SPANISH CULTURE IN THE 16TH CENTURY
LITERATURE
ART
ARCHITECTURE
SCULPTURE
PAINTINGS
Spanish culture influenced by Counter-Reformation
To prevent Protestant beliefs from spreading
Across the Iberian Peninsula
Felipe II impeded access to its doctrines
Spaniards not allowed to study in other countries
Books printed outside the Peninsula
Not allowed into the country
Science in Spain progressed slowly
New ideas/discoveries made in other countries
Took a long time to reach the Peninsula
Religion was fundamental in all works of art
The most famous religious authors were mystics
They wrote about their spiritual experiences
Saint Teresa of Jesus
Saint John of the Cross
Novels contained realistic portrayals of daily life
The tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea
Lazarillo de Tormes
An unknown author
Fernando de Rojas
Garcilaso de la Vega was the most important poet
The church/monarchy used art
To spread their ideas and values
The most important were depictions of religious themes & portraits
Spanish Renaissance two styles
Classicist
Mannerist
Strove for harmony and serenity
Influenced by Italian art and Flemish painting
Mythological themes/nudes were NOT portrayed
Dominated in the second half of the century
Were expressive and had a dramatic quality
The Counter-Reformation wanted to evoke intense feelings
In its followers & strengthen their religious beliefs
In the first third of the century
Plateresque style dominated
Characterised by ornate facades
Similar to the work that silversmiths produced at that time
Examples
Salamanca University
San Marcos Hospital in León
Domingo Cathedral on the island Hispaniola
In the second third of the century
Buildings constructed in a Classicist or Purist style
It faithfully reproduced the architectural characteristics
Of the Italian Renaissance
Decoration was reduced & classical elements were accentuated
Like columns and pediments
Examples
The Palace of Carlos V by Pedro Machuca
In the Alhambra in Granada
Granada Cathedral by Diego de Siloé
Jaén Cathedral and El Salvador
Church In Úbeda both by Andrés de Vandelvira
The facade of the Alcázar & the Bisagra Gate
Both in Toledo by Alonso de Covarrubias
The most important sculptures in the Classicist style
By the Italians Leoni Leoni & his son Pompeo Leoni
Other important works are
Carlos V's and Felipe II's cenotaphs
The bronze sculptures on the altarpiece of
The sculpture of Carlos V and the Wrath
The Basilica of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
The adoption of the style of Mannerism
Faces of the sculptures became more expressive
Tried to evoke intense feelings to reflect the dramatic situations
In the passages of the Bible
Main works
Were of religious imagery
Were painted wooden carvings and altarpieces
Main artists
Alonso Berruguete
The Sacrifice of Isaac
The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian
Juan de Juni
The Entombment of Christ
The Virgen of Anguish
The most important Spanish Renaissance paintings
From Juan de Juanes like
Ecce Homo
The Last Supper
Their idealism is similar to Raphael's works
The main portrait artist
The Italian Titian from the Venetian school
Was Carlos V's court painter
Producing works like
Carlos V at the Battle of Mülberg
Isabella of Portugal
Felipe II's portrait painters were
Alonso Snachéz Coello
Juan Pantoja de cruz
After the middle of the century
Michael Angelo & Mannerism infuence was reflected
Used elongated figures with dramatic expressions on the faces
Examples of works
Luis de Morales
Madonna and Child
Piety
Last third of the century
Most important artist was
El Greco
A Greek artist who worked in Toledo
His works are characterised by
The drama and spirituality reflected on the faces
Use of elongated figures/cool colours & dark tones
Examples of his work
The Burial of the Count of Orgaz
The Disrobing of Christ
The Holy Trinity
