Art represented different things at different periods. They were expressions of people that had a purpose. When the Roman empire fell, its art survived and continued along with the influences of the Carolingian, Ottonian, Byzantine, and other local Germanic traditions that preceded but made up what we call the Romanesque art of the 1000-1200 A.D. This, likewise, preceded and influenced Gothic art which later emerged at the edge of the 13th century.
Romanesque art mostly revolved around characters and stories taken from the Bible or religious teachings since this type of art started in monasteries and churches. And, because of the increasing wealth, as well as the increasing number of monks, priests and pilgrims, the churches had to become
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Stained glass paintings became common in these structures, as well as the intricately hand painted illustrations in illuminated manuscripts and woodworks that decorate the religious buildings.
Some of the general characteristics of Romanesque paintings are the following:
- There is a religious message or teaching being portrayed or imparted.
- Because the artists of this time focused more on the message of the painting, there is an anti naturalistic representation of reality for the characters painted: the message is more important.
- Gestural representation is emphasized wherein most characters are seen giving a gesture or are in motion. For example a saint has his hands held up like he is giving a blessing.
- Because of he frontality of the figures, the expressions are intensified as either a majestic calmness or an agitated
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Romanesque Manuscripts
- the manuscripts produced during this period had some of the best Romanesque style paintings since they were not restricted by the fresco medium or by walls and lack luster paint. It is highly detailed and the pictures were important for portraying the message since many people at that time still cannot read or write. The majority of illuminated manuscripts were of religious matter and the bible is what is widely produced wherein the monasteries were the centers of production. The paintings used intense and eye catching colors: the characters had vivid clothes in contrast to a simple background. The embellishment with gold or silver gave the manuscripts the impression that the page had been literally illuminated. However, the figures are still distorted, with a flat perspective and the feet turned to the side.
- the St. Alban’s Psalter is widely considered as one of the most important examples of English Romanesque art book production created for St. Alban’s Abbey in the 12th century. It features lavish decorations and 40 full page miniatures with iconographic innovations that made it last throughout the Middle Ages.
4. Paint over wood board and