Spanish Baroque Art: History, Characteristics, and Key Artists
Spanish Baroque Art in the 17th Century
Historical and Cultural Context
During the 17th century, Spain experienced a period of decline in both its economy and political power. The Asturias dynasty relinquished control to figures like the Duke of Lerma and Olivares. The rise of new military powers in Europe challenged Spain’s hegemony. Wars and bankruptcies led to economic hardship.
However, amidst this decline, Spain witnessed a cultural and artistic flourishing known as the Spanish Golden Age. This
Read MoreModernist and Impressionist Movements
Modernism
Typical of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Europe and adopted elsewhere, Modernism was a movement of architectural emancipation. This youthful, optimistic style favored decorative elements inspired by nature.
Preferences included curved surfaces, large openings and gaps, viewpoints, and balconies. It disregarded symmetry and embraced the natural colors of materials like iron and trimmed wood.
Eiffel Tower
Type: Eiffel iron architecture, monument, commemorative structure.
Structure:
Read MoreBaroque Art in Europe: Architecture, Painting, and Sculpture
1. Baroque Architecture and Painting in Europe
1.1 French Classicism: Versailles as an Image of Power
French Baroque architecture was more connected to classical precedents than Italian Baroque. The establishment of the Academy of Architecture promoted the study of Vitruvius and the analysis of antiquity. Academies were an attempt to unify and control artistic production. Following this interpretation of classicism, the Church of the Invalides in Paris, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, was erected.
Read MoreThe Holy Supper by Ambrosius Francken
Santo Domingo Church, La Palma, Late 16th Century
This oil on canvas painting depicts the Holy Supper in a Renaissance-style room, attributed to Ambrosius Francken. The central figure, Jesus, stands vertically, surrounded by apostles divided into two groups. These groups are depicted in dynamic poses, engaging in conversation about Jesus’s words. Bread and wine rest upon the tablecloth.
Light emanates from the right, illuminating Christ’s serene image and contrasting with the bustling gestures of
Read MoreSpanish Baroque Art: Sculpture and Painting in the 17th Century
Spanish Baroque Art
Sculpture in the 17th Century
The 17th century in Spain, traditionally considered a period of decline, saw a flourishing of culture. Monasteries, parishes, and clergy, along with lay confraternities, were the primary patrons of religious art. Sculpture focused on realism, aiming to strengthen the faith of believers.
Characteristics of Spanish Baroque Sculpture
- Realism: Sculptures were designed to be lifelike and relatable.
- Thematic Focus: Religious themes, particularly those derived
Italian and Dutch Baroque Painting
Italian Baroque Painting
1. Chronology
Beginning in the late 16th century and extending through the early 18th century, Italian Baroque painting flourished. Rome was initially the most important center, followed by Bologna and later Venice. All Baroque painters eventually gravitated towards Rome, where the dominant trend was naturalism, representing reality without idealizing filters. In Bologna, painters drew inspiration from classical antiquity. By the 18th century, Venice became the major center
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