Spain in the 16th Century: Society, Economy, and Culture
Social and Economic Context of 16th-Century Spain
Travel and discoveries fostered the growth of trade and industry, stimulating the economy and monetary market. Agriculture experienced development, but it was hindered by encounters with the privileges of sheep transhumance, supported by the Mesta. The 16th century was a period of population growth and a booming economy. However, Spanish economic development lagged behind the rest of Europe.
Social Classes in 16th-Century Spain
The bourgeoisie was one of the most prosperous and influential classes, although it never attained the same strength or prominence in Spain as in other European countries. This was because financial and commercial activities were often handled by Jews and were not embraced by the “Old Christians,” who considered such lucrative activities dishonorable and despised them.
The nobility, both civic and courtly, constituted the privileged establishment and pillars of the Court. A significant difference existed between them and a large segment of nobles who, despite belonging to the nobility, possessed limited means. Access to the nobility was a common goal for wealthy bourgeois individuals.
The lower classes remained disadvantaged, subject to the power of money and the urban aristocracy.
Religious Unification
The coexistence of the three religious communities—Christians, Jews, and Muslims—was disrupted. Jews who refused to convert to Christianity had already been expelled. The same applied to Muslims, who faced the choice of leaving Spain or embracing the Christian religion. Many conversions were insincere. The idea of “purity of blood” became an obsession within Spanish society, creating conflict and division between Old Christians and New Christians.
By mid-century, a statute of limpieza de sangre (purity of blood), monitored by the Inquisition, required anyone seeking public office to prove they had no converted ancestors up to the fourth generation.
Cultural Context
Spanish culture imitated Italian poetry. Beauty alone justified the work of art. The ideal of feminine beauty included blonde hair, light eyes, a red mouth, white skin, and delicate features. The canon of beauty, created in and inspired by the Renaissance, embraced Greco-Roman classicism, advocating for the following in literary works:
- Proportion and order in composition
- Balance in language and content
- Rhythm in verse and prose
- Harmony and clarity in all arts
Key Themes in Literature and Art
Literature and art adopted classically inspired, secular, pagan, and sensual themes. Recurring motifs included:
- Carpe diem (seize the day), emphasizing youth due to the brevity of life
- Beatus ille (blessed is he), praising the simple life
- Bucolic themes (idealized rural life)
- Mythology
Mysticism
Mystical contact was considered a divine gift or grace, but individuals had to work to purify their souls through ascetic practices. Writers distinguished three stages in the journey toward God, the first two corresponding to the ascetic and the last to the mystical:
- The Way of Purification: The soul is freed from sins and passions through asceticism and prayer.
- The Way of Illumination: The soul is illuminated by understanding sacred mysteries.
- The Way of Union: The soul experiences moments of union with God. This union is so profound and sublime that it is impossible to explain. Mystics used the symbolism of human love to make the mystical experience more understandable.