Romanesque Architecture and Sculpture Presentation 1 1

Romanesque
Architecture
and Sculpture
5th Year Visual Studies

Lesson 1
What are we learning today?
1. You are going to learn about Romanesque Architecture and was going on
in the world at the time it was created.
2. Create a A5 drawing of the context of what was happening in the 11th

Century of to stick into you notes so you will be familiar with the time
period.
3. You will be learning about Romanesque Architecture and it’s different

characteristics (eg. Vaulting and its problems and solutions)
What is Romanesque Architecture?
● Romanesque architecture is a style of architecture

that became popular in Europe in the 13th and
14th centuries, primarily during the medieval
period.
● It is characterised by certain architectural features

that were influenced by Roman architecture and
regional building traditions.
● The term "Romanesque" itself is derived from

"Roman-like" due to the style's incorporation of
Roman elements.
Context
Before Romanesque…
● The decline and eventual fall of the Roman Empire marked
a significant transition in European history. This event led
to the fragmentation of political power and the emergence
of various regional kingdoms and cultures.
● The Early Middle ages were a result of the fall of the

Roman Empire and was known as the “Dark Ages.”
● The rich Roman lifestyle had disappeared a good deal of

knowledge on science, technology and literature was also
lost.
● Life was hard and many people were uneducated (could

not read or write).
● The Christian Church was the most powerful institution in

Medieval Europe and land was divided into small tracts
and rulers were constantly at war with one another.
Context
During Romanesque…
● By the 11th century, Europe had become more

stable and cities began to form.
● Increased trade, improved farming methods led to

a growth in population and a better economy.
● Education became more established and

available, encouraging developments in the arts
and in architecture.
Context
During Romanesque…
● The Feudal System: Medieval Europe was King

organised in a pyramid structure.
Nobles,
● King awarded land grants to important nobles, Barons &
Bishops
barons and bishops in return for the service of their
knights in battle.
Lord of the Manor
● The Lord of the Manor owned the land and small
communities formed around the castle and church.
Peasants
● The Lord kept peasants safe and gave them land to
grow crops.
● This rigid system prevented any real progress.

Context
It was outside of the Feudal System so

Church Influence clever men could rise to positions of
power.
● The Christian Church was the

strongest, most organised and
powerful force in Medieval
Society. It received a significant amount of taxes
and donations.
How did it
Bishops and Church leaders had
influence influential roles in government.
society?
Context
Complete a A5 drawing
on the of the context of
what was happening in
the 11th Century
Stick into you notes so

you will be familiar with
the time period (a good
study tool).
Basilica: A basilica was originally a Roman public
Romanesque Architecture building used for a variety of purposes, including
legal proceedings and public meetings etc.
Pilgrim: A pilgrim is someone who undertakes a

● Ruins of Roman buildings, bridges and journey, often for religious or spiritual reasons, to a
structures were scattered arounds parts of destination of significance.
Europe.
● Romanesque architects used these and

especially the round Roman arch as
inspiration.
● Church designs were originally based on

Roman Basilica, but then were adapted to
suit the needs of pilgrims.
Romanesque Architecture: Crosswise Transepts
This architectural feature is one of the defining characteristics of Romanesque churches and
cathedrals, and it serves both functional and symbolic purposes.
Functional Purpose: The crosswise

transept creates a cross-shaped
footprint for the church, which
symbolises the cross of Christ. It also
helps to define the layout of the church
and provides additional space for
various functions.
Loreto High School Church of the Good
Shepherd (Nutgrove) Cross shape
Romanesque Architecture: Crosswise Transepts
Architectural Significance: The

transept also contributes to the
overall architectural balance and
harmony of the church. It often
features windows, sculptures, and
other decorative elements,
enhancing the visual appeal of the
building.
Romanesque Architecture
Buttress: Buttresses were added to the exterior of thick,

heavy walls to help distribute the immense weight of the
stone, especially in large and tall structures like cathedrals.
Radiating Chapels: Radiating chapels are typically

situated around the perimeter of the church, forming a
ring-like or semi-circular arrangement. They provided
additional space for private Masses and chapels
dedicated to specific saints.
They symbolises the radiance of divine light or the halo

