Romanesque Art (Classical and Modern Art Series)

Author: (English) Andrea Pizzuto
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The "Classical and Modern Art Series" consists of 10 volumes: "Greek Art," "Romanesque Art," "Gothic Art," "Byzantine Art," "Renaissance in Florence," "Renaissance in Rome," "Renaissance in Venice," "Art of the Human Body," "From El Greco to Goya," and "Impressionism." The "Classical and Modern Art Series" covers various artistic styles in the history of Western art from the glorious periods of ancient Greece and Rome, through the great Renaissance, to the Impressionism of the late 19th century. "Greek Art" and "Romanesque Art" trace the glorious origins of Western art history, "Gothic Art" showcases the brilliance of theological art during the dimmed Middle Ages, while "Renaissance in Florence," "Renaissance in Rome," and "Renaissance in Venice" take readers back to the pinnacle of Western art history during the great Renaissance—humanistic era. "Byzantine Art" examines the mystery and subtlety of art from the Byzantine Kingdom, viewed through the lens of the Christian world, where this Christian-centric civilization saw Byzantium as a mystical and enigmatic realm. Through the art tunnel created by this series, you can fully appreciate the charming allure of Western art. The series systematically organizes world art and architectural art along the main of Western art history, not only providing detailed analyses of artistic styles but also deeply exploring the modern influences that arise from the integration of art with other fields. The authors are top experts in their respective fields worldwide. This series is highly authoritative and readable. The Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, the pilgrimage route of the Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela from Autun Cathedral, and the French devotion to the Virgin Mary—all these are small joys in the formation of a truly international art and architecture—what we now call Romanesque Art. Between 1050 and 1200, the dominant Christian Church and the expanding monasteries demanded a large number of new buildings and artworks to express their devout worship. Romanesque artists met this demand by extensively adopting Roman, Byzantine, barbarian, and Carolingian styles. Whether seen as a symbol of monastic austerity or a representative of feudal theocracy, this innovative art and architecture demonstrated strong experimentation, blending sacred reverence with pagan imagery, Islamic themes, the classical focus on the human form, and the Northern love for intricate and vibrant decoration. Many new social forces influenced the adoption of new methods: the development of stained glass, architectural sculpture, and mosaics, typological themes, expressionist and absurd forms, and the occasional creation of erotic scenes. While carefully examining this cultural phenomenon and its connections to the gradual rise of devotion to saints and the Virgin Mary, the expansion of monasteries, and the emergence of women as influential art patrons in monastic communities, the author of this book, Andrea Pizzuto, provides an in-depth yet accessible analysis of the social and historical context of Romanesque art from the perspectives of the patrons, creators, and audiences of the time.