Pre-Romanesque art and architecture

The pre-Romanesque period in European art spans the years from the emergence of the Merovingian kingdom around 500 AD (or from the Carolingian Renaissance in the late-8th century) to the beginning of the Romanesque period in the 11th century. During this time, artists and builders combined ideas from old classical Mediterranean and Early Christian styles with new Germanic traditions, creating fresh and exciting designs.

In most western Europe, people kept building using styles that came from ancient Roman times, even after the empire fell apart. The Franks built big stone buildings such as monastery churches and palaces. As the Frankish kingdom grew stronger under leaders like Clovis I, more and more churches and monasteries were built. By the end of the 7th century, there were over 400 monasteries just in the Merovingian kingdom.

Later, the Carolingian dynasty took over in 752 AD, bringing new styles called Carolingian architecture. After that, from the mid-10th century, Ottonian architecture developed in East Francia, which became the Holy Roman Empire. All these changes helped shape what would become Romanesque architecture in the 11th century.

Examples of Frankish buildings

Merovingian, Carolingian and Ottonian architecture includes many important buildings from early medieval Europe. Some notable examples are the Baptistère de Riez, built over several centuries starting in the 4th century, and Fréjus Cathedral from around 450 AD. Other key sites include the Crypt of Saint-Laurent in Grenoble, the Aix Cathedral with its Merovingian baptistery, and the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

More structures from this time include the Palatine Chapel in Aachen, built between 792 and 805, and the Oratory of Bishop Theodulf of Orleans in Germigny-des-Prés from 806. The St. Michael's Church in Hildesheim, completed in 1031, is another important example that shows the style of the Ottonian and Holy Roman Empire periods.

Imperial styles

Carolingian art

Main articles: Carolingian art and Carolingian architecture

Carolingian art lasted about 120 years, from around 780 to 900, during the rule of Charlemagne and his successors, known as the Carolingian Renaissance. During this time, kings in northern Europe began using classical art styles from the Mediterranean for the first time. They also created new art forms, like detailed drawings of people, which influenced later art. Carolingian churches were usually built in a simple, long shape, similar to early Christian churches in Rome, and often included special western sections called westworks. One good example of this is the Abbey of Corvey, built in 885.

Ottonian art

Main articles: Ottonian art and Ottonian architecture

From 936 to 1056, during the rule of the three Saxon emperors named Otto, art in the Holy Roman Empire is called Ottonian art. After the Carolingian Empire ended, the new Ottonian dynasty brought back a strong belief in the Empire and the Church, leading to a time of great cultural and artistic activity. Artists mixed ideas from older Roman, Carolingian, and Byzantine styles to create beautiful works. Ottonian monasteries made some of the most stunning books with painted illustrations, supported by emperors and bishops.

Regional styles

British Isles

Main articles: Anglo-Saxon art and Anglo-Saxon architecture

Before King Alfred, the main art style in England was Hiberno-Saxon culture. This style mixed Anglo-Saxon and Celtic techniques and motifs, known as Insular art. After King Alfred in 885, the Anglo-Saxon period began, marked by a revival of English culture following the end of Viking raids. Anglo-Saxon art is mostly known today through beautifully decorated books called illuminated manuscripts and fancy metalwork.

Croatia

Main article: Croatian Pre-Romanesque art and architecture

In the 7th century, the Croats moved to the region where they live today. The first Croatian churches were built as royal places of worship. The influence of Roman art was strongest in Dalmatia, where cities were many. Over time, Croatian builders created their own styles, including large churches with long shapes and smaller ones with central designs. One famous example is the Church of Holy Salvation in the 9th century. These churches often had beautifully decorated altar rails and windows with patterns called pleter. Some decorations even included scenes from the Bible mixed with these patterns.

France

After the Carolingian Empire ended, France split into many fighting areas. Without strong leadership, French art in the 10th and 11th centuries developed around big monasteries rather than royal courts. Different areas created their own styles based on old Carolingian designs and the artists who traveled there. Important places like the monastery of Saint Bertin and the abbey of Saint Vaast became centers for creating new art styles.

Italy

See also: Lombard Romanesque

Southern Italy was influenced by Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, while the north was mostly under Carolingian control. The Normans in Sicily hired Byzantine artists to decorate churches like Monreale and Cefalù Cathedrals with beautiful wall pictures called mosaics. They also created important painted scenes and decorated books.

Spain and Portugal

Main article: Iberian pre-Romanesque art and architecture

The first Pre-Romanesque style in Spain and Portugal was Visigothic art, which introduced horse-shoe arches used later in Moorish architecture. After the Moors arrived, Pre-Romanesque art continued only in the Kingdom of Asturias, which created very pure and simple art. Christians living under Moorish rule, called Mozarabs, developed their own special style called Mozarabic art. The best-preserved Visigothic building in Portugal is the Saint Frutuoso Chapel in Braga.