19th CENTURY ANDALUSIAN SCHOOL OF ROMANTICISM

IN THIS CLASS, WE EXPLORE THE ANDALUSIAN SCHOOL OF ROMANTICISM. 
These painters and paintings were mainly concerned with imaginary landscapes and folkloric customs, largely devoid of social criticism. Much of their market was to foreigners for whom Andalusia epitomized their vision of a Spain as being exotic and distinct from the rest of Europe. 

In Seville and Cádiz there was a large foreign colony, especially British diplomats and their families, that, to a great extent, determined the pictorial production. These clients wanted paintings of Spanish families dressed in typical Spanish costumes with typical motifs in the background, such as the Giralda bell tower of Seville’s Cathedral or the Alhambra. These Romantic souvenirs of folk themes and scenes of pilgrimages, bandits, gypsies, musicians, bullfighters, dancers and so on, were in high demand.

The "Romantic Myth" about Spain was also propagated by foreign writers and painters such as Washington Irving, Richard Ford, Théophile Gautier, Alexandre Dumas, David Roberts, John Frederick Lewis, Alfred Dehodencq and Gustave Doré who developed their own image of Spanish culture, which in turn influenced the first Andalusian romantic painters. 

Local buyers were focused more on paintings that showed the progress of their cities like Cadiz, which grew into a thriving metropolis. It became the national reference of a new society with modernisation and development that promoted new ideologies for the 19th century. The city played an important role as a bourgeoisie society with its emergence and dissemination of liberal ideas.

*** MAKE SURE TO READ THE INTRODUCTION BELOW - BEFORE CLASS!

LESSON ON ZOOM 

includes - Lecture, Slideshow & Q&A Session (in English) 

Fee: 10 euros

DATES: APRIL 2021

22nd - THURSDAY @ 5PM (17:00) Madrid time

24th - SATURDAY @ 10:00AM (10:00 H)

BOOK NOW to Get Your Zoom Link & Password

SPANISH ROMANTICISM - OVERVIEW by Karla Darocas ( KarlaDarocas.com )

The term “Romanticism” is based on the Latin expression, “in lingua Romana” , which alludes to the Romance languages, the vernacular language which represented a cultural identity. This distinguishes the movement away from classical antiquity and shifts it towards a more subjective perspective.

At the beginning of the era, the Spanish War of Independence was the first romantic war in history because it was carried out by individual people organised into “guerrillas”,  small independent groups taking part in a fight against a foreign invader. 

Ironically, this desire to defend the homeland against a foreign invader was actually an idea instilled by France, the Enlightenment movement and Napoleon himself. When Napoleon entered Spain, he was under the illusion that the Spanish people were ready to be liberated from their oppressive church and state, except no one told the Spanish. However, it did spark the early fruits of a popular idealistic romanticism that produced the first Spanish Constitution, promulgated in Cádiz in 1812. 

The appearance of Romanticism in Spain was conditioned by the escalation of the bourgeoisie; a social class that had made itself rise up in the face of the domination of the aristocracy. This class gave value and worth to the concepts of individuality and subjectivity. The bourgeoisie evolved their own ideology, liberalism, as well as a very determined political sentiment, nationalism. 

Spanish Romanticism in general terms defines itself as a bourgeois art: dependent on the individual, subjective and imaginative and yet oriented on the value of a once powerful nation.

The Carlist Wars were a series of civil revolts regarding succession to the throne upon the death of Fernando VII. The liberal factions were aligned with the firstborn daughter of the King, Isabel, and her mother, the Queen Regent María Cristina, while the absolutist traditionalists backed Fernando’s brother, Carlos María Isidro.

These debates and conflicts shook Spain throughout the 19th century by opposing political principles. The Carlists fought under the slogan "God, Fatherland and King", causing a reactionary opposition to liberalism and defense of the traditional monarchy, the rights of the Church and regional charters. The liberals, on the other hand, demanded deep political reforms through a constitutional and parliamentary government. 

Hence, we find two polarizing principals which outline Spanish Romantic painting during the first half of the 19th century.

