International congress of byzantine studies belgrade, 22 27 august 2016

Velimir Matanović
Gradski muzej, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia; 
[e-mail]
Origin of Architectural Décor from the Cathedral Monastery of Studenica
In the first part of the paper the focus is on the entire previous studies, analysis of the development 
of Romanesque sculpture during the Middle Ages, the definition of Romanesque sculptural forms 
and determination of the origin of iconographic motifs. The second part establishes the connection 
between certain iconographic details on the double bronze doors in Gniezno and sculptural plastic 
in the monastery Studenica.
Determination and pointing to influences other than Italian, such as the Roman influence, to 
the overall development of Serbian origin and Romanesque art in science so far have not been done 
thoroughly. Former synthetic representations sought genesis of Romans influence mainly in Italian 
and Dalmatian art centers.

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In all the monuments of Romanesque architecture and sculpture in Serbia, elements and 
stylistic characteristics of Italian origin are mostly identified. In this way, the Italian art is one of the 
most influential factors for the formation and shaping of Romanesque art in Serbia. The monuments 
in which there have been found elements of Italian origin are defined as “Italianization movement” 
of Romanesque art in Serbia. Direct and strong artistic influences of Italy in those regions that 
are with this country historically and culturally linked - Istria and Dalmatia. In other parts Italian 
influences had an indirect character.
We do not possess information that testified on direct contacts which connect Serbia with the 
Italian medieval art. There are no historical sources that speak of the stay of Italian artists in Serbia.
New scientific research has enabled the recognition of new geographical, influential regions 
of significant architectural forms in Serbia. These are the architecture and sculptural decoration 
that developed on the basis of inherited medieval architecture and the developed principles of 
Romanesque architecture.
The rationale of applying the results of research is based on improving the quality of analysis of 
the impact of general European-Roman style on the development of Serbian medieval architecture 
and art in general.
The research results can be the basis for exploring the genetic flows of creative nature, 
architecture and sculpture of medieval Serbia. This allows the identification of the logical lines of 
continuity and influence in the analysis of Serbian origin of Romanesque art. Consideration of the 
broader area of influence, which directly or indirectly is in constant contact with the development 
of medieval Romanesque architecture in Serbia, provides a better understanding of the specific 
development of original artistic creativity. The study of this development is of particular importance 
for the overall trends and historical overview of the Serbian medieval architecture. This, along with 
scientific interest, achieved significant practical application of research results.
Typological classification of Romanesque sculpture in medieval Serbia and specificities 
compared to other potential impacts are established, and the value of the overall contribution of 
foreign influence on the Serbian Romanesque art is determined.