40 Chapter 10.4: Romanesque Columns and Freestanding Sculpture

HISTORIATED COLUMNS

During the Romanesque engaged and freestanding columns were decorated with capitals that contained figural imagery. Art historians described capitals with imagery as historiated capitals. Along with portals, this was one of the most common area to received sculptural decoration.

Column TASK:

The video below examines the historiated capitals at a church in Spain. After watching the video, please answer the accompanying questions.

Historiated capitals, Church of Sant Miguel

Column TASK prompts:

Which elements are from Greek and Roman architecture?

What subjects are portrayed and what is their meaning?

What is the connection of the imagery with the viewer?

FREESTANDING SCULPTURE

Architectural sculpture adorned many of the churches built during the Romanesque period, but not all sculpture was confined to architecture nor was it all made from stone. Wood sculptures, like the one discussed in the video below, had many functions.

Throne of Wisdom TASK:

The Virgin Mary grew in popularity in the Romanesque and assumed different roles in imagery. Among the popular types of imagery that featured the Virgin was the Throne of Wisdom and the Virgin in Majesty. After watching the videos below, please answer the accompanying questions.

Throne of Wisdom Sculptures 

Please follow this link to the article on Throne of Wisdom Sculptures from Khan Academy

Throne of Wisdom TASK prompts:

How was Mary perceived in the medieval period?

What was the Romanesque way of representing her?

What type of representation is described here and what are its characteristics?

How was the object used?

How did it function with the cult of relics?

Framed by the Body – Virgin and Child in Majesty

Virgin and Child in Majesty prompts:

What is the function of Mary’s enlarged hands?

Why is Mary depicted expressionless?

What does it communicate from a distance?