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ROMANESQUE ART (II). SCULPTURE AND PAINTING
8.1 General characteristics
Romanesque sculptures and paintings were primarily made for churches. Their function was to teach Christian doctrine to the mostly illiterate people through images.
This function explains why the figures sought neither beauty nor realism, but rather expressivity or clear communication of the message that they wanted to transmit. As this message is eternal and timeless, the figures are rigid, elongated, impassive and, somehow, unnatural.
The main themes are scenes from the Old Testament and the life of Christ, legends of the saints, virtues and sins. Themes related to the end of the world were also frequently represented; amongst these are the Final Judgment presided over by the Pantocrator or God Almighty.
8.2 Relief and free-standing sculpture
Relief sculpture, made in stone, was applied to buildings like churches, where it was placed on entrance portals and interior capitals, and cloisters. In all cases, the representations follow the ‘law of the frame,’ that is, the figures adapt their shape to their enclosing frame and they tend to fill up all the space. Free-standing sculpture was made out of polychrome wood or ivory and its themes were limited. The crucified Christ is nailed to the cross with four nails. He wears the crown of a king, a long robe and expresses neither suffering nor pain. The Virgin Mary is represented as the throne of God, seated, holding the Child on her knees without expressing a maternal relationship with him.
8.3 Painting. Frescos and panels
Painting was produced in frescos on the inner walls of the churches or on panels covered with a layer of plaster and placed in front of the altar (altar frontals). Miniatures, which illustrated books, also achieved great advancement. The style is characterised by linear painting, in which heavy black lines prevail, by the use of flat and uniform colours, with a predominance of blue and red, and by the lack of interest in representing the volume of figures or depth of space.
The tympanum is decorated with sculptures depicting the Final Judgement. In the central and upper parts, the Almighty is seated with the angels. To his right is Paradise, where those who have been saved enter Heaven led by the Virgin Mary, followed by St. Peter. To his left is Hell with the condemned and the devil.
Skills progress
Working with concepts
1 Define the following terms: free-standing sculpture, the law of the frame, Pantocrator.
Understanding art
2 Explain why Romanesque sculptures and paintings are expressionless, rigid and impassive.
3 Select a Romanesque sculpture and a painting and write a commentary about them. It must include, at least, these aspects: location, material, style features and the theme depicted.
Go to the analysing works of art (II) and (III). Painting and sculpture
Iconography. Sculpture and painting
