Spanish Renaissance

 The reading this week covered the Spanish Renaissance period. It went over how important it was for furniture design and how it fit into history by combining elements from the Renaissance and Classical periods. The chapter went over what makes this style unique, like using its main design features, color schemes, and building materials. It also covered how the Spanish Baroque style had a big impact and it shows the classical themes and architectural features that were used by Neoclassical design.

                    Spanish Renaissance Architecture                            Modern Renaissance Architecture

                        Renaissance Vaulted Ceiling                                Modern Vaulted Ceiling 

There were different types of furniture from that time that were important like desks, chairs, tables, and cabinets, as well as the decorative arts and accessories which improved how the Spanish homes looked. There were differences between different regions in Spain, and the local materials and skills affected how the Neo Classical design was interpreted. The people and workshops also influenced the style. The Spanish Renaissance furniture changed into later styles, showing how it has had a long effect on the history of furniture design.

       

                          Renaissance Grille                                           Modern Grille

  

                    Spanish Renaissance Bench                                Modern Bench

 

One Step Further:

Juan de Herrera was a famous architect in the 1600s. He is well known for creating the Herreran style of architecture, which uses geometric precision, symmetry, and a few decorative elements. El Escorial, which is a large monastery and palace complex located near Madrid, is a great example of his style’s simple beauty and useful plan. Staying consistent with the ideas of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, Herrera’s style of architecture emphasized straight lines and grand buildings. Spanish architecture in Spain and the Americas was changed by his work for hundreds of years and the El Escorial building is a reminder of his architectural legacy.