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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Spanish DOGS - About Book

Do You Know The Story of Dogs in Spanish History, Culture & the Arts?




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


ABOUT THE BOOK 

The history of Spanish dogs comes alive with a collection of accounts of related prehistoric artefacts, ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman crafts and Spanish fine art. Paintings from the Renaissance and the Enlightenment to the modern era that immortalised Spanish dogs, living or mythical, in the lives of their patrons are explained. 

The history of Spain and its dogs can be seen in the great works of artistic masters. Artists such as Francisco Ribalta, José de Ribera, Diego Velázquez, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Claudio Coello, Francisco de Goya, Carlos Luis de Ribera, Andrés Parladé, Joaquín Sorolla and Pablo Picasso, all took up brush and canvas to show their great affection for the dogs they painted. 

In some of these artworks the dog is depicted as a symbol of loyalty and trust, while in others it is a symbol of power and prestige. In other paintings, the dog acts as a metaphor that drives the narrative of the visual story being told. In other paintings, the dog is an allegory or reflection of a human emotion or prophecy. 

 The aim is to provide a comprehensive knowledge of our Spanish four-legged friends and their traces in our history. This book is for lovers of Spanish art, history, culture, and dogs. It contains so many stories, facts, and surprises that it becomes a great read. 

 OTHER Resource Books written by Karla Ingleton Darocas 

Available at SpainLifestyle.com VISIT Karla Darocas at KarlaDarocas.com



REVIEWS

"In her book "Spanish Dogs", the historian and teacher Karla Ingleton Darocas, leads us through the fascinating history of dogs in Spain from the Neolithic to modern times by means of her extensive background knowledge and a companionable illustrative style. 

I was particularly impressed by the role of dogs during one of the darkest chapters of Spanish history, the Conquista when the Conquistadores used dogs of war as cruel and brutal weapons against the local populations.

A large part of the book illustrates the history of dogs in Spain with examples from paintings by Velazquez, Murillo, Goya, Sorolla, and other well-known Spanish painters. Although we are familiar with many of these paintings, we may have hardly noticed the presence of dogs there, if at all. Karla directs our attention to these dogs and creates a picture of their role and importance in their respective epochs.

The last chapter, "Dog of Love", tells us about the intimate relationship between Pablo Picasso and his dachshund Lump. This beautiful story leaves us feeling optimistic regarding the future for dogs in a country where, unfortunately, much still needs to be done for animal welfare.

"Spanish Dogs" is a recommendation for all dog lovers and also those interested in Spanish history and art. Thanks to Karla for this great book, which is really worth reading."

* Marianne Pätzold, Colmenar Viejo (Madrid)

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"We see them sitting under chairs in cafes, popping out of handbags and catching frisbees at the beach. If you are lucky enough to have a dog as a pet then they are there to welcome you home.  We see them in today’s modern world and accept them just so. 

However, reading this book opens up one's mind to a greater appreciation of these animals. Spanish DOGS by Karla Ingleton Darocas gives readers a new understanding of where dogs came from, their roles throughout Spanish history, social culture, and their relevance in the development of humanity. 

Perhaps you have been in an art gallery and admired a painting and noticed a dog in the scene and then walked on without further thought? After reading Karla's book, this won't happen again. In this book, Karla cherry-picks the best of Spanish artwork and reveals that dogs are often more than just a decorative element. 

Karla brings the art scene to life, answering the questions: What kind of dog it is? Who is it with and why is it there? Is there a secret message and what is the artist trying to convey? Karla combines her passionate knowledge of the artwork together with the dog breed and places it in the context of centuries of Spanish history. 

Technically, this book is clearly written. Chapters are broken down into small bites with headings and photos that stir the imagination, allowing you to dip in and out as it suits. This book gives more than facts and figures, it gives knowledge and understanding. After reading it you will have an appreciation for the dogs of Spain, no matter where you may find them in the world today.

- Janet Jager, Switerland

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"It is timely indeed that Karla should write a book re-evaluating the role of dogs in Spanish art and culture.  This current Covid lockdown has led to many of us deciding that we need dogs in our lives for companionship and for exercise.  Yet again,  the role of the dog in our society is being looked at afresh. 
Karla’s book traces how the symbiotic relationship between humans and dogs goes back at least to Neolithic times.  There is much evidence such as the careful and dignified burial of owner and dog together in many ancient cultures to suggest that dogs were, as Karla observes, seen as part wild, part human, and part divine.  

