The Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun

Definition

The Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun is a sculptural relief that depicts the final judgment of souls, located above the entrance of the Basilica of Saint-Lazare in Autun, France. Created in the 12th century, this remarkable work exemplifies Romanesque sculpture, characterized by its intricate details and emotional expression, intended to convey religious teachings to the illiterate population of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tympanum was sculpted by the artist Gislebertus and completed around 1130-1145 AD, showcasing his innovative approach to figure design and storytelling.
2. In the sculpture, Christ is portrayed as the central figure, flanked by angels and representations of the saved and damned, emphasizing the duality of salvation and damnation.
3. The expressive faces and dynamic postures of the figures are designed to evoke emotional responses from viewers, making the scene both a teaching tool and a visual narrative.
4. The use of hierarchical scale emphasizes Christ's authority over judgment, as He is depicted much larger than other figures surrounding Him.
5. The tympanum serves as a didactic tool for the congregation, reminding them of Christian beliefs about judgment and morality as they entered the church.

Review Questions

• How does the Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun reflect the characteristics of Romanesque sculpture?
  • The Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun reflects Romanesque sculpture through its use of stylized forms, expressive figures, and a strong narrative element. The emphasis on clear storytelling is evident in how the scenes are organized around Christ's central figure, showing the saved and damned. The tympanum also exhibits typical Romanesque features such as rounded arches and a sense of hierarchy among figures, making it an excellent representation of the artistic conventions during this period.
• Discuss the role of emotion in the Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun and how it contributes to its purpose as a religious artwork.
  • Emotion plays a crucial role in the Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun as it aims to engage viewers on a spiritual level. The intense expressions and dynamic poses of the figures are meant to elicit empathy and reflection on one's own moral choices. By capturing both joy in salvation and despair in damnation, the sculpture reinforces its message about accountability before God, making it a powerful tool for educating the faithful about their beliefs.
• Evaluate the significance of Gislebertus's artistic choices in conveying theological themes through the Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun.
  • Gislebertus's artistic choices significantly enhance the theological themes presented in the Last Judgment Tympanum at Autun. By using hierarchical scale, he highlights Christ's divine authority over judgment while simultaneously portraying Him with a relatable humanity. The detailed depictions of individual souls facing judgment serve not only as a narrative device but also provoke personal reflection on morality and salvation among viewers. This effective combination of artistry and theology solidifies the tympanum's role as both an ornamental feature of architecture and an impactful teaching tool for medieval Christians.

Related terms

Tympanum: A semicircular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, often filled with sculpture or relief that conveys important narrative themes.

Romanesque Art: A style of art and architecture prevalent in Europe from the 10th to the 12th centuries, characterized by semi-circular arches, robust structure, and expressive sculptural decoration.

Last Judgment: A Christian eschatological theme representing the final judgment of humanity by Christ, often depicted in art to remind believers of moral accountability and the afterlife.