The origins of the Romanesque period can be traced back to the Crisis in the middle ages, which was essentially a massive military intervention by Roman Empire. The Crisis happened when the Western Roman Empire was on the verge of complete collapse due to its inability to cope with its domestic problems. During this time, barbarian peoples from the east occupied parts of what was once known as “the West Roman Empire”. The barbarian peoples were not only an inconvenient population but they also gave new meaning to the definition of art.
It was the combination of these barbarian peoples that gave rise to one of the most important artistic movements in the middle ages – renaissance art. Renaissance art is probably the most distinguishable manifestation of the renaissance spirit and it initiated the art style that would characterize Western history up until the arrival of the Protestant Church in Europe. Although the Reformationists started to claim partial credit for the development of the renaissance, it was the Italian school of artists (the so called “Dell Art”) who actually saw through the “Dell System” and declared it to be the true form of Renaissance. The main elements of this school of art are realism, proportion, naturalism, elegance, and melancholy.
The Use Of Dramatic Forms
Another important element of the renaissance is the use of dramatic forms. Unlike the older schools of art, the art of the middle ages included exaggerated portrayals of the grandest themes – usually wars or catastrophes. One of the most famous examples of this is the battle of Marathon, which was fought between the Greeks and the Romans (in ancient Greece). For the Greek citizens it was a symbol of their struggle against the Persian invaders. For the Roman army, it symbolized their power and superiority over all other powers. It became the standard for all future arts as the battle of Marathon showed how even a small city with a weak military could defeat the greatest and most technologically advanced army in the world.
Other dramatic forms found their expression in the artistic representation of movement. This was expressed by figures such as the painter Domenico Elucid. Elucid’s greatest achievement was the way in which he could bring movement, depth, and shade to the ancient subjects he portrayed. Though the forms and colours he used were influenced by the renaissance art of the Middle Ages, Elucid’s work still stands amongst the best pieces of renaissance art from the middle ages.
Art From The Middle Ages
Other forms of art from the middle ages that followed the footsteps of Elucid’s creations included the works of Donatello and Michelangelo. Though their style was similar, their individual artworks still stand apart because they each had unique ways of expressing movement and emotion in their art.
Donatello’s paintings of the Virgin Mary and Jesus resemble paintings done by previous Italian Renaissance artists, whilst Michelangelo’s basilica and the Sistine Chapel are two of the largest and most important basilicas in the world. Regardless of the level of style each of these artists used, what is clear is that they were both inspired by the works of the Renaissance. Even if their artistic influences are different, both artists were able to take the bare bones form of renaissance art and put their own twist onto it.
Use Basic Ideas From The Renaissance
The great thing about this type of art is that it is still alive today. There are artists such as Paul Gauguin, whose sculpting of the human form is truly timeless. The great thing about Gauguin’s work is that he was able to use basic ideas from the renaissance in order to create something completely his own. This man was a product of the time and had the same feelings and emotions that were felt by the renaissance artists of the middle ages. Another artist who is remembered by many for his Romanesque artwork is Giotto. Like Gauguin, Giotto was also influenced by the works of the Renaissance but unlike him, he did not live for his work but instead only focused on decorating.
If you are looking for some Romanesque art for your home, there are a few places you can look. First, you can start by looking through old photographs. If you are trying to find an antique piece, this might be a good place to start. Second, you could go online and do some searches. Not only will you find more information about this type of art, but you will be able to find some really great deals.
Final Words
Whether you like the simple and clean works of art that were produced during the middle ages or you like the intricate and highly detailed art of the renaissance, there is no denying the influence that Romanesque art had on both. Both styles of art can be beautiful in their own right. What you choose is up to you and what you find is usually a wonderful choice for any home.
