Write a short analytical essay in your own words, approximately 1200 words, to illustrate your understanding of the issues inherent in the evolution of artistic change in Western Art.
Discuss how stylistic innovation and creative ingenuity reflect different aspects of artistic concern for thematic and technical content. Analyze historical changes in society, materials, philosophy and any other innovations or factors that influence the nature, meaning and purpose of art during the period under discussion. Demonstrate your understanding of the art associated with the question by being as specific and detailed as possible in your response, utilizing art terms and language to enhance and clarify your analysis.
Discuss the meaning of the term Romanesque, to explain the ancient sources of inspiration and evaluate its appropriateness to describe the architecture and its sculptural embellishment from the tenth to the twelfth centuries.
Use the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy in Conques, France to demonstrate your understanding of the significance of monasteries, pilgrimage sites and holy relics in the formation of an international style of architecture and sculpture that established and advanced the power of the church. Describe and analyze the traditions and style of Romanesque art and architecture that gave expression to faith, and what specific architectural and sculptural details created the medieval viewers’ experience. What was the message and how was it being conveyed? Use specific art and architectural terms to support your thesis and refer to the visual examples below. (attached images)
Sources:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/romanesque-art/beginners-guide-romanesque/a/a-beginners-guide-to-romanesque-art
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/romanesque-art/beginners-guide-romanesque/a/a-beginners-guide-to-romanesque-architecture
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/romanesque-art/beginners-guide-romanesque/a/medieval-churches-sources-and-forms
Additional information:
When a pilgrim arrived at Conques, they would probably head for the church to receive blessing. Yet before they got inside, an important message awaited them on the portals: the Last Judgment. This scene is depicted on the tympanum, the central semi-circular relief carving above the central portal.
In the center sits Christ as Judge, and he means business! He sits enthroned with his right hand pointing upwards to the saved while his left hand gestures down to the damned. This scene would have served as a reminder to those entering the Church of Saint-Foy about the joys of heaven and torments of hell. Immediately on Christs right are Mary, Peter and possibly the founder of the monastery as well as an entourage of other saints.
The Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy in Conques, France, was a popular stop for pilgrims traveling the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela, in what is now Spain. The main draw for medieval pilgrims at Conques were the remains of Sainte-Foy, a young woman martyred during the fourth century. The relics of Sainte-Foy arrived in Conques through theft in 866.
In relation to Last Judgment tympanum:
The devil, like Christ, is also an enthroned judge, determining the punishments that await the damned according to the severity of their sins. In particular, to the devils left is a hanged man. This man is a reference to Judas, who hanged himself after betraying Christ. Just beyond Judas, a knight is tossed into the fires of Hell and above him, a gluttonous man is hung by his legs for his sins. Each of these sinners represents a type of sin to avoid, from adultery, to arrogance, even to the misuse of church offices. Indeed, this portal was not only a warning for pilgrims, but for the clergy who lived in Conques as well.
Useful terms and concepts:
Romanesque
Gothic
pilgrimage
relic, reliquary
portal
Latin cross
tympanum
archivolt
trumeau
lintel,
jamb
cloister
buttress
flying buttress
apse
aisle
nave
narthex
clerestory
choir
transept
crossing
ambulatory
chapel
radiating chapels
gallery
arcade
altar
vaulting
barrel vault
groin vault
Norman invasion
stained glass
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