Romanesque Painting

K.J. Benoy

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).

Origins of Romanesque Painting

Bayeux Tapestry. A later scene, the battle rages.

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

Scenes are religious and are intended to educate.

The Baptism of Christ

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

Romanesque Painting – St. Savin-sur-Gartemps

Detail

Vault