Spanish Baroque Drama and Art
Historical Context
- Spain in the 1500s: Vast empire comparable to the ancient Roman Empire.
- By the 17th century, Spain's pretension to worldwide dominance influenced its cultural climate, making it ripe for the Baroque.
- Politics: Philip III abdicates for brother Charles; banishment of Moriscos (descendants of Moors), impacting the middle class and economy.
- Spanish court's extravagant spending: Good for Baroque art, but harmed the national budget.
Art and Artists
Characteristics of Spanish Baroque Art
- Highly Catholic and counter-reformation.
- Influenced by El Greco with religious iconography.
José de Rivera
- Known for over-the-top religious paintings.
- Example: "Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew," showing chiaroscuro and a dramatic depiction of martyrdom.
Francisco de Zurbarán
- Known for religious and still-life paintings.
- Example: Still life as a tribute to the Virgin Mary with symbolism of purity and immaculate conception.
Diego Velázquez
- Best-known Spanish Baroque painter, influenced by Caravaggio.
- Notable works:
- "The Water Carrier of Seville" (1619): Genre painting showing a sweet moment between a street vendor and a boy, with masterful use of light and dark (tenebrism).
- "Crucifixion" (1630): Counter-Reformation theme with subtlety, depicting Christ's suffering.
- "The Surrender of Breda": Commissioned by Philip IV, depicts military victory with respect for the defeated.
- "Las Meninas": Most beloved work, a portrait of the Infanta Maria with a complex composition and Velázquez's own inclusion.
Key Artistic Concepts
- Chiaroscuro and Tenebrism: Use of strong contrasts between light and dark to achieve a sense of volume and drama.
- Asymmetry and Composition: Notable use of asymmetrical compositions to enhance narrative and emotional impact.
Cultural Impact
- Velázquez's role at the Spanish court: More than a painter, held a high position and was a Knight of Santiago.
- His artwork reflects the social and political dynamics of the Spanish Empire during the Baroque period.
Notable Comparisons
- Comparison with Ruben's work from the Dutch Baroque period.
- Influence of Velázquez on later artists, including Picasso's homage to "Las Meninas."
These notes provide an overview of Spanish Baroque drama and art, focusing on the political context, key artists, and their works. The intricate details of the art pieces, along with their cultural significance, illustrate the richness of this period in Spanish history.