The mature Romanesque

After the middle of the 12th century, after the experimental period of its beginnings, Sardinian Romanesque architecture entered its mature phase, marked by the close connection with Pisa. The latter seems to be exclusive, also because of the increasing interference of Pisan merchants in the political affairs of the judges and in the island's economy.

It is a relationship characterized by a precarious balance, which in any case does not hinder the activity of workers from the Tuscan city but who bring experience gained not only in Pisa, but sometimes also in Lucca or Pistoia. Churches rise impressive in terms of the grandeur of the building scale, and sometimes spectacular for the technical and constructive solutions adopted, even if not as interesting as those of the early Romanesque period.

Saint Nicholas of Ottana, consecrated in 1160, is a transitional monument, in which the typical forms of the early Romanesque period are replaced by those typical of the mature Romanesque period. The facades become more decorated and divided in horizontal orders, through an apparatus of false lodges destined to be enriched, as evidenced by the cathedral of San Pietro in Sorres.

Starting from 1160, the bicroma work spread, that particular masonry technique that consists of the regular alternation of rows of light limestone with rows of dark volcanic stones and that distinguishes the abbeys of the Holy Trinity of Sacchargia and Santa Maria di Tergu, as well as the church of San Pietro del Crocefisso in Bulzi. The Deposition, a group of five polychrome wooden statues from the 13th century, was preserved here, today in the parish church. This is the rare survival of an element of liturgical furniture that must have been more widespread in the Romanesque churches of the island, like the cycles of wall paintings, essential to the Christian message.

Despite the understandable losses, important and significant frescoes are preserved in the churches of the Holy Trinity of Saccargia (12th century), San Pietro di Galtellì and San Nicola di Trullas (13th century), the work of workers of Tuscan-Lazio origin.

Update

25/9/2023 - 23:09