History, as a romantic ideal defining an intellectual movement. Its aim was to exalt past national values, specifically from the Baroque / Golden Age, which was the zenith of Spanish culture and genius. 

Progress, also a romantic ideal, reflected in satirical humour, liberal idealism, imagination freedom, social change, and a rebellion against the restorative tendencies of Fernando VII.

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THE EVOLUTION OF SPANISH NEOCLASSICAL ARTISTS & PAINTINGS

IN THIS CLASS, we will take a look at the visual evolution of the Neoclassical style of painting in Spain from the mid 18th to early 19th century. Explored will be the most important painters of the era and their defining works. Also, explained will be the elements that characterize the Spanish neoclassical as an academic standard that would prevail until the modern era. 

 INTRODUCTION by Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A. Fine Arts

TRIBUTE - Spain's Royal Neoclassical Architecture & Monuments - MARCH 25TH - THURSDAY @ 5PM (17:00) or 27TH - SATURDAY @ 10:00AM (10:00 H)

 
ABOUT

In this class we will explore and analyze the Royal neoclassical architecture and monuments that continue to make their statements in the capital and around the country. The most iconic buildings and sightseeing attractions come from this era.

MAKE SURE TO READ THE INTRODUCTION BELOW - BEFORE CLASS!

 

INTRODUCTION by Karla Darocas, Hons. B. A.

The 18th Century Rise & Fall of the Rococo Style in Spain

In this class will look at the historical transformations that gave rise to the Rococo style in 18th century Spain. We will analyze the characteristics of the Rococo style and where in Spain it can still be seen today. Explored will be the materials used to achieve its stylish designs, found both in architecture and interiors and also what ornamental themes were popular. We will also examine the shift in colour palettes, themes and painting materials used to achieve the distinction derived in Rococo artworks.

INTRODUCTION by Karla Darocas

Under the new French crown, Spain began its transformation with the reign of Felipe V (1700-1746). This first Bourbon King decided to take some small steps towards engaging in the Enlightenment movement. 

17th Century Evolution of Spanish Classical Landscapes

ABOUT this Class

This class explores the evolution of the Baroque 17th century classical landscape.

These landscapes were influenced by classical antiquity and the desire to illustrate an ideal landscape recalling Arcadia, a legendary place in Ancient Greece known for its pastoral beauty.

However, in the beginning of the 17th century in Spain, landscapes were not considered an artistic genre but simply a backdrop for military, hunting and equestrian paintings to fill the Hall of Kingdoms (Realms) within the Buen Retiro palace of the King Felipe IV. 

Buen Retiro was the recreational palace devised by Gaspar de Guzmán, 3rd Count of Olivares, who was the disastrous, highly unsuccessful and egoist prime minister of Felipe IV from 1621 to 1643. 

Guzmán decided that Felipe IV needed a new hall to preside over court ceremonies and that it should be filled with courtly portraits of the House of Habsburg plus battle scenes in which the Spanish troops were victorious. These paintings were crafted to affirm the power of the monarchy.

It is not until Spanish artists got a glimpse at what was happening in northern Europe, with the advent of the Protestant reform simultaneously evolving with the development of capitalism, that classical landscapes, like the still life genre before, was considered a viable genre to paint.

17th Century Spanish Royal Portraits, Painters & Fashion

ABOUT THIS CLASS

The goal of this class is to introduce students to the different types of 17th century Spanish portrait painters and paintings focusing on the three monarchs and their families that ruled throughout the Baroque period. We will also take a look at the changing fashion trends of their royals as we move through the era. Please make sure that you read the introduction to this class before you attend the class.

INTRODUCTION

EVOLUTION 17c Spanish Profane Baroque . Zoom Class - 28TH or 30TH of January

ABOUT THIS ZOOM LESSON

In this class, we will study the great Spanish Baroque painters who created Profane art that had aesthetic appeal in a non-religious context. We will look at paintings that neither denied or affirmed the existence of God, but focused on human agency. 

The term comes from the Latin compound profanum, literally meaning before or out­side the temple. Profane is also called Secular art because it can be defined as art that has no religious reference points. 
In its most general sense, it means that which is not holy, or that which does not pertain to a place marked off or an object related to religious practice.

