MiddlEvolent Times

Comparing and contrasting the Last Judgement architectural designs requires a look into each era to examine just how the art forms came to be.  Focusing in on the first portrait, which is on the west portal of the Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy, Conques, France, there are many disturbing and grotesque constructs.  It is from the Romanesque era (1065), and this piece of art describes just how those times seemed as though they were unenlightened due to the images portrayed here.  The image is the lower right-hand corner of the portal.  It is displaying Satan giving out punishments and displaying the sad state of his kingdom and the people that reside there.  The bigger picture actually shows the entire portal with Jesus sitting in the middle, while the left hand side shows the damned people in disarray  and the right hand shows organization and conformity.  This explanation of such describes the fear that people were being given, and thus their lives were to be liven with fear of God in their hearts, knowing that if they were to mess up, they would end up on the left hand of Christ.  The manner in which this anxiety is portrayed directly is reflected upon the development of art from an ignorance, to the 'light' of the news that Christ brought, which in turn had the people in power focusing upon the darkness of a life without Christ, and that is shown throughout the churches for the people to have a constant reminder.  The difference is then noted with the art that is on the west portal on Notre Dame in Paris, France; this coming 200 later than the judgement displayed at Sainte-Foy.  It shows Christ at the center, which is similar, but this one is more reverent in its portrayal.   Not only is the stone lighter, but the overall mood of the sculpture is as well.  The 'lighter' display can easily convey the stark difference of thought processes between the two eras.  This later development, in my opinion, can point to a more rational and peaceful path of following Christ, versus displaying the dark, unorganized view from Conques.  They viewed the world as though it was more of Christ is a governor rather than a dictator and executioner.  Life seemed to the people as more free flowing and bubbly rather than the previous distressed and despaired living in fear.