The Modern Age in Catalan Literature: Renaissance to Neoclassicism
The Modern Age (15th-18th Centuries)
Introduction
The Modern Age, spanning from the fall of Constantinople (1453) to the French Revolution (1789), witnessed a profound shift in European society, politics, and art. Humanism laid the groundwork for major artistic and literary movements: the Renaissance (15th-16th centuries), the Baroque (17th century), and Neoclassicism (18th century).
Characteristics of the Modern Age
- Socioeconomic: Population growth, economic expansion, and the rise of the urban bourgeoisie.
- Political: Formation of powerful states, establishment of authoritarian monarchies, and the colonization of America.
- Scientific: Rise of the experimental method, advancements in scientific inquiry, and technological progress.
- Intellectual: Spread of humanism, critical thinking, anthropocentric worldview, and new social and political values.
- Religious: Religious skepticism, conflict between Protestant reformers and Catholic counter-reformers.
- Artistic: Revival of classical ideals, art as a source of pleasure and admiration, and the pursuit of classical beauty through imitation of reality.
The Modern Age in Catalonia
Challenges and Context
- Population Decline: Catalonia and the Balearic Islands suffered population losses due to the Black Death and poor harvests. Valencia experienced a significant decline after the expulsion of the Moors (1609).
- Economic Underdevelopment: Loss of Mediterranean markets, insecurity of trade routes, internal unrest, and limited access to the Atlantic market hindered economic growth.
- Unfavorable Political Situation: The dynastic union of the Spanish and Aragonese crowns shifted power to Castile, leading to conflicts between Catalan and Castilian interests.
- Lack of Cultural Patronage: The absence of a royal court and a strong aristocracy limited resources for cultural development.
- Linguistic Abandonment: The aristocracy’s preference for Spanish and the imposition of Spanish as the official language marginalized Catalan, although it remained the language of the majority.
The Renaissance (15th-16th Centuries)
Overview
The Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement inspired by humanism, sought to revive the ideals of classical culture. It originated in Italy and spread throughout Europe. Renaissance art emphasized realism, balance, harmony, and a focus on the human dimension.
Catalan Renaissance Literature
Poetry: Serafí Piera (1505-1567)
Serafí Piera, the most important Catalan poet of the 16th century, blended medieval and Renaissance influences. He embraced Petrarchism, using sonnets and incorporating classical themes and imagery. Piera also drew inspiration from popular traditions, creating lyrical and delicate poetry.
Prose: Cristòfor Despuig (1510-1580)
Cristòfor Despuig’s Los col·loquis de la insigne ciutat de Tortosa (1557) is a significant example of Renaissance dialogue in Catalan. It explores cultural, political, and historical themes, defending Catalonia and the Catalan language.
Theater: Joan Fernández de Heredia (1450-1549)
Joan Fernández de Heredia’s La vesita (1525) is a trilingual farce that satirizes the social customs of Valencian ladies. It reflects the realistic and satirical tradition of Valencian theater.
The Baroque (17th Century)
Overview
The Baroque, a dominant movement in 17th-century Europe, emerged during a period of crisis. It responded to the Renaissance’s optimism with a focus on artifice, ornamentation, and the exploration of both positive and negative aspects of reality through embellishment and satire.
Catalan Baroque Literature
Poetry: Francesc Vicent Garcia (1579-1623)
Francesc Vicent Garcia, known as the Rector of Vallfogona, was a prominent Catalan Baroque poet. He experimented with various forms and styles, including sonnets, romances, and satirical poems. His work reflects the influence of Castilian Baroque poets, particularly Quevedo.
Prose: Josep Romeguera (? -1723)
Josep Romeguera’s Atheneum Illustradt (1681) is a notable example of Catalan Baroque prose. It presents moral and philosophical reflections in a highly allegorical and artificial style, inspired by Baltasar Gracián.
Theater: Francesc Fontanella (1622-1701)
Francesc Fontanella was an innovative Catalan Baroque playwright. His works, such as Lo desengany, explore themes of love, disillusionment, and the contrast between idealized and real worlds. He incorporated elements of comedy, spectacle, and allegory into his plays.
The Enlightenment and Neoclassicism (18th Century)
Catalan Enlightenment Prose
Baldiri Reixac (1703-1771)
Baldiri Reixac’s Instruccions per a l’ensenyança de minyons (1749) is a significant pedagogical treatise. It emphasizes education through play, provides life lessons, and offers innovative proposals for teaching methods.
Rafael d’Amat (1746-1818)
Rafael d’Amat’s Calaix de sastre (1769-1816) is a chronicle that offers a detailed portrayal of 18th-century Barcelona society, customs, and ways of life. It provides valuable insights into the period from an aristocratic perspective.
Catalan Neoclassical Theater
Joan Ramis (1748-1819)
Joan Ramis, influenced by French Neoclassicism, is considered the best representative of Catalan Neoclassical theater. His tragedy Lucrècia (1769) exemplifies the principles of Neoclassicism, including emotional restraint, ethical messages, and good taste. It tells the story of Lucretia, a Roman noblewoman who defends her honor against tyranny.
The Legend of Comte Arnau
The Comte Arnau is a legendary figure in Catalan mythology. Condemned to eternal damnation for his sins, he rides a black horse accompanied by a pack of dogs. This mythical character, known as “el comte Arnau,” has been the subject of traditional songs and literary works, representing a blend of folklore and historical inspiration.