Tower (1045-1140 AD) and Apse dating from the late C14th
San Zeno Maggiore is a remarkable example of the Romanesque style of architecture. It originates in the C5th and was rebuilt in the C9th as a the church of a Benedictine monastry (of which the tower remains). It was later re-constructed in the early C11th and completed in the C13th and C14th centuries.
Detail to west portal executed by Maestro Nicolo and his pupil Guglielmo around 1135
San Zeno Maggiore is a remarkable example of the Romanesque style of architecture. It originates in the C5th and was rebuilt in the C9th as a the church of a Benedictine monastry (of which the tower remains). It was later re-constructed in the early C11th and completed in the C13th and C14th centuries.
Sometimes, I get caught up in the sheer wonderment of pattern and decoration in buildings.
Both are key elements in how a building is expressed to the observer. Without it our buildings would be just mundane backdrops to our lives.
Buildings are decorated in a myriad of ways. Pattern and decoration can reveal the sheer virtuosity of the designer, or encompass the message within the structure. Repetition of a material, or colour or form can enhance and reinforce a message or a feeling. Soft and circular patterns can convey a feeling of grace and comfort, whilst sharp and angular patterns can relate to domination and danger (think about the masculine strength of the Romanesque chevron)
All styles of architecture have used pattern and decoration to express their raison d'etre.
Here is a slideshow of my Pattern and Decoration set on flickr to give some examples.
For the designers amongst you check out my SWATCH SET
Most of all, ENJOY!
Here's a few detail images to illustrate the wonderful Romanesque sculpture which is apparent on the Duomo in Verona.
Known as Santa Maria Matricolare, the cathedral was largely built in the C12th and has on most of its walls the characteristic brick banding of the Romanesque in northern Italy.
On the south portal is a wonderful series of sculptures which are showcased here. Verona is a gem for the Romanesque - just a mile away there is also the church of San Zeno which has some fantastic sculptures.
Andy Marshall is a professional architectural photographer. Most images can be downloaded 24/7 at Alamy as stock photography
The Parish Church of Saint Leonard Middleton has a rich tapestry of history dating back to Saxon times. Evidence of the Romanesque influence can be found in entrance to the tower which has remnants of a Romanesque arch re-set from its original semi-circular arch into a pointed arch at a later date. What might the original arch have looked like? Here with the magic of Photoshop I have reset the semi-circular arch to its original status. I took the images courtesy of Middleton Parish Church during a survey of the building for my Post Graduate Diploma in Building Conservation.
