In the arts, many new media and techniques were introduced during the Medieval Period. In the first 1000 years, the Medieval period, a variety of media and techniques were employed. These included stained glass, metalwork, illuminated texts, stained-glass, mosaics, etc. During the Medieval period, many artists remained influenced by Roman Empire life and Christian iconography. In the art that followed Byzantine, classical elements were interwoven with personal aspects. Romanesque art and Gothic art are very different and best compared in Chartres Cathedral or Saint-Pierre. Lions, Old Testament Prophets (Jeremiah and Isaiah?) Saint Theodore and the Lions are both sculptures which best reflect their stylistic features from their respective periods.
Romanesque architecture grew as the Christian faith spread and so did the demand for religious sanctions. Saint-Pierre was a major stop along the pilgrimage to Saint James’ tomb. Monks who settled in Moissac, France decorated the church with relief sculptures that showed their devotion to God. The South Portal of Saint Pierre, however, also contains trumeau figures like Lions and Old Testament Prophets (Jeremiah? Isaiah?) The figure is not identifiable by art historians. However, they believe it could be Isaiah or Jeremiah. Closed eyes indicate that he’s having a vision. In this case, it is a prophecy of Jesus receiving the prophecy. His vision is also indicated by the scroll he carries. Curled beards on trumeau sculptures are also signs of philosophers and spiritual connections. This dignitary’s features are carved elongated, in contrast to the physical characteristics of past Roman and Greek reliefs. The lions are a symbol of bravery and were used to protect tombs and temples. He is tall and thin, and he has been carved with elongated features. Although there are hints of a leg shape under his garment, it’s still stylized. You can see this in the illuminated texts as well.
Chartres Cathedral was one of the many churches in France that burned down. The east facade of the church retained the features of early Gothic architecture, while the west façade had high Gothic elements. Along with the emphasis on height and light, flying buttresses have been introduced. Chartres Cathedral’s South Transept is a further example of High Gothic Style. The Porch of Martyrs also housed a significant jamb statue of St Theodore. As he is depicted as a warrior, his clothing is not a reflection of his saintly status. In the Crusades, men wore the typical armor and garments. This is nothing like what a saint might wear. It’s a bit off-the-wall, but also more interesting. It is not a constraint to his position, even though it’s still attached. The pose, the gothic curve or sway, and the youthful quality of Saint Theodore are all far different from those we would expect from an Old Testament prophet.
Saint Theodore shares the same technique as Lions and Old Testament Prophecy. Theodore’s clothing is rendered with a naturalistic quality, but there’s still a sense that both pieces are expressing. They stand on a pedestal that protrudes and their curtain-like ennings give the illusion of an unrestricted composition. It is an additional method to their indirect looking out. Saint Theodore has a stern, alert face, whereas Jeremiah or Isaiah look away and don’t pay attention to what is around them.
The constructions of the Saint Theodore jamb sculpture and the trumeau statues Lions and Old Testament prophet (Jeremiah, Isaiah?) Both are inspired by Roman costumes, but they have different characteristics. One is an incarnation of the mystic or prophetic idea, while the second portrays another role. As time passed, proportions and perspective became important to both sculptures. The two pieces were created using different techniques, but they both played a significant role during their time.
