Spain's Transformation: 15th Century Renaissance and Catholic Monarchs

The 15th Century: European Recovery and Spanish Transformation

Europe's Revival and Economic Shifts

In the fifteenth century, Europe was recovering from a period of crisis, marked by the aftermath of the Black Death and the recovery of agricultural lands. This recovery promoted significant economic and population growth, driven by increased demand, the retrieval of sea lanes, increased handicraft production, and the expansion of cities. The burgeoning bourgeoisie were able to increase their investments in productive activities, thereby creating commercial capitalism. Concurrently, authoritarian monarchies began to emerge across the continent.

The Catholic Monarchs and the Unification of Spain

A Dynastic Union: Castile and Aragon

The kingdoms of Aragon and Castile were joined through the marriage of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. This union, however, was purely dynastic; distinct borders, currencies, laws, and institutions persisted between the two realms.

Territorial Expansion and Foreign Policy

Their territorial acquisitions included Granada, Navarre, Naples, the Canary Islands, and some points in North Africa. Portugal was also a significant focus of their foreign policy, leading to dynastic ties.

Governance and Reforms

The Catholic Monarchs attempted to impose an absolute monarchy, succeeding primarily in Castile. In Aragon, viceroys were installed as the king's local representatives, often chosen by lot, reflecting a different administrative approach.

Castilian Reforms and Centralization

In Castile, significant reforms were implemented to centralize power and improve governance. These included:

• The establishment of the Holy Brotherhood (Santa Hermandad) to prevent crime.
• The creation of a professional army.
• The institution of a Royal Audience (Real Audiencia) to administer justice.
• The development of a Contaduría (accountancy office) to strengthen tax collection.
• The appointment of magistrates and the restoration of the Inquisition, which persecuted those not considered orthodox Christians.

Economic and Social Landscape

Economically, Castile saw the prevalence of cattle ranching. In Catalonia, the Arbitration Ruling of Guadalupe was decreed, abolishing certain feudal rights for farmers. This ruling significantly favored trade, shipping, and manufacturing, particularly in wool production.

The clergy and nobility, while still privileged classes, experienced a loss of political power but gained considerable economic influence. Some farmers began to acquire small plots of land, contributing to social mobility. Bourgeois cities such as Valladolid, Toledo, Seville, Barcelona, and Valencia experienced significant growth.

The Renaissance in Spain: Art and Intellect

During the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, the Renaissance movement entered Spain, though it did not reach the same level of brilliance as in Italy or other parts of Europe.

Intellectual and Educational Renewal

Key figures like Antonio de Nebrija and Luis Vives contributed significantly to the renewal of teaching methods and intellectual thought.

Architectural Styles

Spanish Renaissance architecture developed distinct styles:

• Plateresque: Characterized by intricate, decorative detailing reminiscent of silversmith's work, often applied to Gothic structures.
• Classical: Incorporating classical models and elements, sometimes blended with Gothic influences.
• Herrerian: A more austere and monumental style, notably lacking in decoration, exemplified by the work of Juan de Herrera.

Sculpture and Painting

Spanish sculpture strongly reflected the religious spirit of the era. Important sculptors included Alonso Berruguete and Juan de Juni.

Painting was also predominantly religious, with notable artists such as Pedro Berruguete, Luis de Morales, and Alonso Sánchez Coello.

El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) was arguably the most important painter of the Spanish Renaissance. His paintings were dramatic, sentimental, and featured elongated, tortuous figures. Important works by El Greco include The Burial of the Count of Orgaz and The Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest.