French art first began to flourish under the
Capetian dynasty, which was founded by Hugh Capet in 987 and
lasted until 1328. During the Middle Ages, art in all its
forms of expression focused solely on the church and the courts
of the feudal lords. The Romanesque Period spanned from the
11th century to the 12th century, and reflects a style of
not only architecture, but also painting and sculpting.
During this time manuscript illumination was greatly encouraged
by the church, as were other works of art based on religious
themes.
Examples of Romanesque architecture and art include many monastic
centres in Reims, Tours, St. Gall, Paris, and Metz, the Benedictine
abbey at Cluny, the cathedral of Saint Sernin in Toulouse,
the churches of Saint-Étienne in Caen and Saint-Gilles-du-Gard.
Romanesque wall paintings can be found in the church of Saint
Savin-sur-Gartempe, in the vicinity of Potiers.
