Good examples of the Romanesque are the tower, bapistry, and the
Cathedral of Pisa. A Romanesque church had a long nave with a clerestory
taken from the basilica. The apse of the old basilica was greatly enlarged
so as to furnish room for the clergy and choir and was surmounted by dome.
The term "Romanesque" is generally applied to the period of art from
A.D. 500 to 1150. The chief features of this style were developed in Italy
and were a combination of the basilica and Byzantine designs. Many of the
abbey churches and monasteries were of this type. Heavy masonry was
used. There were variations such as Norman and Saxon.
The treament of windows was graceful and pleasing but did not afford the
possibilities for monumental and narrative treatment of the Gothic style.
Some monumental statues could be placid in the gables and about the roof,
but these buildings did not offer the same possibilties for magnificent
decorations as did the classical type. However, there was some valuable
space on the frontal facade for carvings and tracery.
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