Through the study of the art, poetry, philosophy, and science of ancient Greece and Rome, Renaissance humanists revived the notion that man, rather than God, is the measure of all things. The dependence on the Church gave away to the confidence that humans can shape their own individual destinies and the future of the world. 

As the whole of European society was moving away from the dominance of the church, 17th c. Spanish artists started turning towards the profane, depicting ordinary mundane scenes and objects to sell to merchants and enlightened patrons, as another source of revenue.  

We will explore the 17th c Spanish paintings and painters who made money from their profane art by looking and analyzing Mythological themes, Oddities of Nature,  Philosophers and Bodegón still life themes in this class and Historical themes, Portraits and Landscapes in another. 

Fill your mind and your senses...

Karla Ingleton Darocas, Hons.B.A. Fine Arts
KarlaDarocas.com 

THE DRUNKARD PROFANE MYTHOLOGY OF VELAZQUEZ

Diego Velázquez (1599-1660) was one of the great geniuses of painting. He was a master of the Spanish Baroque style, heir to tenebrism and an inspiration to the Impressionists.

This Sevillian made between 120 or 130 paintings, Las Meninas being the best known worldwide. The bulk of his work were fashioned in the Secular or Profane Baroque with incredible portraits and mythological pieces. 

Report by Karla Darocas, SpainLifestyle.com / KarlaDarocas.com 

SPANISH BAROQUE - part one - Sacred Themes

 

ABOUT THIS CLASS

In this class we take a painterly look at the evolution of the Baroque genre as it developed in the 17th century. We will look at the earliest Master painters to see how it began and launched the Early Baroque phase, then wind our way through the Full Baroque years to the glorious High Baroque.

By analyzing the painting styles of the Master painters and their schools, we will learn about their new techniques, tricks and secrets to push the genre. 

Also will be explored the Catholic Reformation politics that governed the movement like a propaganda tool to keep the faithful strong and in place. 

However, the Spanish Baroque Master painters were more than just tradesmen working for the cause, they were intelligent, educated and enlightened humanists who knew that their gifts were deserving of dignity and respect. Their brushes were able to do more for the people and themselves than just keeping the church in power.

These visual creator left messages that we are still interpreting today. 

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LARGE PRINT BOOK - ORDER FORM - Spanish DOGS - History Book

TO ORDER - Fill out Form Below... 

Watch Latest Updates on Spanish DOGS, the Reviews, the History, the Art, the Dogs, Photos, Vids, free stuff!!

*** Make sure to - LIKE - the Spanish DOGS Facebook Page! 

UPDATE & NEW** HISTORY BOOK

Greeting SpainLifestyle.com students and friends, 

During the pandemic, I started to research and lecture on dogs in Spanish Fine Arts.

This adventure of information led me down some amazing paths and I found some fabulous stories.

I shared some stories in my Zoom Lessons, over the summer

... and that was fun every Thursday at 5pm.

Anyway... I made it my Mission to Write a HISTORY BOOK and retell some of these most extraordinary tales. Spanish history and culture has a long linage with dogs. Throughout time, humans told stories about dogs with words, art and artefacts. 

I also wanted to add the LIST of Spanish Breeds in English.

The RESULT is 

SPANISH DOGS: The Story of Dogs in Spanish History, Culture & the Arts

by Karla Darocas, Hons. B. A. Spanish Arts Historian, Educator, Journalist

1st Review but many promised... hint, hint.. smile! 

BOOK REVIEW BY Judy Dicken, Scotland

Spanish Dogs is a fabulous journey.

The author, Karla Darocas, had me look at dogs in Spain from the Stone Age through to Modern Day. Along the way she showed me cave drawings, artefacts, pictures and portraits from great masters, depicting man's interaction with dogs.

The result is a fascinating adventure with dogs intertwined with Spanish history and humans. The sad part was the shocking realisation that in many parts of Spain, dogs are not protected and are often badly treated.

This book tells of many interesting and diverse facts that I had never considered before like how Egyptians worshipped a dog-like god, Anubis, and how the Roman legions trained dogs to be warriors and wear fighting armour.

