Romanesque vs. Gothic Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture
Comparison of Romanesque and Gothic Painting
Romanesque painting primarily appeared on ships and walls. However, at the time, independent *Gothic* books began appearing in shop windows, along with miniature paintings. Instead of two seasons, the same end remained, just about.
In Romanesque art, unique techniques could be *al fresco* (on fresh plaster) or on wood. Drawings often featured a thick black line to mark the outline. In contrast, Gothic art shows a finer drawing, with more value given to the composition. In Romanesque art, there are no volumes or gradations. In Gothic art, the colors are not so flat; artists begin to play with light and shadow, also using color gradients.
In religious paintings, Gothic artists put gold backgrounds in the composition, and the work always starts from the center, where the protagonist is. Unlike Romanesque art, where Christ is always the protagonist, Gothic art features a wider range of subjects. The expressions and proportions of Romanesque art are not well-suited. Emphasis is placed on Christ, and he is represented in full size, unlike Gothic art, which begins to appreciate better proportion and expression.
Comparison of Romanesque and Gothic Sculpture
Romanesque sculpture had two purposes: to beautify and to educate the faithful. Romanesque structures have the following features:
- Tympanum: Represents the Pantocrator (Christ in Majesty).
- Mullion: Located between the two doors.
- Archivolts: Arches on the tympanum, usually representing biblical figures.
- Jambs: Pilasters.
- Lintel: Horizontal part between the tympanum and doors.
Gothic covers differ in the type of arch and the organization of the figures.
Romanesque sculpture fits into the building, so figures are often disproportionate and unnatural, solely interested in telling the stories. In Gothic sculpture, figures become more natural and realistic. Religious themes are still present, but the scope expands. For example, there are references to Christ beyond just his death.
In Romanesque art, there is exaggerated decoration. In Gothic art, bourgeois sarcophagi are commissioned by artists to be remembered. Romanesque figures are almost flat, so they are bas-reliefs. Gothic sculpture highlights the crucified Christ and the Virgin.
Comparison of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture
In Romanesque architecture, the goal was monumentality and endurance over time, hence the use of stone. Different types of floor plans were used: the basilica and a Latin cross. Romanesque churches have the following parts:
- Apse: If there are no significant others, smaller ones are opened in an apse called *apses*, representing the head of Christ.
- Naves: There are an odd number of naves, from three to five; the central nave is much wider than the side ones. This symbolizes Christ’s legs.
- Transept: Symbolizes Christ’s arms; it has one to three naves. The center of this crossing is covered with a hemispherical dome.
- Towers: It also has two towers on its façade, providing a square bell tower with rectangular or octagonal bases. The foundation for the church used to be deep; relics were kept there, and even bishops were buried.
The walls are made of masonry, with a few bays and buttresses. Some churches have a second floor called a *tribune*, and these are covered in barrel vaults and open through arches. The most commonly used arch in Romanesque architecture is the *half-point* arch. Inside, the pillar and wall arch (formeret) are used.
The façade has the most decoration and was intended for the faithful to interpret the sacred stories.
In the Gothic period, vaults continued to be used, with different forms: ribbed vaults, sexpartite vaults, fan vaults, and star vaults. Their pillars have expanding bases of adjacent columns, with the possibility of sharing the same capital.
The walls are higher and finer than Romanesque walls, as the buttresses are larger. Flying buttresses were added, with pergolas on the ends where the water pipes exited.
Large windows were opened in the walls to provide good illumination. The rose window was an example of this: large and very brightly colored glass. The façades still had Romanesque elements, and two columns decorated with typical Gothic decorations were added.