16th-Century Renaissance: Literature, Art, and Culture
The 16th-Century Renaissance
A Changing World
The Renaissance, originating in 15th-century Italy, flourished across Europe during the 16th century. This era marked a significant shift from the medieval worldview:
- Humanism: This new mentality separated the supernatural and human realms. God was no longer the universe’s center, and human reason gained prominence.
- Religion: While initially less central, religion regained importance in the latter half of the 16th century due to the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
- Monarchs: European monarchies, particularly the Spanish under Charles V and Philip II, consolidated power, continued American conquests, and engaged in European power struggles.
Culture and Art
The Renaissance signified a revival of classical antiquity’s artistic and cultural legacy.
- Italian Origins: The movement began in Italian cities like Rome and Florence.
- Classical Influence: Renaissance art embraced the simplicity, balance, and harmony of Greco-Roman art.
- Scientific Advancements: Humanism fostered groundbreaking progress in science and technology.
Renaissance Literature
- Classical Forms: The Renaissance revived classical genres like the eclogue, epistle, and dialogue. The picaresque novel emerged as a new Spanish genre.
- Italian Influence: Italian literature became a model for European writers, influencing verse and meter, including the sonnet and hendecasyllable.
- Classical Imitation: Writers imitated classical styles while introducing new elements.
- Mythological References: Literature was rich in mythological allusions.
- Clarity and Balance: The prevailing style emphasized clarity and balance.
Petrarchan Lyric in Spain
The Influence of Petrarch
Early 16th-century Castilian lyric poetry followed Francesco Petrarch’s footsteps. His Songbook, a collection of poems chronicling his love for Laura, became highly influential.
- Unrequited Love: The central theme is unrequited love.
- Courtly Love: The style draws on the emotional legacy of courtly love.
- Sonnet Form: The sonnet became a prominent stanza form.
Garcilaso de la Vega
Garcilaso de la Vega, the first Spanish Renaissance poet, revolutionized poetic writing.
Life
He embodied the Renaissance courtier ideal, combining soldier and poet roles. However, he wrote neither war-themed nor religious verses.
Along with his friend Juan Boscán, Garcilaso introduced Italianate poetry to Spain.
Work
Garcilaso’s work exemplifies Renaissance lyric characteristics.
- Classical Forms: He employed classical forms like the elegy, eclogue, and epistle.
- Love and Nature: His main themes were love and nature.
- Love: Reflecting Petrarchan sensibilities.
- Nature: An idealized setting framing the poet’s emotions.
- Classical Beauty: His style pursued an ideal of classical beauty.
Religious Lyric in Spain
Two types of religious poetry emerged in the late 16th century: ascetic and mystical.
- Ascetic Poetry: Describes practices for achieving moral perfection.
- Mystical Poetry: Expresses the soul’s union with God after attaining moral perfection.
Both types employed simple language.
Ascetic Poetry: Fray Luis de León
Life
An Augustinian friar and theology professor at the University of Salamanca, Fray Luis de León was imprisoned by the Inquisition for five years, during which he wrote some of his most famous poems.
Work
- Prose: The Perfect Wife, Exposition of the Book of Job
- Verse: Ode to the Retired Life, Ode to Salinas, Calm Night
- Themes: His poetry expresses a yearning for solitude.
- Verse Form: He favored the lira, an Italian form introduced by Garcilaso.
- Simplicity and Expressiveness: Exemplified in works like Ode to the Retired Life.
Mystical Poetry: San Juan de la Cruz
Life
A Carmelite friar, San Juan de la Cruz studied theology at the University of Salamanca.
Work
- Themes: His work explores sensations experienced in relation to God.
- Major Works: Spiritual Canticle, The Dark Night, Living Flame of Love
- Style: A blend of religious and love poetry.
- Influences: Biblical literature and bucolic/pastoral poetry.
- Verse Form: Lira