Romanesque art and architecture

Romanesque art and architecture, artistic style prevalent in Christian western Europe from c.A.D. 950 to 1200. Romanesque preceded Gothic art and architecture and is so called because its forms are derived from Roman art and architecture. The architecture, based on the round Roman arch and improvised systems of vaulting, was characterized by a massive, simple, and robust style with great vitality, particularly in the case of Norman architecture. Churches had immense towers; interiors were decorated with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The sculptural style was varied, vigorous, and expressive, with carved, sculptured scenes on column capitals, and larger reliefs and figures on exterior portals and tympanums.