The rebirth of monumental stone sculpture in Europe , 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. This revival of stone sculpture reveals varied relations to the traditions of the classical past, as well as a rich and complex dialogue with the arts of different periods and media. 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 course whishes to investigate central aspects of the rebirth of stone sculpture in the 12th century. Among the issues discussed will be:

1. The origins of Romanesque sculpture

2. Patronage

3. Regional sculptural dialects