The Golden Age of Catalan Literature: A 15th Century Renaissance
The Rise of the Kingdom of Valencia and the Valencian Language
The 15th century marked a pivotal era for Catalan literature, particularly in the Kingdom of Valencia. Following the death of Martin of Aragon in 1410 and the Compromise of Caspe in 1412, the Trastámara dynasty ascended to the throne, introducing Castilian Spanish to the royal court. Despite this, the Valencian language flourished, becoming familiar even within the Roman Curia thanks to Valencian figures like Popes Calixtus III and Alexander VI.
The marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castile united the two largest Iberian kingdoms, leading to the implementation of the Spanish Inquisition in 1483. This had a profound impact on the region, as the Inquisition persecuted converted Jews and those who spoke Catalan. However, the Catalan language persevered, remaining the language of the people.
Literary Figures of the 14th and 15th Centuries
Several notable poets emerged during this period, enriching Catalan literature with their diverse styles and themes.
Pere March
Pere March, known for his work “Motala,” explored themes of governance, social values, and Christian morality, connecting with European literary trends. His allegorical play, “The Knight’s Harness,” provides a fascinating glimpse into the chivalric ideals of the time.
Jaume March
Jaume March’s “Book of Matches” served as a valuable rhyming dictionary for contemporary poets and remains a significant linguistic resource.
Gilabert de Pròixida
Gilabert de Pròixida contributed to the tradition of courtly love poetry with his repertoire of love songs, known as “cànosn.”
Andre Febrer
Andre Febrer, a participant in several crusades, produced a translation of Dante’s “Commedia”—the first in any European language—a mere 20 years after the original poem’s completion.
Jordi de Sant Jordi
While imprisoned in Naples, Jordi de Sant Jordi penned the poem “Presoner,” which, despite its adherence to troubadour conventions, stands out for its personal expression and musicality. His romantic poetry often employed a “senhal” to conceal the identity of his beloved. His poem “Just Looking at Your Beautiful Face” is considered one of the finest love songs of medieval literature.
Ausiàs March: A Master of Valencian Poetry
Ausiàs March, born in Valencia to a family of knights and troubadours, stands as one of the most celebrated figures of Catalan literature. He participated in the military campaigns of Alfonso the Magnanimous and served as Lord of Beniarjó. His poetry, grouped according to the “signals” or aliases of the women who inspired them, delves into themes of love, loss, death, and spirituality.
March’s poems explore various facets of love, from the unrequited passion and torment of the lover to the spiritual and sensual aspects of a complete love. He also grapples with the themes of death and aging, reflecting on the pain of loss and the inevitability of mortality. In his later works, he turns towards spiritual love, rejecting the sensual desires of his youth and seeking solace in faith.
March’s poetic style is characterized by introspection and emotional depth, often employing comparisons and metaphors to convey his inner turmoil. His verses exhibit a regular meter, predominantly decasyllabic lines with caesura, and his language reflects the influence of Provençal poetry.
The Valencian Satirical School
Towards the end of the 15th and early 16th centuries, a satirical school of poetry emerged in Valencia, led by figures like Berenguer Mercader and Bernat Fenollar. This group, composed of both aristocrats and members of the bourgeoisie, focused primarily on themes of sexuality and social commentary.
The Golden Age of Catalan literature, particularly in the Kingdom of Valencia, left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. The works of these poets, with their diverse styles and profound themes, continue to resonate with readers today, offering a window into the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the region.