Modern Origins of Romanesque Sculpture
Robert A. Maxwell
From its earliest concerted study, Romanesque art was identified with geography. Ever since archeologists adopted the term “Romanesque” in early nineteenth century, label has profoundly influenced study of eleventh- and twelfth- century sculpture. This chapter surveys several ways scholarship addressed origins monumental sculpture period, limiting discussion to three specific approaches problem. One approach looked different geographic regions explain style's distant sources; another considered problem more philosophically searched define sculptural characteristics metaphysical terms; a third attributed rebirth shift iconographic or signifying value. All attracted debate, on occasion doctrinal entrenchment obfuscated substance behind quarrels, but there is little doubt that these polemics propelled further research indelibly shaped field.