The Romanesque period in art history corresponds to the time from the late 10th century to the rise of the Gothic style in the 12th century, when Romanesque architecture and sculpture were succeeded by Gothic art. The Romanesque style in architecture is characterized by its use of the rounded arch and vault, its massive character, and its adherence to a logical rectangular ground plan. Romanesque art is characterized by its use ofsimple forms, bold lines, and bright colors.

Examples of Romanesque art include the 11th-century abbey church of Saint-Denis, near Paris; the 12th-century cathedral at Speyer, Germany; and the 13th-century cathedral of Notre Dame, in Paris.