Ribera was born in Xativa, near Valencia as Jusepe de Ribera (1591-1652). He studied with the Valencian painter, Francisco Ribalta (1565-1628) before heading to Italy; first Parma, Padua, and probably Venice and then Rome from 1613-16.
JOSÉ de RIBERA: The Baroque Master of Grace and Grandeur
This class will cover the complete works of José de Ribera, along with the history of the artist and his times. Ribera is considered one of the finest late Spanish Renaissance painters who didn't even live in Spain.
A GENUINE MIRACLE OF NATURE * La Mujer Barbuda by Jusepe de Ribera
DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ
In this class, students will explore the complete works of Diego Velázquez's as well as his time in history as the most prestigious court painter for Spain's Habsburg King - Philip IV. Students will discover why he became the leader of the Spanish Baroque period and is still celebrated as Spain's most revolutionary portrait painter today.
ISABELLA I * SPAIN'S GOTHIC WARRIOR QUEEN
In this class, we analyse, investigate and marvel at the life and times of this Gothic warrior Queen of Castile, Isabella I.
She was the driving force of 15th-century Spanish culture and politics. Also known as Isabel la Católica, a title granted to her by Pope Alexander VI, Isabella reorganized the governmental system, brought the crime rate to the lowest it had been in years, unburdened the kingdom of its enormous debt, completed the "Reconquista" by taking the rest of Spain for the Spanish crown, ordered the conversion or exile of Muslim and Jewish citizens, and financially supported Christopher Columbus's in his 1492 voyage that led to the opening of the New World establishing Spain as the first global super power, which dominated Europe and much of the world for more than a century.
TRIBUTE TO VICTORIOUS VALENCIA CITY
This class explores the vast array of architectural treasures in the grand city of Valencia making it a very special place since the time of the Romans. It really excels with the wealth of traders, nobles and royalty in the medieval era. The marvelous manifestation of man and creation come to life in the facades and interiors of churches, convents, monasteries and secular buildings and palaces of Valencia city branding it as the 2nd most important city in Spain.
A TRIBUTE TO A VICTORIOUS VALENCIANO - José de Ribera (1591-1652)
When I lived in Xàtiva back in 2001, the town where my husband was born, I walked by the statue of José de Ribera everyday. Our apartment was on the same street as the Basilica and the old hospital, where my husband was born, and at the other end was the statue of José de Ribera or Jusepe as he is know in the Valencian language.
José de Ribera was also born in Xàtiva but in 1591. His father's name was Simón Ribera, a shoemaker by profession, and his mother was Margarita Cucó. While there are many documentary and bibliographical sources detailing many aspects of Ribera's life and work, there is nothing about his childhood and youth in Xàtiva.
José de Ribera was also born in Xàtiva but in 1591. His father's name was Simón Ribera, a shoemaker by profession, and his mother was Margarita Cucó. While there are many documentary and bibliographical sources detailing many aspects of Ribera's life and work, there is nothing about his childhood and youth in Xàtiva.
UNDERSTANDING SPANISH ROYAL RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE !
In this class, students will learn how Spain in the late 1400'a and all of the 1500's century grew both politically and economically making it viable to construct remarkable buildings. Explored will be the details of the different styles that evolved as well as the motivations and philosophies, even secrets and scandals, behind their developments.
MEET THE ARTIST EVENT * Robert E Sapsford *
THANK YOU TO ALL who came along to the MEET THE ARTIST EVENT * with guest artist ROBERT E SAPSFORD on Friday 10TH at Darocas Studio.
Robert shared his humble journey as a youth with desires to be an artist but he faced many challenges. His presentation slideshow was very impressive with a vast array of complex paintings in oils and acrylics.
We all mingled, drank coffee and ate sponge cake too.
Make sure you JOIN the SpainLifestyle.com mailer to get your invite to the next event.
Report About Robert E Sapsford by Karla Darocas for SpainLifestyle.com
Robert shared his humble journey as a youth with desires to be an artist but he faced many challenges. His presentation slideshow was very impressive with a vast array of complex paintings in oils and acrylics.
