Romanesque sculpture from 1000-1200 AD served to convey religious teachings through dramatic biblical scenes. As most people were illiterate, sculpture brought stories from the bible to life in an accessible way. Figures were elongated with simplified features and exaggerated expressions to depict important theological concepts like the themes of life and death. One example is the tympanum of the Last Judgement at the Church of Saint Lazare in Autun, France, carved by Gislebertus.

1. Romanesque Sculpture
1000 A.D – 1200 A.D.

2. Romanesque Sculpture
 The sculpture of the time was used to convey
the teachings and dogmas of the church to
the people.
 As the majority of people at the time were
illiterate, sculpture was an excellent way of
bringing the stories of the bible to life.

3. Romanesque Sculpture
 The theme of life and death was fundamental to
much of the sculpture of this period.
 The carved figures of this period were very
abstract. The human body was unrealistic in its
portrayal. Figures were elongated with out-of-
proportioned limbs and simplified solemn
features.
 Hideous devils, demons and tortured souls were
carved creating grotesque and dramatic scenes.

4. Romanesque Sculpture
 The Church of Saint Lazare, in Autun France
- Artist: Gislebertus
 Tympanum
- The Last Judgment
 Capitals
- The Flight into Egypt
- The Suicide of Judas
- The Dream of the Magi

5. Romanesque Sculpture
Characteristics
 The carvings are in low-relief.
 The human figures are elongated, out of
proportion and simplified.
 The figures of evil are grotesque and gruesome
in appearance with exaggerated facial and
physical expression.

6. http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/245/flashcards/1845245/png/the_last_jud
gment_typanum1352942155909.png
The Last Judgment

7. http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/739/flashcards/613123/jpg/butt-(9).jpg
Church of
St. Lazare
Autun
The West Façade

8. http://www.hdwallpapersarena.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/009-gislebertus-theredlist.jpg
The Flight into Egypt

9. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3157/2562064019_e147ca14e7_o.jpg
The Flight into Egypt

10. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3198/3053508804_019e823718_b.jpg
The Dream of the Magi

11. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/Autun,_Gislebertus,_Eva.JPG
Eve – The Garden of Eden

12. Acknowledgements
Art Associates
Maria Moore
Margaret O’Shea
Local Facilitator Team
Aine Andrews
Joe Caslin
Jane Campbell
Siobhan Campbell
Niamh O’Donoghue
Niamh O’Neill
Keith O’Rahilly
Sheena McKeon
Tony Morrissey
Monica White
Many thanks to the following for their invaluable contribution to the European
Art History and Appreciation series of workshops and resource materials.
PDST Professional Development Service for Teachers

13. PDST Professional Development Service for Teachers
The PDST is funded by the
Department of Education and
Skills under the National
Development Plan 2007 -
2013
Cultural & Environmental Education
Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST)
Dublin West Education Centre,
Old Blessington Road,
Tallaght,
Dublin 24
National Co-ordinator
Conor Harrison
Mobile: 087 240 5710
E-mail: conorharrison@pdst.ie
Administrator
Angie Grogan
Tel: 014528018 Fax: 014528010
E-mail: angiegrogan@pdst.ie.