of architecture
2. Monumental stone construction – preferable because stone doesn’t burn easily
3. Clear division of space into units referred to as bays – allowed churches to build unit by unit [additive architecture – infinite construction, can be built upon]
4. Ashlar masonry – stone/fragments of stones
5. Use of compound piers , stone vaulting and rounded arches

Question 2

Spolia

Answer 2

Repurposed building stone for new construction, or decorative sculpture reused in new monuments, is the result of an ancient and widespread practice whereby stone that has been quarried, cut, and used in a built structure, is carried away to be used elsewhere.

Examples:

• Arch of Constantine, Rome, AD 312-315
• Great Mosque, Cordoba (Spain), ca. 960s
• Miegeville Portal, Basilica of Saint Sernin, Toulouse, ca. 1110

Question 3

Cistercian Reform

Answer 3

1. Began with Robert of Molesme in 1098, founder of Cistercian order, upset with how wealthy Cluny has become – no longer concerned about religion but profit
2. Robert left with 12 Apostles, including Stephan Harding, to go into the wilderness and found their own church [12 followers – mimicking the Apostles, opposing to Cluny- Robert is the true follower of God, unlike Cluny]
3. Settled in Citeaux, France – simple and non-ornamental churches [main purpose of Citeaux = isolation and ostracization]

Question 4

First Crusades

Answer 4

1. Due to the power of armies, Byzantine asked for assistance from the Pope Urban II in Rome [year 1095] –
2. Preached a sermon at Clermont that all Christian knights and nobles to go and assist the Byzantine Empire and urged their audience to take up arms defend Byzantine
3. In return, Pope offered the Crusaders an indulgence in means a forgiveness for all sins if they do certain activities [in this case, participating in the Crusades – a fast track to salvation]

Significances:

1. Byzantine empire served as an artistic, cultural and spiritual inspiration for the West, in addition to the spread of Islam throughout Europe
2. At the end of 11th century, Muslim armies of Seljuk Turks, were advancing closer into Byzantine land – eventually reached Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine empire
3. However, the focus of the Crusades were shifted from helping the Byzantine Empire at Constantinople to liberating Jerusalem and other holy places from the Seljuk Turks
4. Those who went on the First Crusades, went to liberate Jerusalem [Jerusalem – land where Christ activities took place, previously off-limits to Christians and for this reason, those who went on the First Crusades, interpreted the message as an armed pilgrimage to Jerusalem, apostles with swords – chosen by God to defend their land and people]
5. Ended in 1099 with the capture of Jerusalem and establishment of its Latin Kingdom

Question 5

Deeds of Mercy

Answer 5

• The six ideals Christian action – how to behave properly as a Christian
• On the back covers, it depicts a medieval king of the East, not religious king [creates an illusion of Crusaders’ state in the city where the book was created]
• The bird on the back is a falcon – a pun of Fulk of Jerusalem’s name
• A signature or donation portrait – “Fulk made this”, identified Fulk with the contemporary ruler; presented him as an Eastern King to legitimize his rule

Question 6

Gothic Art

Answer 6

1. What’s “new” in Gothic art?

 A stylistic label assigned by later scholars – does not refer to a precise time period

 Shifted from monastic to clerical and secular/courtly patronage

 Specifically medieval kings and queens – main characterization of 12th century and gothic art

 Focus of sacred narratives shifts from saints to kings

 The importance of noble patronage/sacred kingship is emphasized during this era

 Growth of Marian devotion – Veneration of the Virgin Mary [Mother of Christ]

 Growth of cities (especially Paris), universities, and guilds

 Led to emphasis of logic and philosophical ideals [less on theories; ex. Last Judgement]
 Led to increase in secular patronage, supplies and demand of small, portable art objects – expansion of

patronage

 Expansion of artistic programmes across media – patronage that include multiple art object in various of medium

 Structural innovation of Gothic Architecture

2. What is familiar in Gothic art?

 Interest in sacred spaces

 Active exchange between East and West

 Regional competition driving artistic development

 Spolia and integration of the old

 Focus on monumental art and architecture [large scale art and architecture]

Question 7

relics

Answer 7

 Relics are body parts of a holy person (ex. priest, etc.) that must be preserve due to the belief that they will be bought back to life.

 Previously, it was illegal to buried bodies within city walls, so, bodies were buried outside the walls within catacombs. (Catacomb of Domitilla, Rome. 3rd Century)

 Christians focused on these aspects because it was believed that they will be promised pilgrimage and enforce power of Christ.

 Believed fragments of a holy person retain their powers

 Believed that they can perform as mediator between God and the peoplerelics