The Spanish Period Discussion Post

My classmate Paige found the Spanish Renaissance interesting and elaborate. She made note that there were other details incorporated into furniture that included tassels, fringe, braids, and decorative nail heads. The examples of courtyards that she had posted were beautiful, and I can see where modern courtyards have been adapted.

My other classmate Justine noted that there was another phase of decoration known as the Herrera Style. This style was influenced from the Italian Renaissance architects and had classic forms, plain surfaces and sparse decorations. This was different Plateresco and Disornamentado.

Learn more from Paige's blog at: http://www.history1peh.blogspot.com/

and Justine's blog at: http://www.history1jvs.blogspot.com/

The Spanish Period

It was said that the 16th century was considered the most brilliant era in Spanish history. During this time religiously and culturally there was a fusion of the Christian Spain society with the Moorish society. Moors were individuals from Africa that were supreme ornamentalist, fine geometricians, and did work that involved naturalistic representation, colorful, exuberant and fancy detail, along with wood detailing. Moors that converted to Christianity we called the Mudejar. Historically this time was influenced by the Moorish, Early Christian, Medieval, and Italian Renaissance.

Moorish influenced design, decoration and architecture is seen at Alhambra in Grenada Spain from 1354. Its numerous courtyards and memorable design is flourishing with beauty. Fountains and reflecting pools were common during this time.

Alhambra Court of Lions

Alhambra at Night

Carried over from the Gothic period, Cathedrals were still built during this time and they held very ornamental features.  Renaissance and Gothic vaulted ceilings, Rejas- or decorative iron grilles,  and Plateresco. The Plateresco phase consisted of minute and delicate ornament architectures that resembled the work of a silversmith. There was also the Desornamentado phase that wast large and powerful, but with less detail.

Modern Plateresco design at Balboa Park in San Diego California

Modern front door with Spanish inspired iron decoration

Spanish design inspired modern stair rail

 My favorite place during this time was El Escorial, 30 miles northwest of Spain. It is massive and a highly moral and royal place for monarchy. Interiors in Spain were prided upon their fine leather works known as cordoba leather, their colorful patterned tile work, and massive pieced of artwork in gold frames. Furniture, walls, floors and ceilings were lined with great detail, and bold decoration that completed a room.

El Escorial Library

One of El Escorial's Courtyards

Spanish design is a fusion  of many inspirations from different eras. Design elements from the Spanish period are used today, and can be seen residentially, and commercially. Spanish design is often the influence of hotels, and vacation destinations.

Spanish influenced entryway

Spanish influenced kitchen

For more information on Spanish art, history and architecture please look at http://www.spanish-art.org/spanish-architecture-renaissance.html

For more on the modern design of the Spanish period please look at http://www.houzz.com/modern-spanish-architecture-designs

Italian Renaissance Discussion

My classmate Flor describes the Italian Renaissance homes in detail.Walls were elaborate and rich with tapestry's that portrayed narrative scenes in the wealthiest of homes. Floors were elaborated with woods or tiles but rarely carpets. Ceilings were considered part of the architecture, beams, waffle grids and paintings were well thought into the design.

Another classmate John stated that the Renaissance was a time of "revival." A time where new ideas and points of view were being spread across Europe. John stated that the most similar idea to our discipline was the new focus towards design. There was less focus on the construction of grand churches, and more of a focus on residential dwellings. During this time, many individuals were skilled in many areas that people in today's society spend their entire careers mastering.


Learn more from my classmates posts:
http://www.history1fh.blogspot.com/ -Flor
http://www.history1jpe.blogspot.com/ -John

Italian Renaissance 1400-1600

The Renaissance was a time in history known as the "rebirth" in Florence Italy. This era was a revolution not an evolution; a time where Gothic and Romanesque styles were elaborated and reinvented. Classical forms were refined and adapted for new uses. There was a movement towards humanism through the writings of Dante. Everyone was interested in the arts and residential design became more popular outside the importance for churches. Comfort, convenience and beauty became a necessity rather than safety, strength and protection.

Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

Popular Renaissance chair called the Savonarola

A famous structure known as the Renaissance "palazzo" facade portrayed repetition, alteration and progression in three divisions with compound windows and a heavy project cornice. It contained a central courtyard like the Roman domus with no hallways, living spaces on the 2nd and 3rd floors like an insula, and shops and businesses on the 1st.  The palazzo structure was very popularly used in many structures during this time including the Palazzo Dacanzati, Palazzo Farnese, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and  Palazzo Ducal.

Interiors during this time revolved around the arts. Fresco's, tapestries, fireplaces, and a huge deal was symmetry both inside and out. Interiors contained decorative moldings, doors and door frames, elaborate ceilings often coffered, painted wall and ceiling decorations, elaborate fireplace mantels, pilasters that were flat and decorated columns, and floors made of brick, Terra-cotta tile, or marble in geometric patterns. A new art called intarsia created an illusion of art in wood. Leonardo Da Vinci's works of art came to life during this time period as well and are still famously known today.

Palladio's Villa Rotonda

One of the most influential architects of the Renaissance, to some, of all time was Andrea Palladio. His writings, The Four Books on Architecture are considered to some as an architectural bible, containing the true theory of design. Interior designers today still refer to Palladios work as a set of inspiration.



 Modern Applications:

Modern Renaissance inspired sitting room.

Modern Renaissance inspired formal living space.

Extra Resources:
http://www.blogdolcevita.com/tag/Andrea+Palladio

Take a look at this design company that takes a spin on the Italian Renaissance
http://www.dallasdesign-group.com/gallery/