Spanish Renaissance

 Gina Christopher 

The Spanish Renaissance embodied many language or styles such as, the plateresque style, desornamentado style, Herrera style, Granada cathedral, and the Escorial. Within these styles we see an increase in interior art and furniture. The interiors in this period of time hit a new high, they are even more ornamental than Gothic if you will. We see iron grille’s, tile pictures, a high interest in floor design, cordoba leather designs and more. I love cordoba leather! Furniture also greatly developed in designs and variety. Some of the new furniture designs included wooden benches, chests for different purposes, tables, and the Spanish bed. The spanish beds were lavish and elaborate and were all the furniture of this time period. All in all, the Spanish Renaissance is one of the richest in ornamentation and delicately that I’ve studied. 

My favorite Art/Architecture/ Furniture 

Cathedral of Seville 

The Cathedral of Seville in Spain is the largest gothic cathedral in the world. The Cathedral has many Gothic architecture aspects. In the Cathedral there are vaulted ceilings, ribbed vaulting, ornamentation, stained glass windows, pointed arches and more. The Cathedral is known for its size, beauty, and demonstration of wealth. 

Cathedral of Toledo 

The Cathedral of Toledo is dedicated to Virgin Mary in her Ascension to the heavens. This cathedral looks like an art gallery to me. The walls are filled with statues, tile pictures, iron work, and so so much ornamentation its almost overwhelming. I love this interior, even tho I find myself more minimalistic  A fun fact is that some important people are buried here, such as Henry the 3rd. 

Interiors-Grille work 

Interiors during the Spanish Renaissance added this aspect of superb iron grilles. These were the most artistic features of this time period and can be see in windows, openings, handrails, and decor. These are highly ornamented and take a lot of time to design and build. I love these because they can define a space or simply add to it.

Current Applications 

Modern Day Grill work 

Today, there are many different ways to use a grill design. Most of the time they are used for some sort of window or opening to create a play on light and design. They are also used to divide a space into smaller areas to create a small break in pace, or they are simply decorative pieces in homes, hotels, etc.

Vaulted ceilings today

Vaulted ceilings can be seen in homes today. They are not made to the same magnitude of the ones in Gothic style cathedrals, but they are still a lovely design element. In the pictures below you can even see some ribbed vaulting aspects doubling as trusses. 

Hand painted tiles 

I have seen hand painted spanish tiles at hotels, restaurants, and in even homes. The feeling these colorful tiles make in a space is truly home-like. I love the creativity and mosaic-like seeing they present themselves with.

One Step Further 

Narciso Tome

Narciso Tome was a Spanish architect and sculptor of the late-Baroque or Rococo period. He has mnay great achievements. Him and his brother sculpted the facade of the University of Valladolid. Him and his family also built the alter piece in the Cathedral of Toledo. His work is incredible and his sculpting skills are very intricate.