Romanesque

The romanesque period can be described as "in the manner of the Romans... style of art that arose in Italy and southern France around 800 AD". Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, was crowned emperor of the Roman Empire in 800 AD. While emperor, Charlemagne encouraged learning of the arts and focused on preserving and copying Roman literature. He established schools and monasteries, as well as, encouraging building using the technology of Roman structures.
Prior to 1000 AD little architecture was built, this was the millennium of the Apocalypse. However, the religious movement was strong and pilgrimages to Christian shrines were popular at this time. There were a minimum of 1,587 churches built between 1000 and 1100 AD.
When looking at Romanesque churches there were many typical features among them. They employed semicircular arches and vaults, took plans from the Early Christian basilica. However, the nave, transept, and apse were modified for better space. They added a side chapel in the transept as well. Structures had vaulting, multiple aisles, and better illumination of the space was provided. The structures were larger for more worshipers, there was space for a choir added, as well as the surrounding area, the ambulatory, for processions. If you take a look at the materials and motifs used, one notable difference is the roof material. Roofs during this period were made of masonry as opposed to wood. Walls were painted with rich greens, blues, purples, and gold. There were rich tapestries and gilded sculptures throughout. Religious items like bibles and chalices were made of gold, silver, and ivory, and set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls.
One example of a Romanesque church is Fontenay Abbey in Burgundy, France. St. Bernard established a monastery at Fontenay in 1118. Religious and economic force was great and goods such as wool and iron were produced here. It has an austere appearance and blank walls above the slightly pointed nave arcades.
Another example is the Pisa Baptistery in Pisa, Italy. These plans include three free standing buildings, the cross shaped cathedral, the cylindrical baptistery, and a tall campanile, lovingly referred to as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. All of these buildings were constructed of local marble.
The Cluny Abbey in Burgundy, France is the most famous Abbey of the time. It was constructed during the Benedictine movement and spread Romanesque art around the world.
Ornamentation during this period was very important. Stone carvings became very popular, like the ones at the entrance portal at Vezelay, in carved semicircular stone tympanums. You can see Christ draped in swirling clothing extending his hands to the various groups of people in the world. It was a way to teach the story of Jesus to the illiterate people of the time. The carvings show the rewards of virtue and punishment of vice.
When looking at residential design you will see that homes were primitive and made of wood, mud, twigs, and dirt floors, with little light or warmth. The nobility of the time lived in stone castles that were drafty, wet, and dark. They had a fire in the great hall, however, if there was a fire not many survived due to the wood structure. One example of Romanesque residential design that has survived is the Romanesque house in Cluny, France.

Past Examples:

Current Examples:

Extra Credit:
This is a review of key romanesque architecture:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pXIw_3FIFg
This is a video on the Leaning Tower of Pisa:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfh4SIDcE6Q

Peer Review:
Krista: You did a very nice job of giving a short and concise explanation and supporting that with great images.
Lisa: You gave so much information, it was very helpful when trying to understand the period. Good job picking out current examples as well.