Topic Three (1.3): Romanesque and Gothic Architecture

Introduction

FOCUS: St-Sernin and Amiens

After the decline and fall of the Roman Empire in western Europe, few stone buildings were constructed, until the Church emerged as a militant force in the eleventh century. This topic covers the emergence of Romanesque architecture during that century and charts later Gothic developments across Europe. You will explore significant ecclesiastical buildings in different contexts. You will also learn a new set of technical terms to describe the continually changing stylistic phases of the medieval period. It is important to note and memorize the new technical terms you encounter. Take heart that your knowledge of these new terms combined with your knowledge of the classical Orders will allow you to describe in technical detail any building in Europe constructed before the twentieth century.

Read and Make Notes

  • Read pages 356 to 393 in A World History of Art by Honour and Fleming.
  • Make notes on St-Sernin and Amiens, using your textbook and as many reputable resources as available, making sure you cover these topics:
    • their historical contexts, patronage, function and style;
    • the materials, techniques and processes used in their construction.

Consolidate

  • Use the following resources to consolidate your understanding of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture.
  • You will need to know most of the terms in this first resource, especially the labels for the plan of the church and for the photographs of different elevations:

READ – Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture (Athena Review) Links to an external site.

READ – Glossary for Medieval Art and Architecture (Medart) Links to an external site.

READ – Romanesque Architecture and Art (The Art Story) Links to an external site.

READ – Romanesque and Gothic (Art History Survey) Links to an external site.

READ – Gothic Art and Architecture (The Art Story) Links to an external site.

  • This excellent online resource allows you to explore the Gothic buildings of France. Please read their pages devoted to St-Sernin and Amiens:

READ – Saint-Sernin (Mapping Gothic France) Links to an external site.

READ – Amiens Cathedral (Mapping Gothic France) Links to an external site.

  • This article will help you analyse the buildings in this module and will come in handy when you tackle your visual analysis essays later:

READ – Architecture and Composition (Encyclopaedia Britannica) Links to an external site.

  • Please do remember to make notes when watching the following documentaries:

WATCH – Architects of the Divine - The First Gothic Age (BBC) Links to an external site.

WATCH – Kenneth Clark's Civilisation: The Great Thaw (Part 2) (YouTube) Links to an external site.

Terminology

Make sure you understand all the key terms covered in this topic. You may like to make flashcards of key terms now, to help you with revision later on.

Assignment

When you have completed all the activities and are fully prepared and feel confident with the material, you should complete Assignment One and submit it to your tutor via Canvas for marking and feedback.