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 

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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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 

SpainLifestyle.com and KarlaDarocas.com.

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

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 

SpainLifestyle.com and KarlaDarocas.com.

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.

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.