Past and Present Contextual Analysis of Romanesque

According to previous contextual research of Romanesque style

It was an architectural design in which structures were constructed with modified geometrical shapes such as vault-shaped roofs and pillars as supports for the inner sections of the buildings. This architectural style was mostly used in the construction of cathedrals that housed monks, priests, and pilgrims from all over the world. To give support for the roofs, the structures’ windows and doorways were dome-shaped. Other common shapes used to construct the doors and windows of the past Romanesque included: squats, lozenges, and chevrons with zigzag patterns (Stoddard, Whitney and Stoddard 24). The ceilings of most buildings were constructed using wood since the architects had not understood how to span the buildings using stones. Most Romanesque buildings were inscribed with features which illustrated historical happenings. An example of is the arch of Constantine that was constructed as celebration of the victory of Constantine I at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

The present contextual analysis of Romanesque

Is that are buildings which have been constructed based on the same building principles. Most modern buildings in different parts of the world are composed of arches and domes. The designs of roads in most cities in modern world have been influenced by the Romanesque architectural style. Examples of such buildings are the Place Vendome and the Arc de Triomphe which borrow Roman Formulas in designs such as the dome-shaped doors and windows (Toman 6). The present context of Romanesque has been observed in architecture such as the interior Union Station in Washington DC. Most present building techniques involves the use of concrete which was influenced by the Romanesque architects who realized that it was both stronger than marble and also could be decorated and have sculptures made on it compared with marble which had to be carved.

Works Cited

Stoddard, Whitney S., and S. Stoddard. Art and architecture in medieval France: medieval architecture, sculpture, stained glass, manuscripts, the art of the church treasuries. Westview Press, 2008.

Toman, Rolf, ed. Romanesque: architecture, sculpture, painting. Hf ullman, 2010.