Some ancients saw dogs as having healing powers leading to dogs being laid on to the bodies of sick people or to lick wounds. 

Small dogs were bred to be companions to children whereas 90kg mastiffs in armour performed a valuable role in battle.  The Romans at least were not averse to dog sacrifice to ensure a good harvest.  

In many ways, Karla demonstrates that dogs have always been more than just working animals.

As artists discovered painting on canvas dogs was co-opted into a storytelling role.  In a world without television or radio (let alone the internet) paintings were there to both entertain and inform.  

In Velasquez’s painting of Jacob being told of the death at the hands of the wolves of Joseph, his favourite son, it is a small dog barking at the bottom of the painting that reminds us that Joseph’s brothers are lying about fate of Joseph.  In one of Velasquez’s court paintings, we see him portraying very sweetly Felipe IV’s young son, Prince Felipe Prospero.  In the painting, Velasquez has placed a small spaniel next to the child on a throne-like chair.  The Prince was very sickly and died at the age of four.  Was Velasquez signaling that the dog had more chance of acceding to the throne than his little master?  

Karla’s book is full of such insights.

We learn how small dogs were used to complete the nuclear family in a Catholic propaganda campaign where artists were charged with tackling licentious behaviour in the late 1600s.  

Dogs often appear as symbols of fidelity in paintings celebrating a wedding.  We also see how the treatment by artists of hunting dogs could send a message of either the success of Kings in war or, with the more enlightened views of Goya, remind us we were to some extent slaves to circumstances.  

After reading Karla’s book you will look again at the dog in any painting and ponder on what he is there to tell us about his owner and ultimately about ourselves."

* Chris Tucker, Javea

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"Karla’s latest book Spanish Dogs is an extensive history on dogs from prehistoric times until the present day. 
A couple of things stand out in my mind, after having read this book.

For example, I never knew that dogs, mainly Mastiffs, were used during times of war during the Middle Ages. Clad in armour they would charge at the horses during cavalry brandishing on their backs canisters of burning resin which would spook the horses and bring them down along with the enemy soldiers on their backs.
I also found the origin of the lapdog, or toy dog, at the end of the Middle Ages to be very interesting. Because of their small size, these dogs would be welcomed in the family home and be depicted in portraits. They would also be used as bed warmers and to attract the fleas away from their very unhygienic owners for whom a bath was a rarity and related to prostitution. 

Here’s a fun fact from this book! The winter months made it too cold for bathing, therefore being delayed until the Spring, which saw the beginning of the custom of having weddings in May and June. As an extra measure, the bride would carry a bouquet, thus hoping that the scent of the flowers would mask the odour of the body.

Whether you are a dog owner or not - this book Spanish DOGS is an insightful read into the fascinating world of dogs and the part that they play, and always have played, in our lives.

The dog really is “man’s best friend.”

Margaret den Hartog - Javea

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"Well, I must admit that I have never given any thought to the representation of dogs in art. As the owner of two Spanish dogs, I will now. 
From prehistoric through to the 20th century, Karla guides us in interpreting the art and also engages us to understand better the roles that dogs played in daily life.  

Karla writes in an engaging fashion and brings the subject to life very well. I often judge people based on how they treat their animals; now I’ll be both notices, and interpreting the dogs I see in art. 

I always enjoy the opportunity to increase my appreciation and understanding of art, and this book has opened a new window for me to look through."

Chris Newkirk * Las Peñitas, Nicaragua

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Book Review: Spanish Dogs by Karla Ingleton Darocas
Published 21st January 2021 | By Sandra Piddock

Karla Ingleton Darocas is based in Benitachell on Spain’s Costa Blanca. On her website, SpainLifestyle.com, she describes herself as:

An educator with a passion to inspire and facilitate a lust to learn.

Karla has a Hons B.A. and is also a photographer, author, and Spanish Fine Arts Historian. She’s also a self-confessed dog lover, with two rescue dogs, Venus and Mars. 

Her latest book, Spanish Dogs: The Story of Dogs in Spanish History, Culture, and the Arts, is a testament to Karla’s love of dogs, the arts, and all things connected to her adopted homeland, Spain.

