Medieval Architecture

Romanesque Architectural Romanesque Architectural StyleStyle

Romanesque Architectural Romanesque Architectural StyleStyle Rounded Arches.

Barrel vaults.

Thick walls.

Darker, simplistic interiors.

Small windows, usually at the top of the wall.

Gothic Architectural StyleGothic Architectural StyleGothic Architectural StyleGothic Architectural Style

Pointed arches.

High, narrow vaults.

Thinner walls.

Flying buttresses.

Elaborate, ornate, airier interiors.

Stained-glass windows.

“Flying” Buttresses

Why did Europeans start building churches in the early middle ages? Why were those early churches called “Romanesque”? When were

Romanesque churches built?

Why did medieval cathedrals have so much sculpture on them? If you were a person in the middle ages, what message do you think you

would get from the sculpture in the close up photo?

What is a symbol? What is symbolic about the layout of the medieval cathedral?

When were Gothic cathedrals built? Why were Gothic cathedrals able to have so many windows in them without

crumbling and falling over?

Rib vault.

What are these? Why were they important to the improvement of cathedral architecture? Would you find these in a Romanesque or Gothic cathedral?

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What kind of window is this (round one)? Why did medieval cathedrals have so much stained glass in them?

Which cathedral is an example of Romanesque architecture (early middle ages)? Which is an example of Gothic architecture (late middle ages)? Provide at least 3 ways you know you are right for each.

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A THOUGHT QUESTIONWhat was the purpose of the cathedral in medieval times? Why were

medieval cathedrals called “stone bibles”?

Cologne Cathedral: how long did it take to build this?

600 years

1.Gothic or Romanesque?

2.Gothic or Romanesque?

3.Gothic or Romanesque?

4.Gothic or Romanesque?

5.Gothic or Romanesque?

Answers

• 1. Romanesque

• 2. Gothic

• 3. Romanesque

• 4. Gothic

• 5. Romanesque

Illuminated Manuscript

• How can you make one, you ask?

• Using the materials your teacher provides for you, you can make an Illuminated

• letter using simple steps similar to those used by artists from the past. Here’s

• what you’ll need:– -A square piece of drawing paper, 7” by 7”– -A pencil and eraser– -A ruler– -An idea of what letter you want to create, perhaps your initial.– -A theme you are going to base your letter around, for example a

mythological creature, or a variety of plants.– -A black felt tip marker– -Colored pencils for color and gold crayon for gold leaf

Extra Credit OpportunityMake your own Illuminated

Manuscript