Definition of Romanesque Style

The Romanesque style is the one that prevailed in Western Europe from about the year 1000 until the 13th century when it was replaced by the Gothic style. The Romanesque style is identifiable mainly at an architectural level, not finding such clear and recognizable examples of it at a pictorial or sculptural level.

The Romanesque style receives its name because it maintained certain basic characteristics of the architectural style of the already fallen Roman empire. To these elements were added specific features that would have to do with the search for greater safety and protection against the possible invasions of barbarians and legions of vandals. It is easy to find the Romanesque style in castles and fortresses of the time that are characterized by being rather rough and simple in matters of the design but complex and resistant in terms of structure.

Some of the most outstanding elements of the Romanesque style in architecture are the use of stone as the main material (which gave more strength and firmness to the complex against possible external attacks), few and few openings (windows or gates) that sought to maintain the

quality of firmness of the structure but that prevented the passage of natural light, the semicircular arch, the use of capitals on the columns, the presence of walls, towers and other spaces that protected the building in general.

Romanesque constructions were very characteristic for castles, which could reach great complexity, but also for churches, monasteries and different civil constructions of the time. Although decoration was not one of the most important elements of this style, many constructions have an important and delicate detail in the capitals, pediments and arches of their surface.

Regarding the Romanesque art in other artistic areas such as paintingWe will find artistic representations of the Christian religion that were used to decorate vaults, walls and columns of the different architectural spaces. These representations could be very colorful and always tended to show a disproportion between Jesus and the other individuals who accompanied him to indicate his preeminence.

Themes in Romanesque Style