L’art roman en Lombardie. État des questions

Romanesque art in Lombardy exhibits significant diversity in typology and technique, marked by the use of stone in alpine regions and brick in plains, with reused brick prevalent until the late 11th century. This architectural evolution is tied to episcopal reforms within the Ottonian and Salian Reichskirchensystem, with key figures like Aribert d’Intimiano leading the transformation. Innovations in structures such as Santa Maria Maggiore at Lomello and Milan’s San Sepulchro, including stone vaulting and bay articulation, highlight this period's experimentation. However, the loss of many monuments in the 12th century obscures a comprehensive view of this transition. By the late 11th century, Romanesque architecture reached maturity with buildings like Sant’Ambrogio in Milan and San Michele Maggiore in Pavia, featuring tribunes, ribbed vaults, and significant sculptural advancements. Concurrently, Cremona Cathedral’s reconstruction reflects a blend of Lombard and Po Valley influences, complicating its classification.

Schiavi, L. C. (2016). L’art roman en Lombardie. État des questions (F. Arnauld & É. Vergnolle, Trans.). Bulletin Monumental, 174(1), 47–68. https://doi.org/10.3406/bulmo.2016.12750