Romanesque Architecture Flashcards
Notable features
1 barrel vaulting
2 triforium ( arcade of arches above side isles)
3 clerestory ( level of stained glass above triforium)
4 apses ambulatory
5 later churches Radiating chapels
6 towers and domes
7 thick walls
What was romanesque based on?
Ancient roman basillica
Example of 1st roman church
Cluny
11th century
When
11 to 12 centuries
Where
France Germany Italy England Spain
Reasons
1Optimism (end of world predictions didnt happen in 1000 ad)
2Crusades
3Peace after a hundred years war
4Triumph of christianity and authority of pope
5 monasteries - growth of monastic orders
6 competition- civic pride
7 influence of greek and roman architecture in France
8 cluny (starting point)
Description of architecture
Breathing space Respitory system Couldn't see everything from entrance Like a whale Vusual balance
Reasons for stone building
It was the only material that would support a heavy roof ( they did build wooden roofs but they sometimes caught on fire)
Inspiration
Bzantine style exposed by the crusaders
How many churches built over next century?
More then 7000
Though many had to be built due to lack of knowledge and bad craftsmanship
Differences in italian romanesque
1 more brightly coloured
2 more marble
Function of these churches
1 huge and awe inspiring
2 to house religious reliquaries
3 dwarfed towns in comparison which used up every resource for church
4 often on pilgrimage route
Purpose of building
To make a statement of power and wealth
Characteristics of building
One tower was the focal point and highest
Small windows
Heavy materials stone being the most predominant
Solid design
Where was ornamentation found
Arches
Pillars
Windows
Proved also functional as a support
