Church Influence in Medieval Society & Romanesque/Gothic Art
Church Life Regulated by Private Entities
Mallorie interfered in religious rituals from birth to death. Christians were attending mass, fasting during Lent, and going to confession at least once a year. The Church regulated everyday tasks, such as ringing church bells. They continued the church calendar.
Church Interference in Politics and Society
The Church had great social and economic power, charging rents to their tenants and collecting tithes from farmers. It also had great political influence, being able to establish a truce (Peace of God) or act as a religious crusade.
Romanesque Religious Art
Romanesque religious art sought a gathering of the faithful to God. This was evident in cathedral churches and monasteries. Sculpture and painting sought spiritual meaning and were an important part of the symbols. Artists were considered mere artisans and were often anonymous.
Romanesque Architecture
Romanesque architecture was characterized by the use of stone domes and barrel vaults to build large buildings with very thick walls, small windows, pillars, and columns, resulting in little light inside. Buildings had a Latin cross plan with a nave with longitudinal aisles, a transept in the middle (crossing aisle), and an apse.
Romanesque Sculpture
- Function: Educational and religious.
- Adaptation: Adapted to the architecture.
- Naturalism: Lack of naturalism.
- Color: Painted with strong colors.
- Materials: Stone or wood.
- Major Themes: The Virgin and Child, and Christ in Majesty.
Romanesque Painting
- Form: Schematic.
- Posture: Rigid.
- Size: Varied, often hierarchical.
- Themes: Primarily religious.
- Colors: Vivid.
- Lines: Thick black outlines.
- Backgrounds: No landscapes.
- Types:
- Wall painting: Located on the walls, the largest being in the main apse. Fresco technique.
- Panel painting: Front of altars and altarpieces. Tempera technique.
- Miniature paintings: Illustrations in books.
The Development of Commerce and Banking
Due to the increase in population, more resources were needed. Key trade routes included:
- Mediterranean Route: Connecting Spanish and Italian cities with Muslim ports and the Byzantine Empire.
- Atlantic Route: The Hanseatic League, dominated by Portuguese ports and extending to German and Flemish cities, even reaching Russia.
Fairs were organized, and credit and letters of exchange were introduced.
Causes of Urban Growth
New agricultural techniques led to migration. Many farmers settled near markets, selling their products and enjoying a better quality of life. The composition of trades included a master, officer, and apprentice.
Reinforcement of Monarchies
Monarchies created their own armies, strengthened administration, implemented Roman law, and granted charters of freedom.
Gothic Architecture
Gothic art was religious but also sought beauty and was a symbol of power. The most representative building was the cathedral, which became the center of cities. Not only were religious rituals carried out there, but guilds also gathered there.
Main Features of Gothic Architecture
- New architectural elements: Ogival arches (pointed arches).
- Ribbed vaults.
- Pillars.
- Buttresses and flying buttresses on the outside.
- Large stained-glass windows and rose windows, creating bright interiors.
- High polygonal cross-Latin plans.
Gothic Sculpture
- Themes: Religious, educational.
- Form: Rounded, realistic, and with natural movement.
- Expression: Curved lines and expressed sentiments.
- Materials: Stone and wood.
- Locations: Decorated facades of cathedrals and churches.
- Elements: Carved choir stalls and altarpieces.
- Techniques: Funerary sculpture and portraiture.
- Gargoyles
Gothic Painting
Gothic painting saw emerging prominence of wooden altarpieces, pictorial portraits, and landscapes. Rich golden backgrounds, color, movement, and realism were characteristic.