Final answer:
The artist of the earliest sets of Romanesque reliefs at Saint-Sermin is unknown, a common situation for many Romanesque artworks. Significant Romanesque relief works like the West Tympanum by Gislebertus and the influenced Roman techniques used in relief sculptures at Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery represent anonymous artistic contributions to the period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The identity of the artist who created one of the earliest sets of Romanesque reliefs at Saint-Sermin remains unknown. However, the West Tympanum located on the West façade of Saint-Lazare is an identifiable Romanesque sculpture signed by Gislebertus. It has been debated within the art community whether Gislebertus was the actual sculptor or if the name denotes the patron of the work. In contrast, examples of other Romanesque artistry, such as frescoes and sculptures depicting biblical stories, often had artists that remained anonymous, as is the case with the Romanesque fresco in the apse of a church known as Christ in Majesty.
Romanesque art was heavily influenced by ancient Roman art. This is evident in sculptures like the marble relief at the front frieze of Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery. Despite not knowing the artist's name, similar Roman techniques were used, such as deep undercutting in the drapery folds and individualized faces. Churches during the Romanesque period were adorned with extensive narrative sculptures, but standalone statues were unusual. While unsigned, these works showcase the artistic styles and religious narratives important during the Romanesque era. The cleric and the scholar, as depicted in various pieces, represents the educated theologians responsible for much of the visual content within Romanesque manuscripts and religious art.