The rebirth of monumental stone sculpture in France, after a break of five centuries, constitutes a central phenomenon in the development of western art. In this short period (ca. 1050-1150), hundreds of churches were being built, along the emerging pilgrimage routes, in the ever-growing towns, and in numerous monasteries. While part of the Romanesque sculpture presents canonical images originating in Scripture or in Hagiographic traditions, another part presents images whose subjects are enigmatic, grotesque and difficult to decipher.

The seminar wishes to study the impact of the patrons on cycles of Romanesque sculpture and architecture. Among others we will discuss iconography created under royal patronage, patronage of the nobility (such as of castellans); crusaders as patrons; the existence of dynastical awareness and its expression on Romanesque art; ecclesiastical patrons and their various interests, etc.

The seminar will raise questions concerning the assessment of the involvement of patrons in the formation of sculptural and architectural cycles, such as the relation between the patron, iconographer and artist; Romanesque art as addressing different audiences and other questions.