In the first third of the century, the Plateresque style dominated. This style is characterised by ornated facades and was similar to the work that silversmiths produced at that time

In the second third of the century, buildings were constructed in a Classicist or Purist style. This style faithfully reproduced the architectural characteristics of the Italian Renaissance.

The most important sculptures in the Classicist style are those by the Italians Leoni Leoni and his son Pompeo Leoni

Other important works are Carlos V's and Felipe II's cenotaphs, the bronze sculptures

In Mannerism, the faces of the sculptures became more expressive. They tried to evoke intense feelings to reflect the dramatic situations in some of the passages of the Bible

The most important Spanish Renaissance paintings are those by Juan de Juanes, such as Ecce Homo and The Last Supper. Their idealism is similar to Raphael's works

The Italian Titian, the main portrait artist from the Venetian school, was Carlos V's court painter, producing works such as Carlos V at the Battle of Mülberg and Isabella of Portugal

In the last third of the century, the most important artist was El Greco, a Greek artist who worked in Toledo

From the middle of the century onwards, the influence of Michael Angelo and Mannerism was reflected in the use of elongated figures with dramatic expressions on their faces