surrounding Christ.
Carved Capitals: Romanesque capitals are known
for their elaborate carvings and sculptures. They
often depict a wide range of subjects, including
biblical scenes, religious figures, saints, animals,
foliage, and geometric patterns.
Symbolism: They may convey biblical stories or

moral lessons to the congregation. Additionally,
some capitals feature grotesque or fantastical
figures, which may have been intended to ward off
evil or represent the struggle between good and
evil.
What is symbolism?
Symbolism is the idea that things represent

other things.
Romanesque Architecture: Barrel vs Groin Vault
Fires were a constant problem with wooden

roofs in churches and there had been many
catastrophes.
Stone vaulting was therefore absolutely

essential in new churches.
Vault: An architectural term for the arched

space that supports a roof.
There were 2 different types of Vaulting, Barrel

and Groin.
Barrel Vault
1. Shape: A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault, is a simple,

semi-cylindrical arched structure.
2. Construction: It is formed by extending a series of arches in a
continuous manner.
3. Distribution of Weight: The weight of the structure is transferred
along the length of the vault and down the supporting walls on either
side.
4. Abutment refers to the structural support at the ends of the barrel vault.
Problems started to occur…
The heavy stone roofs pressed down, but also pressed out. This caused
the arches to flatten, walls to push outwards and without a new invention,
these roofs would all collapse.
Groin Vault
1. Shape: A groin vault, also known as a cross vault, is formed by

the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles. This
intersection creates a ribbed or cross-like pattern on the ceiling.
2. Construction: It is constructed by laying two barrel vaults that
intersect each other at right angles. The point of intersection is
often supported by a column or pillar called a pier.
3. Distribution of Weight: Groin vaults distribute weight more
effectively than barrel vaults because they channel the force
diagonally to the corners, where it is concentrated and
supported by piers.
Groin Vaults seemed to solve these issues, but problems slowly

re-emerged.
Romanesque Architecture: Skilled Masons
1. Stone Work: Working with various types of stone, including limestone,

granite, marble, and sandstone.
2. Construction: Responsible for building structures such as walls,
arches, pillars, and foundations using stone as the primary building
material.
3. Architectural Details: Masons often create intricate architectural
details, including decorative carvings, sculptures, and ornamental
elements.
4. Repair and Restoration: Skilled masons are also involved in the repair
and restoration of historical structures.
5. Tools: Masons use a range of tools, including chisels, hammers, saws,
and trowels, to shape and work with stone.
Homework: Due next lesson
You must complete drawings of the

Barrel Vault and Groin Vault that
are in your textbook on Page 8.
These drawings must each be A5

size and must be annotated, must
be completed in your notebooks.

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Romanesque

5th Year Visual Studies

2. Create a A5 drawing of the context of what was happening in the 11th

3. You will be learning about Romanesque Architecture and it’s different

● Romanesque architecture is a style of architecture

● It is characterised by certain architectural features

● The term "Romanesque" itself is derived from

● The Early Middle ages were a result of the fall of the

● The rich Roman lifestyle had disappeared a good deal of

● Life was hard and many people were uneducated (could

● The Christian Church was the most powerful institution in

● By the 11th century, Europe had become more

● Increased trade, improved farming methods led to

● Education became more established and

● The Feudal System: Medieval Europe was King

● This rigid system prevented any real progress.

It was outside of the Feudal System so

● The Christian Church was the

Stick into you notes so

Pilgrim: A pilgrim is someone who undertakes a

● Romanesque architects used these and

● Church designs were originally based on

Functional Purpose: The crosswise

Architectural Significance: The

Buttress: Buttresses were added to the exterior of thick,

Radiating Chapels: Radiating chapels are typically

They symbolises the radiance of divine light or the halo

Symbolism: They may convey biblical stories or

Symbolism is the idea that things represent

Fires were a constant problem with wooden

Stone vaulting was therefore absolutely

Vault: An architectural term for the arched

There were 2 different types of Vaulting, Barrel

1. Shape: A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault, is a simple,

Problems started to occur…

1. Shape: A groin vault, also known as a cross vault, is formed by

Groin Vaults seemed to solve these issues, but problems slowly

1. Stone Work: Working with various types of stone, including limestone,

You must complete drawings of the

These drawings must each be A5

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