DID YOU KNOW? Architecture didn't go from Romanesque to Gothic overnight. The transition was so gradual that, very often, the two styles can be found side by side in the same building. O The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paray-le-Monial, France Capital of the Romanesque-style Saint-Martial Church, in Montmorillon, France. RATIO: Approximately 1.618 This is the Golden Ratio, the ideal proportion found everywhere in nature—in the perfect spiral of a snail’s shell, for example. For medieval architects, this number was a sign from God. They used it extensively in Romanesque buildings to achieve perfect harmony. SHAPE: The semicircular arch Rounded arches provided structure and support for both portals (main entrances) and vaults (ceiling or roof structures). The arches distributed weight evenly, allowing for larger, more stable buildings. A PLACE FOR RECOLLECTION Since the thick walls bear the entire weight of the building, it is difficult to create large windows. Hence, the interior of Romanesque churches is dark and rather bare, which provides a wonderful atmosphere for bringing the faithful back to what is essential: prayer! ONE WORD: Color! What a surprise! Restoration of the sculpted facades of Romanesque churches reveals traces of paint. Churches were thus colored, like a beautiful book decorated with brilliant illustrations. PORTRAIT GALLERY At the beginning of Romanesque art, churches were decorated with geometric motifs. Then, little by little, animals, people, and sometimes even fantastical monsters were carved in relief into the stone. "Carved in relief" means an image is carved onto a flat surface of stone and the background is then carved away. This makes raised forms, giving the appearance of dimension. Your Opinion Photos: SHUTTERSTOCK The semicircular arch! DATE: From the 10th to the 12th Century ROMANESQUE 24 / N° 1
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