Early Medieval and Romanesque Study Guide

Four power points:

1. Early Medieval
2. Romanesque
3. Gothic
4. Gothic Painting

1. Early Medieval

o Why “middle ages”?

 The “Middle Ages” is the period of time in Europe between the end of antiquity
in the fifth century and the Renaissance.
 The rebirth of classical learning in the fifteenth century and sixteenth centuries.
 A period during which Christianity flourished in Europe.
o What are the four periods of the Middle Ages?
 The Art of the Warlords, The “Pagan” Years
 Hiberno-Saxon
 Carolingian
 Ottonian
 The Early Christian, Romanesque, and Gothic.
o What 3 elements combined to produce new political, cultural and social forms?
 Eastern and western cultures including Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
 Classical heritage of Rome
 Charlemagne
o Semi-circular Roman arches, thick stone walls and separated
spaces according to function.
 Christian beliefs
 The manuscripts were needed for universities, monasteries as well as
wealthy patrons.
 Customs of Germanic tribes
 Ribbon Interlace
 Vikings were migratory people so most of their art was portable.
  The new design allowed them to free up space for stained glass windows and as
a result some spectacular stained glass work was installed in churches.
o What emerged as a repository of learning?
o Describe Sutton Hoo burial ship?
o Describe the significance of the Gero crucifix.

Vocab and People:

 Middle Ages  Animal interlace

 Norse  Ribbon interlace
 Vikings  Book of Kells
 Valhalla  Charlemagne
 Celts  Holy Roman Empire
 Animal art style  The Three Ottos

Art Work:

o Sutton Hoo purse cover

o Lindesfarne Gospel Carpet Page
o Chi Ro Iota Page
o Interior of Charlemagne’s Palace Chapel
o West works of Palace of Charlemagne
o Ebbo Gospel Page
o Memorial Rune Stone
o Animal Head Post
o Bishop Bernward’s Doors
o Otto I Presenting Magdeburg Cathedral to Christ
o Gero Crucifix

2. Romanesque

o What does Romanesque mean?

o Describe the classical revival that took place during the Romanesque period.
o What was a positive outcome of the Crusades?
o What did Romanesque churches need to be constructed of solid stone?
o What problems did this method create?
 o Why did many monasteries on pilgrimage routes build new churches?
o Describe the significance of the Romanesque carved portal.
o Compare and contrast the Gero crucifix and the Batlo crucifix.

Vocab and People:

 The Crusades  Clerestory

 Pilgrimage  Vaulting
 Ambulatory  Ribs
 Radiating chapels  Cruciform
 Apse  Tympanum
 Sanctuary  Sculptural jambs
 Choir  Ribbed barrel vaults
 Crossing  Ribbed groin vaults
 Transept  Trumeau
 Nave  Cloister
 Side aisle  William the Conqueror
 Piers

Art Work:

o Reliquary statue of Saint Foy

o Doubting Thomas
o Carved West Portals, Church of Saint Foy and St Sernin
o Lions and Prophet Jeremiah Trumeau, Saint Pierre Moissac
o The Batlo Crucifix
o Borgund stave church
o Hell Mouth
o Bayeux Tapestry
o Cathedral Complex at Pisa
o Creation and Temptation of Adam and Eve by Giseklbertus