Origins of Romanesque Painting
Painting in the Middle Ages revived with the Carolingian Empire – particularly in the production of richly illuminated texts.
Large wall-paintings were also created, but little survives.
Annunciation, Gegenbach, Germany
Origins of Romanesque Art
Byzantine influence was strong, but was fused with with early Christian and Germanic decorative traditions.
Note the Byzantine influence in this Apse Mosaic, Cefalo Cathedral, Sicily
Origins of Romanesque Art
Tapestry work and painting were closely related in this period.
The story telling of the Bayeux Tapestry also appeared in paintings.
An early scene. King Edward dies (left) and is buried (right).
Romanesque Painting
Figures are stylized, rather than naturalistic – as in Byzantine icons.
Background is subordinated to the human figure
David & Goliath, Santa Maria Church, Tahull, Spain
Romanesque Painting
Figures are generally sized according to importance, not in accordance with perspective.
The Martyrdom of St. Francis
Romanesque Painting
The natural world is hinted at, but plants and scenery remain abstract and the result is usually a “fairytale landscape.”
Janson
Noah, Receiving Instruction from God
Romanesque Painting
Similarities in style and technique may relate to an internationalization of styles brought from place to place by traveling artists.
Fresco in San Pedro de Sorpe, Spain
Romanesque Painting
Volume, perspective and proportion between elements are not important.
Christ in Majesty, San Isodoro, Leon, Spain
Romanesque Painting
Background and landscape is often ignored entirely or presented as bands of colour or pattern
Romanesque Painting
Particular attention is given to the folds and pleats of clothing – as is the case with Byzantine icons.
The scribe Eadwine, Canterbury Psalter
Romanesque Painting
Painting is often small.
Manuscripts are beautifully illuminated – often by women in convents.
Illumination from the Lesson of St. Wenseslas
Romanesque Painting
The Scale of Painting can also be very large.
Frescoes covered entire walls or vaults.
The Painted Vault of St. Savin-sur-Gartemps