Arte prerrománico: arte visigodo y de las invasiones

Overview of Pre-Romanesque Art

Definition and Timeframe

• The term "pre-Romanesque art" encompasses various artistic expressions created by different peoples in Western Europe over approximately five centuries, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the emergence of international Romanesque art.

Germanic Kingdoms and Their Artistic Contributions

• Post-Roman Empire, Germanic kingdoms such as the Merovingians, Asturians, and Visigoths contributed to a unique form of art that was less developed than Roman styles but incorporated classical elements with original Germanic contributions.

• The Carolingian Empire and subsequent Ottonian art also played significant roles in shaping early medieval artistic traditions. In Christian Spain, early Christian kingdoms produced what is known as Asturian art or repopulation art.

Characteristics of Germanic Art

Architectural Influences

• Germanic architecture was heavily influenced by Christianity and models from the Byzantine Empire due to their lack of monumental architectural tradition. They utilized techniques inherited from Roman construction, including semi-circular arches and vaulting methods.

Material Usage

• Structures were often smaller and constructed with poorer materials like rubble stone; there was frequent reuse of Roman materials in new constructions. This led to simpler forms compared to earlier classical styles.

Decorative Arts

Craftsmanship in Decorative Arts

• Despite limitations in monumental architecture, these cultures excelled in decorative arts, particularly metalwork which included weapons, shields, brooches, crowns made from rich materials adorned with intricate geometric patterns and stylized animal figures.

Italian Contributions: Ostrogoths

Continuation of Classical Traditions

• The Ostrogoths settled in Italy continuing the classical Roman tradition through structures like Theodoric's mausoleum in Ravenna which featured a central plan reminiscent of early Christian mausoleums using monolithic stone for its dome-like roof.

Lombard Influence on Art

Blending Styles

• Following the Ostrogoths, Lombards created an awkward blend between classical traditions and their own style; however, few architectural remnants remain today while their sculpture work remains notable for its richness.

Visigothic Art in Iberia

Fusion of Influences

• In the Iberian Peninsula, Visigothic art emerged characterized by a fusion of late Roman influences alongside Germanic and Byzantine elements primarily seen through religious architecture located mostly in rural areas.

Architectural Features

• Common features included thick walls with minimal openings leading to dark interiors; they employed barrel vaulting techniques along with horseshoe arches influenced possibly by Eastern designs but distinctively less pronounced than Islamic counterparts.

Structural Design Elements

Interior Layout

• Churches typically featured a transept with prominent external cimborrio (a type of dome), often accompanied by porches at entrances; lateral chambers were used for liturgical purposes reflecting Eastern Christian influences that would later impact Asturian and Mozarabic art styles.

Decorative Aspects

Artistic Elements in Visigothic Architecture

Decorative Features and Themes

• The decorative elements were found on capitals, cimacios, bases, canceles, and horizontal friezes, sometimes extending to exterior surfaces.

• Themes included religious representations as well as decorative motifs from Germanic and Oriental traditions such as solar discs, cross patterns, rolls, geometric shapes, plant elements, and zoomorphic designs.

Artistic Style and Representation

• Figures typically displayed a frontal and schematic appearance that adhered closely to architectural frameworks.

• Emphasis was placed on clarity of representation and symbolic messaging rather than formal naturalism or beauty typical of earlier Christian art.

Notable Visigothic Churches

• Key surviving Visigothic churches include:

• San Pedro de la Nave in Zamora

• San Juan de Baños del Cerrato in Palencia

• Santa Lucía del Trampal in Cáceres

• Santa Cumba de Vande in Orélse

• Santa María de Melque in Toledo (later modified in Mozarabic style)

• Santa María de Quintanilla de las Viñas in Burgos