Romanesque

The Romanesque style spread throughout Europe from around 1050 to 1200. The term was coined in the 19th century for the architecture of this period. With its striking small, semi-circular arched windows and arched tympanums above windows and doors, Romanesque architecture – also nicknamed the ‘round-arch style’ – recalls that of ancient Rome. Other features of Romanesque architecture are thick, massive walls, and short, wide towers.

The term also applies to the sculptural ornamentation and carvings found on the architecture. The decorative forms range from intertwined ornaments to fanciful figures of humans and animals. Most painting of the Romanesque period is associated with architecture; these murals are generally found in churches and are distinguished by their simple figures and bright colours.