We all mingled, drank coffee and ate sponge cake too.
Make sure you JOIN the SpainLifestyle.com mailer to get your invite to the next event.
Report About Robert E Sapsford by Karla Darocas for SpainLifestyle.com
The Medieval Gothic Glory Of Xàbia / Jávea - About Book
PAPERBACK
ABOUT THE BOOK
Xàbia (Valencian language) or Jávea (Castilian language) is a Valencian coastal town in the Marina Alta region (Alicante).
Historically, it is a town that has always been in a privileged and strategic eastern Mediterranean location.
Many diverse cultures have populated and enjoyed this exclusive spot including the Stone and Bronze-age peoples, Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Visigoths, Germanic, Carthaginians, North African Muslims, and of course Roman Catholics.
This book shares the growth of Jávea from the early Muslim settlers, who brought their farming and building techniques, through to the Medieval Catholic era with the major emphasis on the importance of its Gothic architecture.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karla Ingleton Darocas is Canadian married to a Spaniard and based in Benitachell on Spain's Costa Blanca. She is an educator with a passion to inspire and facilitate a lust to learn. Her love of Spanish art, architecture, and history is infectious, and she attracts art lovers to her lectures.
Other Information & Resource by Author
READ Interview with the Author - CLICK HERE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Muslim Era 4
The Muslim Model 5
Garden Of Plenty 6
Jaime I - The Conquistador 9
Conquest Of Denia 11
Alfonso I 13
Alfonso Ii 14
Juan Ii 15
Diego Gómez De Sandoval Y Rojas 16
Fernando De Sandoval Y Rojas 16
Diego Gómez De Sandoval Y Rojas 17
Bernardo De Sandoval 17
Fortified Parish Church Of San Bartolomé 19
Enlarging And Designing 20
Architectural Features 22
Fortifications 22
Tower 23
The Portals 24
The Portal Of San Bartolomé 25
Patron Shields 27
Gargoyles 28
Portal Of San Gill 29
Church Interior 30
Star Vaults / Pillars / Keystones 31
Complex Star Vaults 32
Windows 32
Hospital Chapel Of Santa Anna 34
Palau De La Sapena (Sapena Palace) 36
Architectural Details 37
Carpanel Loggia Arches 39
Window * Ajimez (Arabic) Or Biforada (Catalan) 40
Window * Ogee Or Conopial (Catalan) 41
Interior Window & Entrance 42
A Touch Of Italy 43
Mercado Municipal De Abastos
(Municipal Supplies Market) 45
Overall Plan 46
Interior 47
Exterior 48
Conclusion 50
REVIEWS
- Diana Santiago, Javea
“I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Karla's first book on the history and architecture of Jávea. It reads as Karla lectures, with enthusiasm, knowledge, and fun. This is a must for anyone interested in knowing more about how Jávea has changed over time. I have ordered more to give as Christmas presents and what a fabulous addition to being put into rental properties. I love the knowledge I have gained from reading this book. A great read.”
- Lizzie Clayton, Benitachell
THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRIDE OF VALENCIAN GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE
CLOTILDE: Sorolla's Cornerstone / Tribute - BOOKS
PAPERBACK
About the Book
Clotilde García del Castillo (Valencia, 1865 - Madrid, 1929) was more than just the wife of the famed Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla (Valencia, 1863 - Cercedilla, 1923).
She was the mother of his children, his social secretary, and his emotional support person. She was his painter's model, business partner, and marketing manager. Clotilde was the mastermind, compass, and keyholder to his social elevation and success.
It is through letters, photographs, and paintings, that Clotilde’s personality shines. Laid bare are her commitments to her family, society, and business, while never losing her passionate love and belief in her husband.
