Romanesque & Gothic Architecture Flashcards
What was Romanesque architecture?
Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of medieval Europe.
When did Romanesque architecture last?
Lasted from the 6th to the 16th century.
What does the word “Romanesque” mean?
The word “Romanesque” means “descended from Roman” and was first used in English to designate what are now called Romance languages: Spanish, French, Italian.
What was significant about the Romanesque style?
Romanesque style was the first style to spread across the whole of Catholic Europe, from Sicily to Scandinavia. Can be considered as the 1st International Style.
What were the origins of Romanesque architecture?
- Romanesque architecture was the first distinctive style to spread across Europe since the Roman Empire.
- With the decline of Rome: the engineering skills required to vault large spaces and build large domes were lost. There was a loss of stylistic continuity, particularly apparent in the decline of the formal vocabulary of the Classical Orders.
- The remaining architectural structures of the Roman Empire were falling into decay and much of its learning and technology lost.
What in terms of politics was significant to creating a recognisable Romanesque style?
Continual movement of people was an important factor in creating a homogeneity in building methods and a recognisable Romanesque style despite regional differences.
What did the Romanesque architecture develop in the earlier periods?
Developed simultaneously in the north of Italy, parts of France and in the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th century.
What are typical characteristics of Romanesque architecture?
- thick walls
- lack of sculpture
- presence of rhythmic ornamental arches (known as a Lombard band)
What were the walls and openings like in typical Romanesque buildings?
The walls are often of massive thickness with few comparatively small openings. They are often double shells, filled with rubble.
What materials were used in Romanesque architecture?
The building material differs greatly across Europe, depending upon the local stone and building traditions. In Italy, Poland, much of Germany and parts of the Netherlands, brick is generally used. Other areas saw extensive use of limestone, granite and
flint.
What is a buttress?
A structure built against or projecting from a wall which serves to support or reinforce the wall.
In the cases where half-barrel vaults were used, what did they effectively become?
like flying buttresses
Why are buttresses not a highly significant feature of Romanesque architecture?
Because of the massive nature of Romanesque walls, buttresses are not a highly significant feature, as they are in Gothic architecture.
What was the general impression given by Romanesque architecture?
The general impression given by Romanesque architecture, in both religious and secular buildings, is one of massive solidity and strength.
What does Romanesque architecture rely on?
Its walls. pr sections of walls called piers (vertical supports). The walls of Romanesque architecture are often of massive thickness with few and comparatively small openings.