It also explained how both the Greeks and the Romans kept small dogs as pets for their children and often buried the pet dog along with the child, enabling them to be together in the afterlife.

I also learned how the Muslim Conquest of Spain introduced the Berber water dogs that would assist them in fishing and bringing in the nets.

I didn’t know that in Spain during the Renaissance, companion dogs were kept as sleeping partners in order to attract the fleas that were common on Catholics who did not wash because they might be mistaken by the Inquisition as a Muslim and tossed in prison.

It was interesting to see what kind of dogs the Spanish Habsburg Kings kept for hunting and how dogs would aid beggars and blind street performers.

Even into the 19th and 20th centuries, dogs took their place in the portraits of famous people.

I found the whole of this book informative and engrossing. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good read and interesting humanist knowledge.

xx

NOTE: I only have two books left in this 1st printing, 

 but I will order more after the New Year. 

*** Please let me know if you are interested in a copy. 

And, As with all SpainLifestyle.com History Books.... 

BOOKS . Size A4 . 

Quality . glossy, 

high resolution and large text, 

laminated with white spiral binding. 

*** AVAILABLE NOW in PRINT. 24 euros. 

 If you wish to order, email - info@SpainLifestyle.com 

 Or Call # 648 156 066 if around Benitachell / Moraira / Javea area. 

WISHING EVERYONE A CONTINUED LEARNING EXPERIENCE.. because that is what life is! SEE You NEXT YEAR. 

Thank You. KD **

TOLEDO CATHEDRAL - SpainLifestyle's Last Lesson of the Year 2020 - JOIN the Lecture & Slideshow on Zoom

THE MOST REMARKABLE CATHEDRAL in Spain. This LESSON will make you want to learn more about Toledo and Discover all the reasons why it is a magical place. 

INTRODUCTION

The Cathedral of Santa María began its construction 1226 under the reign of Fernando III of Castile and the last Gothic contributions were made in 1493 by Queen Isabel I de Castilla and King Fernando II de Aragón. The Cathedral is actually built on top of a Visigoth church (587), which was destroyed and replaced by the main mosque of Toledo that stood until 1222. This mosque was destroyed and the cathedral was rebuilt from scratch in a melting pot of styles, including Gothic, Mudéjar and Renaissance.

Its enormous interior is full of the classic characteristics of the gothic style like rose windows, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults and pointed arches.  

The high altar is backed by its altarpiece. This is an extravagant work of art with painted wooden sculptures depicting scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. It is flanked by royal tombs. 

The rose window above the Puerta del Reloj (Clock Entrance) is the oldest of the cathedral's magnificent stainted-glass, which gives a euphoric atmosphere to the space. 

The Transparente, an amazing work of art was created in the 18th c and rewards viewers with a lavish high Baroque style called Churrigueresque. It is illuminated by a specially engineered dome to act as a skylight.

In the centre of the Cathedral is the coro (choir stall) and it is a feast of sculptures and hand carved wooden stalls. The 15th-century lower tier depicts the various stages of the conquest of Granada.

The most remarkable treasure in the Cathedral is the great Processional Monstrance, commissioned by Cardinal Cisneros to Enrique de Arfe in 1515, that holds the Ostensory (inner small monstrance) in its centre. This was acquired by Cardinal Cisneros from the legacy of Queen Isabella the Catholic, and it is said that it was made with the first gold to arrive from America.

We will also explore the Chapter Room and many of the Chapels and so much more!!

There is so much history, beauty, craftmanship, art and artefacts to give you great pleasure.

TOLEDO History & Architecture - PART 2 - Lecture & Slideshow

ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION

Toledo continued to be a Royal city with Queen Isabella adding her impressive architecture. This was followed by her grandson Carlos V and his demands to make Toledo an Imperial city.

The humanist element of the Renaissance left its classical mark on the city and its buildings. 

After Phillip II left Toledo to build his own Palace Escorial, Toledo continued as a religious stronghold and ushered in the Baroque era with even more demanding classical statements in architecture.

Toledo one of the most fascinating cities to study Spanish art, architecture, history for students of all ages!