Spanish Renaissance

The 16th century is considered one of the most brilliant eras in Spanish history. It was during this time that Ferdinand and Isabella ruled over the country and when Columbus acquired the title to the New World. With the conquering of civilizations came great wealth of silver and gold for the Spanish.


During the Spanish Renaissance there were two main schools of art including the Moors and the Spanish Christians. The Alhambra in Granada, Spain is known as the greatest achievements of the Moors before their expulsion in 1607. It has a plain exterior but inside is filled with courtyards, gardens, fountains, and pools.


There were two phases to the Spanish Renaissance. The first one was the Plateresco Phase, named after the Spanish silversmiths (platero) because of the minute and delicate ornamentation. This phase had heavily decorated buildings that were built using Gothic or Renaissance construction. The second phase was the Desornamentado Phase which came as a result of the Plateresco Phase. It was characterized by unornamentation and austerity. Examples of this style can be seen in many court and public buildings.

             

Like in the Italian Renaissance, residential design was very important to the people of this time. Palaces became extremely popular and many modest rural houses were also built. Residential design was highly influenced by the Moors and included elaborate decorations in galleries, patios, windows, and doors. The most artistic feature found in interiors is the iron grilles (rejas). The rejas is still an important feature in design today. Another key feature is the plaster work that surrounds the doors and windows of many buildings. Because Spain was the leading center in the leather world at the time, Cordoba leather was also a prominent feature. Often times it as gilded and painted. Fringes, braids, tassels, and decorative nail heads are also prominent features from the time.

Furniture was also important during this time and inlay work became one of Spain's finest achievements. The furniture was characterized by its simple and bold design as well as its heavy proportions. Walnut was popular as well as the ornamental wrought-iron under braces. Cabinet pieces were commonly found in homes and the most popular included the vargueno. It was a receptacle for documents and valuables and could be used for a desk. There were two bases, the puente (trestle base) and the taquillon (facade of drawers), that could be used with the vargueno. The other popular cabinet piece was the papelera which was similar to the vargueno without the drop front for a desk. It was also mounted on ball feet.  

Many characteristics from this period can still be seen in design today. Here are a couple of examples: