The Spanish Empire and the Golden Age of Art

The Reign of Charles I and the Spanish Empire

Charles I gathered a great empire thanks to the heritage of his grandparents, joined by his election as the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in 1519. Internal conflicts and revolts surged, such as the Comunidades in Castile and the Germanías in Valencia and Mallorca. External conflicts developed against France for control of the Italian Peninsula (where Charles V was victorious), against the German Protestant princes who sought religious freedom and political independence, and against the imperial domination of the Mediterranean by the Turks.

The Era of Philip II and Global Expansion

Philip II, in addition to the throne of Spain and its possessions in America and the Philippines, was the lord of important territories in Europe. Domestic problems were more serious, including the revolt of the Moriscos in the Alpujarras and the revolution of Aragon. On the outside, he faced the Turks, winning the Battle of Lepanto, and dealt with religious conflicts in the Netherlands, which were supported by England.

The Renaissance in Spain: Art and Architecture

• Architecture:
  • Plateresque: Richly decorated facades imitating the work of silversmiths.
  • Purism: Characterized by clean decoration and structural purity.
  • Herrerian: Known for its austerity and lack of decoration.
• Sculpture: Focused on religious issues and the use of painted wood.
• Painting: El Greco stood out with elongated figures and spirituality filled with rich color.

The 17th Century: Crisis and Absolute Monarchy

During the 17th century, Europe went through a demographic crisis which diminished the population. Society remained divided into estates; the nobility and gentry were totally subordinated to the monarchy. In the economy, the creation of royal manufacturing and the development of mercantilism were emphasized. According to mercantilist theory, the main source of a country's wealth was the accumulation of gold and silver. In politics, the authoritarian monarch gave way to the absolute monarch, whose power was not limited by any organism, based on the theory that he had been chosen by God.

The Baroque Period and the Spanish Golden Age

Originating in Italy in the late 16th century, the Baroque style represented the power of absolute monarchs and embodied the response of the Church. Spain experienced a period of great splendor called the Golden Century (Siglo de Oro).

Baroque Artistic Characteristics

• Architecture: Features include octagonal and elliptical plans, Greek and Latin crosses, curved walls, broken pediments with reverse curves, twisted columns, and dramatic decorative elements.
• Sculpture: Themes were mythological, allegorical, and equestrian. Main materials included marble, alabaster, and bronze, with works showing an eagerness for movement.
• Painting: Characterized by diagonal compositions, the contrast of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), extreme naturalism, the dominance of color stains over drawing, and the use of aerial perspective. Main themes included still lifes, collective portraits, traditionalist scenes, and religious or mythological themes.