From the first sentence, I was hooked, because I share Karla’s passion for dogs and Spanish culture. I also firmly believe that once you stop learning, you stop living, and there’s a lot of learning packed into the 70 pages of this book.

Don’t let that put you off though – Karla has a wonderful way with words that makes absorbing knowledge a pleasure, and she also has a great sense of humour.

Describing how court painters Velazquez and Goya painted their royal sponsors, she points out that Velazquez was very keen to underplay the facial deformities resulting from the interbreeding of the Habsburg monarchs. Spanish kings loved to be painted in full hunting dress, with their faithful – and generally subservient – hounds by their sides. It subtly emphasised the idea, first verbalised in the Bible, that Man has dominion over the beasts. (Genesis 1: 26, 27)

Goya, on the other hand, preferred to focus on the real beauty of his subjects, or as Karla puts it:

Velazquez used his admirable inventiveness to hide the protruding lower lip and pronounced chin … Goya didn’t modify the royals … On the contrary, we see the monarch, (Carlos III) with his strange small face, beady eyes, and a great big honker of a nose.

Goya was certainly an artist after Karla’s own heart, using his skills to represent the true narrative and true worth of the subjects of his portraits. In his art, there is no doubt where his allegiances lie. Discussing the hunting portrait of Carlos IV and his hound, Karla notes:

Looking up at his master with adoration and fidelity, this dog is the most regal thing in this painting.

This fabulous book gives some great insights into the origins of dog breeds in Spain. The ubiquitous Podencos arrived in Spain as a result of conquests and explorations over the centuries. It’s most likely that the Podencos came across from Algeria, while the distinctive Water Dogs came over with the Berbers during the first Muslim conquest of Spain. Today, there are still 49 different Water Dogs in Spain.

Another typically Spanish dog, the Galgo, or Greyhound, is believed to have landed on the Iberian Peninsula with the Celts. There’s plenty of contemporary artwork, in the shape of cave paintings, engravings, and pottery, to support these theories, and it’s uncanny to see the resemblance between these ancient canine ancestors and the Spanish dogs we are so familiar with today.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and the Catholic Spanish found another use for dogs, but it’s not one of their proudest moments. The inventors of the Inquisition had a favourite torture method that involved chaining prisoners, then allowing them to be savaged by Mastiffs. Today, these gentle giants are more noted for their loving, faithful nature, which is typical of Man’s Best Friend.

Overall though, this is an upbeat book, and Karla soon lifts the mood by informing the reader of the term that was used for this barbaric practice. It was called – wait for it – dogging! That’s quite a juxtaposition for modern audiences to deal with, since ‘dogging’ has come to mean having sex with strangers in the open air. In fact, in the popular television sitcom Benidorm, the eponymous resort is said to have a designated ‘Dogging Beach!’

Karla wraps up the book with the tale – or should that be tail? – of Pablo Picasso’s beloved Dachsund, Lump. Lump arrived in 1957 with photographer David Douglas Duncan, who was doing a feature on Picasso and never left the artist’s side until his death in March 1973. Picasso followed Lump across the Rainbow Bridge just 10 days later. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s a suitably emotional ending for a book about the creatures that inspire so many emotions in their human guardians.

There are so many interesting anecdotes, cultural connections, and light moments that describing Spanish Dogs as just a book about dogs is a bit like saying Jose Carreras, one-third of the Three Tenors, is ‘just a singer.’ If you love dogs, art and Spain, or any combination of these, you really need to read this.

******

"There are tons of books on "Dogs", so what makes Karla's book stand out? I would even say, what makes it exceptional?

It is the first book on dogs in Spanish history and culture. The means by which she chooses to present them appeals to me greatly - through artefacts and Spanish Art.

Her time period spans from the time of the Neanderthals to modern times. She speaks of the working dog, the dogs of war, and lapdogs. Her illustrations go from religious art to court paintings. We discover famous painters and their relation to dogs (from Goya to Picasso).

Her book is very detailed.

What makes it interesting to read are the many stories and anecdotes that accompany the information. Karla, with her artistic background, leads us into a painting and draws our attention to something we would not necessarily see ourselves, and explains the "why and the how".

I strongly recommend Karla's book for those who love dogs, Spanish history and culture, and/or Spanish art. Her writing style is easy to follow."

