The Cathedral Of Saint Etienne - 1275 Words

According to Kloss (2005) the Romanesque style has been documented throughout Europe from the mid-eleventh century until the late twelfth century. Although the term Romanesque began with architectural innovations, it also refers to the same period encompassing sculpture, painting and other arts. As discussed by Kloss (2005) one of the earliest Romanesque churches, the Abbey of Saint-Etienne (begun1067) dedicated to Saint Stephen in Normandy, France was built by William the Conqueror. This is one of two abbeys; one built for the monks and referred to as the â€Å"Abbey of the Men† and the other was built for the nuns. According to Kloss (2005) after conquering England the Normans brought back with them a well-developed architectural style†¦show more content†¦The windows were set far back in it, but as you see, they re high, round arches on the gallery level superimposed above the nave arcade. Above that a clearstory and that is the uppermost level and the most ligh t is emitted through the nave windows at the top, at the clearstory. And then you see the vaulting system. This is an early example of ribbed construction of vaults in which the ribs, quite prominent and familiar to you all, the ribs, some of which are transverse; they go across the large part of the nave and others which cross diagonally and intersect. These ribs become the main weight bearing part of the vault because everything in between, the webbing, which is usually of brick, is not a supporting element and is light enough to be supported by the masonry which holds it together, so most of the weight from the roof above and so forth is carried by these arches. According to Kloss 2005) the Abbey situated in a cul-de-sac the end of a long courtyard; its exterior or faà §ade â€Å"which is simply overpowering in its grandeur† is typical of Romanesque architecture. Its massive structure is designed â€Å"with broad expanses of exterior wall and heavy supports to hold them up, to buttress them†. â€Å"The buttressing elements are placed directly against the wall to be