This biographical story highlights Clotilde as a 20th-century Spanish woman living a life that many women of that era, could only dream of. She was loved and adored by her husband. She was his cornerstone.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karla Ingleton Darocas is Canadian married to a Spaniard and based in Benitachell on Spain's Costa Blanca. She is an educator with a passion to inspire and facilitate a lust to learn. Her love of Spanish art, architecture, and history is infectious, and she attracts art lovers to her lectures.
Her websites are
INDEX
- Introduction 2
- In The Beginning 4
- Love United 5
- Family Time 5
- Responsibilities 7
- Travel 9
- America 13
- New Home and Studio 18
- The End of An Era 26
- Life After Sorolla 29
- In Conclusion: 31
INTERVIEW with Karla Darocas, author of THE MEDIEVAL GOTHIC GLORY OF XÀBIA / JÁVEA
Interview with Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A. Fine Arts Historian, Educator, Researcher, Journalist, Photographer by Steve Hall, owner/publisher of THIS IS SPAIN
INTERVIEW
** How did this educational book idea come about?
I have been teaching Spanish history and architecture for a long time and I was getting frustrated that there were no books in English that I could refer my students towards.
I normally teach with a slideshow in a classroom situation, however, last year I decided to take my students on a “walkabout” in Xàbia / Jávea, and lecture while actually looking at the real buildings.
After these events, I was asked to prepare a textbook with detailed information and photographs of this walking lecture.
** Did you learn anything new?
Yes. I was surprised that by going deeper into the past of the area and talking with the local museum curator, I was able to find out many other fascinating details.
** How did you structure it?
I started in 1010 with the rise of the Muslim population taking over and ruling in the Marina Alta region from their stronghold in Dénia.
Then I advanced to the Christian era with a look at the royal conquest and subsequent Nobel rulers.
All the way through, I detail the various construction methods, architectural designs and decorative details of the Gothic era in Xàbia There are no websites in English that really explain anything of value. They just copy each other and do not give a true representation of the importance and glory of Xàbia.
** Have you created something unique?
Yes. There is no other book like it out there in the world. Believe me… I have looked.
I created something that will serve my students well in their enlightenment towards historical truth and architectural reality, not just of Xàbia, but of the region and Spain at large.
*END*
BENISSA HAS A NEO-GOTHIC TREASURE
PICASSO'S PERVASIVE MOTHER AND CHILD PAINTINGS
Picasso was raised Catholic and knew the emotive power of the Mother and Child image. These works throughout his life are some of my favourites. They are all different, depending on what visual form he was experimenting with.
Let’s take a look at a couple of them and contemplate Picasso’s diverse styles added to this powerful, universal theme of Mother and Child.
GRAND SCALE CHURCH BRINGS CLASSICAL BEAUTY AND HISTORICAL LEGACY TO OLIVA
 |
| FRONT and BACK |
The parish Church of Santa María la Mayor represents the historical, cultural and intellectual evolution of the Valencia region in its architecture.
BEAUTIFUL BAROQUE MASTERPIECE SHOWS OFF ITS ARTISTIC PECULIARITY IN PEDREGUER
When I arrived, a well dressed elderly lady took my hand and asked my interest in "her" church. I explained that I was a fine arts historian and teacher upon which she welcomed me and explained that "her" church was "very important".
I agreed and began my search to find out the artistic secret that makes this church so famous!
VALENCIAN BAROQUE MASTERWORK BOASTS GREATEST FRESCO ART IN SPAIN
This accolade is not completely logical because San Nicolás is a church with a single nave of six sections, twelve buttress side chapels (two of them are occupied by lateral entrance doors) and a glorious polygonal presbytery facing east. The Sistine Chapel, on the other hand is only a single "chapel" in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope (Vatican City).
In any case, one statement holds truth in the fact that San Nicolás is indeed one of the best examples of the coexistence of 15th century Valenician Gothic architecture revamped into a 17th century spectacular Valencian Baroque masterpiece.
MARVEL IN THE MYSTERY AND FACE THE FAMOUS RELIC OF ALICANTE
One such great example, is the Catholic relic of the Santa Faz (Holy Face) protected and venerated in the Santa Faz monastery, which is located in the municipal district of Alicante city called Santa Faz. This relic is the object of a yearly pilgrimage, which gathers more than 260,000 relic friendly folks.
