Spanish Golden Age

The Spanish Golden Age is now recognized for the prosperity Spain underwent regarding literature and the arts during the 16-17th centuries. This era originated after the Catholic Monarchs reclaimed land in Spain that was previously occupied by Muslim forces and ended the centuries-long Iberian Reconquista in 1492. [1] With the successful end of the Reconquista, along with the discovery of The Americas in the same year, Spain was on a path towards affluence and comfort. These two events were pivotal in establishing Spain as a global power. Due to the political stability that Spain had under the Habsburg dynasty (the royal family of various lands in Europe, including Spain, from the 15-20th centuries), Spain was considered to be at the peak of it’s power during this era, as it was the world’s largest empire and maintained great influence not only in Europe, but around the rest of the world as well.

 

The arts flourished during this era, as there was a change in the traditional Spanish art style after foreign styles were introduced, especially influences from the Italian Renaissance. Religious-themed artwork was very prevalent and the art styles were influenced by realism, naturalism, and the Baroque style (which emphasized dramatic, ornate, realistic, and dynamic pieces). Artists sought to represent religion through art with the use of saints, angles, and biblical scenes. Along with religion, this era also saw mythology, folklore, and Spanish history becoming more commonly depicted within artworks. [1]

The Chiaroscuro technique, which contrasted light and dark tones, also became popular in Spain during this era due to the dramatic effect obtained. Prominent artists from this era include El Greco, Diego Velazquez, and Francisco de Zurbarán. The Burial of the Count of Orgaz is a highly renowned painting by El Greco, which depicts a Spanish legend and is housed in the church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, Spain. This painting showcases both the Chiaroscuro technique and the common use of religious themes, with the heavens depicted at the top of the piece. The Adoration of the Shepherds by Francisco de Zurbarán is another renowned painting that characterizes the art style of this era and depicts a biblical scene of shepherds visting baby Jesus.

 

The architecture of this era can be categorized into three distinct styles: Plateresque, Churrigueresque, and Herrerian.

Plateresque was heavily inspired by Gothic Architecture, especially in regards to spatial arrangements, which then transitioned into architecture styles from the Italian Renaissance [3]. It included elaborate ornaments, chandeliers, columns, sculptures and silversmith techniques.

 

 

Churrigueresque was also highly elaborate, but was considered an Ultra Baroque style. Ceilings were typically decorated with fancy and detailed motifs and patterns. A lot of detail was designed around the entrances of the building.

This style was closerly related to the Roman Catholic Church, and thus was primarily used for churches, monasteries, and cathedrals. The California Churrigueresque, which was a 20th century revival movement of this art style in California, resulted in the Casa del Prado theater in San Diego and is an example of the long-lasting influence of this era.

Herrerian was the third, and final, stage of Spanish architecture during this era and saw a shift to a more simplified, classical design that prioritized symmetry, grandeur, and geometric simplicity. This style was initially heavily influenced by the Italian Renaissance but later shifted to be more influenced by the Baroque style.

 

 

 

The fashion of this era was about showcasing one’s opulence and social status. The luxurious fashion was considered a reflection of the wealth and power of Spain, and specifically of the Spanish nobility of the time. Expensive fabrics were commonly used, such as silk and velvet. Detailed embroidery, ruffs, jewels, and intricate lace were also common elements of this era’s fashion for the upper class and nobility. Women’s fashion, specifically dresses, included religious motifs (such as rosaries and crosses) to emphasize the fundamental feminine traits of modesty and purity, which were highly valued. As gender roles were very prevalent within this society, there was a clear distinction between men’s fashion and women’s fashion. Men typically wore loose-fitting fashion  (capes, doublets, etc.) while women had more restrictive clothing (bodies, farthingales, etc.). A painting of Queen Margaret of Austria by Juan Pantoja de la Cruz shows an example of what encompassed a noble woman’s fashion. For contrast, “Two Women at a Window” is a painting by Museo del Prado in Madrid

Art, architecture, and fashion are only three of MANY areas that flourished in Spain during the Spanish Golden Age. Literature, music, and theater are other major fields recognized for drastically impacting and characterzing this era.

 

The featured photo shows Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez (1656). Museo del Prado, Madrid. It is considered a masterpiece which depicts both the art style and upper-class fashion of both men and women of this era.

 

References:

[1] Wiki, Contributors to Aesthetics. “Spanish Golden Age.” Aesthetics Wiki, Fandom, Inc., aesthetics.fandom.com/wiki/Spanish_Golden_Age. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

[2] https://www.flickr.com/photos/z_wenjie/5891033380/in/album-72157626966575941

[3] https://alyssakeasling.wordpress.com/2012/04/

[4] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/san-diego/attractions/casa-del-prado/a/poi-sig/1437283/361857

[5] https://www.tripsavvy.com/mexico-city-metropolitan-cathedral-guide-4156912