Romanesque art

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  Alphabetical Listing

 
  Lexicon 

Romanesque Art itinerary

Apse: The usually semicircular part of a church behind the chancel

Apsidiole: Small semicircular chapel

Cross-springer: Part supporting a semi-circular arch

Benedictine: Of the Monastic order of Saint Benedict

Cradle vault: Half-barrel shaped roof

Capital: Larger part forming the top of a column

Chevet: Outside of the projecting part of a church including the apse and apsidioles.

 

Picture of the Sainte Croix church
 
Chancel: Part of the nave in front of the altar where the priest stands.

Cloister Open area surrounded by archways or a pillared gallery around a courtyard or garden.

1/4 spherical dome: dome formed by quarter spheres

Monogram of Christ: Ancient Greek pattern made up of the letters K, R, S and T (Christ) plus the first and last letters of the alphabet (alpha and omega, respectively) symbolizing the beginning and the end.

Transept crossing: Area where the transept crosses the nave.

Gemel windows: Paired windows

Cornice bracket: Projecting stone supporting a cornice

Aura of glory: Halo around a majestic figure of Christ

Nave: Part of the church between the door and the chancel for the faithful.

 

       The Evangelists' pillar


Palmette: Stylized palm ornament

Foliage scroll: Sculpted or painted ornament with a leafy stem rolled in a spiral.

Chapter house: Room where the nuns assembled.

Transept: Nave cutting across the main nave to give the church its cross shape.

Bay: Part of a building between two supports such as pillars

Pier: Wall between windows.

Tympanum: Space between the lintel and an arch over a doorway (often with an inscription).

Arch moulding: Concentric arch(es) over a door or window.
 

   
Detail from the cloisters of Elne cathedral

 

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