Since visiting monasteries and relic hunting are both great ways to spend a Sunday morning, off I went to witness the historical past and marvel in some mystery for myself.
PONDER PROVINCIAL PRIDE FROM MEDIEVAL TO MODERN IN MURLA
Castle fortress and architecture aficionados will truly enjoy a trip into the mountains of the Marina Alta for a closeup look at a proudly preserved parish church that speaks to a precarious medieval past. Documents state that this castle/fort became a Christian parish church in 1317.
Murla's architectural structures range from medieval to modern and its historical past has been plagued with cultural and structural grievances. This all combines to make Mural a very interesting place to visit.
DECORATIVE AND DISTINCTLY HISPANIC IN SUECA
ANNA'S SPECTACULAR STRUCTURE IS A SERIES OF HISTORICAL MILESTONES
Anna is a peaceful town in the Valencian hinterland along the Sellent river. It is a pleasant village away from everything and everyone where you can easily walk about seeking unpretentious scenic spaces. What you will find are lots of life affirming water channels crossing streets and sprouting forth from fountains. This abundance of multiple water sources gives origin to this town's Almohade name of "Yanna ", which means "water garden".
There is however, a spectacular grandiose structure of a castle palace that is an architectural milestone of continuous glorious history and purposeful restoration. Once a dilapidated worthless structure, today the Counts of Cervelló Palace is a prominent vestige of Anna's past and pride.
The history of this special palace marks a pendulum of abandonment and restoration as it moved from one famous owner to another and finally to a devoted town mayor whose actions from 1995 to 2007 give us the marvel that we explore today.
JUAN DE RIBERA * ARCHITECT OF EVICTION
Juan de Ribera (b1532-d1611) was the archbishop and viceroy of Valencia.
He used all of his civil and religious power to pressure Philip III towards the expulsion of the Moriscos, which was carried out in 1609.
Ribera despised the moriscos as heretics and traitors, a dislike he shared with much of Valencia's Christian populace.
FABULOUS FLAMBOYANT GOTHIC CLOISTER * CONVENT OF SANT DOMINGO
The convent of Sant Doménec or Sant Domingo is one of the most important Gothic monuments in the city of Valencia.
THE UNSOLVED MYSTERY OF GOYA'S MISSING SKULL
Dionisio Fierros (1827-1894 ) was a Spanish Romantic painter who in 1849 painted a "vanitas", an allegorical still life, for the Marquis of San Adrián of Navarra.
*FRANCISCO GOYA* History, Views & Visions of an Enlightened, Romantic Master Artist
"INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL TRIBUTE TO A GENIUS"
EL GRECO * The Master of Mystery
This class explores the life and art of El Greco, a Greek artist whose painting and sculpture helped define the early Spanish Renaissance. His dedication to the mystery of existence and his rebellious style influenced various artistic movements such as Expressionism and Cubism.
TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART 2
TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART TWO
is a presentation (lecture and slideshow) about the Renaissance - Golden Age history of Toledo explored through its cultural evolutions, arts and architecture.
Presented by Spanish Fine Arts & Architecture Historian,
TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART 1
TRIBUTE TO TOLEDO * PART ONE
is a presentation (lecture and slideshow) about the Antiquity & Medieval history of Toledo explored through its cultural evolutions, arts and architecture.
Presented by Spanish Fine Arts & Architecture Historian,
Karla Darocas, Hons. B.A.
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The most consistently reproduced subject in all of art history, especially Western art, is the theme of the Mother and Child. The earlies... -
THE ENIGMA Dionisio Fierros (1827-1894 ) was a Spanish Romantic painter who in 1849 painted a "vanitas", an allegorical still ... -
Greeting SpainLifestyle.com students and friends, During the pandemic, I started to research and lecture on dogs in Spanish Fine Arts. This...