Historical Shifts: From Baroque Art to 20th Century Spain

17th and 18th Century Transformations

The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed significant changes in the religious field. A new religious crisis emerged, leading to divisions within Christianity and the rise of the Counter-Reformation in the late 16th century.

Artistic Movements: Baroque and Neoclassicism

General Characteristics of the Period's Art:

• Great technical development.
• A search for grandeur and complexity in works.
• Expression of movement and prevailing sentiments.
• Ornamentation as a key artistic style, departing from earlier Renaissance ideals.

The 18th Century: Rise of Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism became a prominent feature in the 18th century, contrasting with the Baroque style. It drew inspiration from the art of ancient Greece and Rome and was notably less ornate than the Baroque.

Differences Between Neoclassicism and Baroque:

• Baroque: Emphasizes warmth, light, and movement, often prioritizing emotion over precise form.
• Neoclassicism: Characterized by the perfection of drawing and a more subdued use of color, focusing on clarity and order.

Baroque Sculpture:

Expression of movement and drama, often depicting intense emotions and violent actions.

Neoclassical Sculpture:

Imitation of the ideal beauty found in classical models, emphasizing serenity and balance.

Baroque Architecture:

Characterized by ornate, elaborate, and often monumental buildings.

Neoclassical Architecture:

Less ornate than Baroque architecture, favoring simplicity, symmetry, and classical elements.

20th Century Global Changes

The 20th century was marked by profound global transformations, including:

• Great population growth.
• Widespread urbanization and industrialization.
• High technical and scientific development.
• Colonization of the Third World by industrialized nations.
• Numerous international conflicts.
• Conflicting ideologies.
• Division of the world into large geopolitical blocks.
• Significant environmental degradation.
• Growing North/South disparities.

20th Century Spain: Challenges and Transformations

Spain faced serious historical problems throughout the 20th century, including:

• Economic and cultural backwardness.
• Persistent peasant and worker demands.
• Significant regional issues.
• The complex process of creating a meaningful political system for society.

Key Periods in 20th Century Spain:

• Alfonso XIII's Reign (1902 - 1931)
• Second Republic (1931 - 1939)
• Francoist Dictatorship (1939 - 1975)
• Reign of Juan Carlos I (1975 - present)

The Spanish Constitution of 1978:

The Spanish Constitution, a cornerstone of modern Spanish democracy, entered into force in 1978.

Principles of Democracy:

The Constitution enshrines fundamental democratic principles, such as:

• Parliamentary Sovereignty.
• Majority Rule.
• Political Pluralism.
• Separation of Powers.

Key Features of the 1978 Constitution:

• Establishes a comprehensive list of fundamental rights and freedoms.
• Defines the form of the state as a Parliamentary Monarchy.
• Introduces new forms of territorial organization through Autonomous Communities.

Separation of Powers in Spain:

• Legislative: General Courts (Cortes Generales)
• Executive: Government (Gobierno)
• Judicial: Judges and Magistrates

Galicia: Social and Economic Changes

Galician society underwent several fundamental changes during this period:

• Farmers transitioned to becoming full owners, with the finalization of the foros (feudal land contracts).
• Decline of the fidalgos (minor nobility).
• Improvements in agriculture and livestock farming.
• Consolidation of some industrial sectors, including naval.
• Persistent emigration.

Statute of Autonomy of Galicia:

Galicia exercises its self-government through its key institutions, including:

• The Parliament of Galicia.
• The Superior Court of Justice of Galicia.