* Josette Jouas, Denia

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"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 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."

- Judy Dicken, Scotland

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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

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!

TOLEDO - History & Architecture - Lecture & Slideshow on ZOOM


The History and Architecture of Toledo before the Catholic Monarchs is rich and expressive. 

Toledo was an important city center to the Celtic Carpetanian tribes until the conquest of the Romans in 193 bc. After the Germanic invasions who expelled the Romans, Toledo would become the capital and main ecclesiastical seat of the Visigothic Kingdom. 

In the year 711, Toledo was conquered by the Muslims, whose rule ended with the taking of the city in 1085 by Alfonso VI. The Middle Ages is when the Jewish community of Toledo was the most populous and rich of the Kingdom of Castile. 

They coexisted for centuries, more or less peacefully, with Muslims and Christians, until the Catholic Monarchs reformations of 1492.

 



Marina Alta & Gandia - About Book


PAPERBACK




ABOUT THE BOOK

The Marina Alta region is a diverse terrain within the province of Alicante. Its neighbour, Gandia, is a city and a municipality. Both are located within the Valencian Community on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast. 

As well as stunning landscape this area is full of historical and artistic landmarks that tell you much about the heritage and culture of Spain itself. This book reveals where these places are to be found and details the wealth of treasures you will discover on this journey. 

If you are looking for the real Spain that is not usually found on the standard tourist trail, then this book is where to begin. 

Included is a detailed guided tour of the Ducal Palace of Gandia, which from the 14th century, was the residence of the Royal Dukes of Gandía, and from 1485, the Borja family. It was the birthplace of Saint Francis Borja. It is an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1964. 


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 


TABLE‌ ‌OF‌ ‌CONTENTS‌ 
  • Teulada’s Fortified Baroque Hermitage Of San Vicente Ferrer 
  • The Beautiful Baroque Parish Churches Of The Marina Alta * Benimaurell * Campell * Beniarbeig * Parcent * Alcalalí 
  • The Royal Marsh Is Gandía’s Watery Paradise 
  • Discover Famous 17th Century Polychrome Busts In Gandía 
  • A Detailed Guide To Gandía’s Pretty & Important Palace

REVIEWS

"I bought this book about the Marina Alta Region because I wanted to know more about Gandia. I found out so much info, in detail, about things I know I would have missed if I just visited without having this book by my side. The book also has info about Teulada, Beniarbeig, Parcent and Alcalali, etc, but I was particularly interested in Gandia. - Sarah Farrell


Sorolla: INTO THE LIGHT of Impressionism & Luminism




"Fascinating lecture on the progression of Sorolla's style.  Loved his mixture of naturalism and Impressionism to create his own Illumination.  Karla has a great understanding of his works and you leave the class feeling stimulated.  Looking forward to the next one! "

-Mimi Carrera, Valencia

 

JÁVEA - About Book

Do You Know The Historical Stories of Prominent People & Places of Jávea?


PAPERBACK



ABOUT THE BOOK

Jávea (Castilian language) or Xàbia (Valencian language) is a Valencian coastal town in the Marina Alta region of Alicante province. This book is a collection of essays that recount some of the most intriguing stories ever told about Jávea's most prominent people and places. 

These narratives are well-known by the local population, but for visitors and new residents, this information will enhance your appreciation for this popular Mediterranean seaside resort town.


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 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • Roman Arches And Fish Farming In Ancient Xàbia
  • Xàbia , José Antonio Bolufer And His Ship Mystery
  • Sorolla Finds Inspiration In Xàbia For A Special Patron
  • The Tale Of Sorolla's Holiday Horror In  Jávea
  • Jávea - One Hundred Miles South Of Valencia
  • Who Was André Lambert Within The History Of Jávea Arts?
  • Xàbia / Jávea Regional Heritage Rewards Raisins
  • The Jávea Monument That No One Talks About


REVIEW

Karla's book JAVEA - for me, was ALL very interesting. It is difficult to pick out a favourite essay from the collection. All the stories tell a historical journey and every single chapter is a treasure of extraordinary knowledge, explaining the very impressive history we have here in Xàbia!
Karla's writing style is absolutely gripping, hence the reason I was able to read this book all in one go. She writes with such enthusiasm, just like she does in her lectures.
* Diana Santiago, Xàbia

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.

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.