2023 Romanesque to Gothic: European Art 1050-1250

This twelve-week online course covers the period between 1050 and 1250, inspired by the V&A's abundant medieval collections.

Between 1050 and 1150 Europe witnessed unprecedented investment in Romanesque church buildings, many inspired by Roman monuments, and the rebirth of architectural sculpture with plentiful regional variation.

The “New” style of architecture (termed “Gothic” from the 17th century) emerged in mid-12th century Paris. Craftsmen de-materialized Romanesque massiness, making buildings that reached new heights with increasingly light-filled interiors. Paris was the epicentre of new ideas, subsequently adopted by neighbouring realms. Figurative art changed profoundly from dynamic Romanesque design to something more natural, even classical; a revolution prompted by seismic shifts in theological philosophy, urban and commercial growth, increased literacy, and monasticism’s decline, although the new mendicant orders were influential after 1220.

Relations between East and West deteriorated as the Crusading movement increased in zeal. The Sack of Constantinople in 1204 heralded the Byzantine Empire’s nadir and an influx of Byzantine influence, especially in Italy.