Original scientific paper
THE ROVINJ CHURCHES FROM THE ROMANESQUE PERIOD
Igor Fisković
; Odsjek za povijest umjetnosti Filozofskog fakulteta u Zagrebu HR -10000, Zagreb
Abstract
When establishing typologicaJ groups of early Medieval Croatian architecture the author has drawn attention to the poorly systematized monuments in Istria. He analyzes two similar small churches, St Cecilia's and St Christopher's, near Rovinj which have been preserved in their original shape. Besides detailed descriptions the author has geographically worked out the methods used in their design. He also pointed out their architectural features as well as the elements of Adriatic traditions and regional innovations.
Apart from the similarities in the arrangement of their ground plans and building techniques the author notices differences in their proportions and in the articulation of the walls and tries to reveal the origin of their styles.
This is the basis for defining morphological and stylistic features. The author resolves the iconography of the more elaborate St Christopher's Church. He follows the traces of the now missing portal lintel (originally rendered in relief) and sculptured male head on the central console above the gable and at the same time gives analogies with church es from the wider Adriatic and the area south of the Alps.
Due to the closer ties of St Cecilia's Church to late Antique architecture in the Adriatic the author dates the church in the transition between the 10th and 11th .centuries. St Christopher's Church is dated to the mid 11th century on the basis of more refined finish of similar elements. The author has established an evolutional continuity of a wide time span for· monuments which must have had the city of Rovinj as a common model. These two churches can not be considered to be rustic structures but major monuments from the early Romanesque period in the areas imbued with experiences and aesthetic views of late Antiquity which on the nearby Apenine peninsula were already adapted in early Medieval art.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
93871
URI
Publication date:
19.12.1995.
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