A Better Look at Spanish Art and Architecture

Posted on April 27, 2007
Filed Under Trading Education |

Spanish art and architecture continue to form a part of our current society. With distinction, the Spanish influence is rich and beautiful. People today enjoy art and architecture with Spanish design based on a long history. For instance, many of the works of art and architecture produced in a part of the world that is now Spain actually incorporates many different cultural influences.

Some of the earliest displays of Spanish art were found near Lleida in Altamira and Cogul in the form of cave paintings. These ancient remains date back to around the 3rd century BC. The next period of Spanish art occurred from the 6th to 7th centuries BC, known as the Visigothic period. During this time, crude motifs were common, particularly in relation to sculptures. However, it is believed that Middle Eastern influences began to change Spanish art in the Palencia province around AD 661.

Around the 8th century, the Moorish people began to introduce new flavors of art. For instance, the mosques and palaces commonly features very specific architect, which can still be seen today. The interiors were usually graceful, using both light and shadow. The learn to speak spanish cathedrals and churches often had reflective spaces, such intersecting arches, isolated units, and enclosed choirs. Motifs were small but also ornamental.

After Spain was conquered by the Moors by 850, we began to see changes yet again in art and architecture. As an example, archways were rounded, windows were designed with balusters, and apses were square. Then by the middle of the 9th century, barrel vaulting that was directly from the Middle Ages was discovered. Interestingly, from the 9th to 11th century, it was common to find Spanish art and architecture that was the combination of both Moorish and Asturian features, which resulted in the most magnificent of all European style.

The following century began the Romanesque period in which Christian Spain was often seen. Even still, many art pieces and architectural features had a touch of Middle Eastern influence. Then one of the most fascinating of all changes was seen during the Gothic period, especially when it comes to architecture. As Spanish kingdoms began to merge, the Gothic period exploded.

By the 13th century, Castilian architecture was primarily inspired by the French, which was seen in Leon, Toledo, and Burgos cathedrals. Stained glass and heavy interior buttresses were more the norm. Finally, the Muejar style was a powerful learn to speak spanish architectural element, which stayed popular throughout the 18th century.

With this, buildings were largely influenced by brick, plaster, and wood. However, these materials were used to create grandiose geometrical configurations. As you can see, learn spanish online art and architecture has evolved over the years but no matter the era, sculptures, paintings, and architecture has remained impressive and one of the favorite choices even now in the 21st century.

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A Better Look at Spanish Art and Architecture

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