Spanish Renaissance and Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism

It should be known that Neoclassicism was the reaction against Rococo art and was usually expressed through embracing the simplicity and geometric purity found within art, architecture, sculpture, etc. This was a period where artists began to look at the ancient world for a foundation on which to reject the Rococo style. Neoclassicism, also, is seen closely with the Age of Reason, the Enlightenment, and the French and American Revolution.

France

During this time, Charles Percier and Pierre-Francois-Leonard Fontaine were the leading figures of both interior design and architecture, especially through their redesign of the interiors of the Chateau de Malmaison, a chateau for Napoleon’s wife. Their draped walls and ceilings within the dining room were designed to look like a tent, starting off their design careers. While being seen as the two who design everything in sight, Percier and Fontaine design the furniture, walls, ceilings, fireplace, lighting, and all accessories within a room.

United States

The U.S. was on a parallel path with France both politically and artistically. Architects within the U.S., like Benjamin Latrobe and Charles Bulfinch, started taking steps to establish the profession within the nation. Latrobe is best known for the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, specifically the dome that replicates that of the Pantheon. Bulfinch, on the other hand, was the architect of the Massachusetts State Capitol and saw the work of the Adams brother when visiting England.

England

Known as the restrained form of classicism, architecture within England consisted with bits of uncharacteristic exoticism. John Nash exemplified this Regency design at Regent Park where he linked a grand urban gesture to capitalism. This created a Neoclassical face with unexceptional row houses behind it. Lord Burlington, who designed his own house on the outskirts of London, incorporated Neoclassical interiors and furniture.  The central octagon acts as the figural and functional center of the project, however, the house is set in an informal picturesque English garden. This display Romanticism and its collision with what was known as the Neoclassical style. Burlington, though, was credited as setting the foundation of Neoclassicism which can be understood by acknowledging his houses’ original formal parklike setting pre-romanticism.

Spanish Renaissance

The Spanish Renaissance was the blending together of Christian Spain and Moorish Art, otherwise known as Mudejar. During the expulsion of the Moors in 1607, however, hang a great loss to the handicrafts and commerce of southern Spain. It should be noted that this style was heavily inspired by the Moorish, Early Christian, Medieval, and Italian Renaissance. In Spain, there were two schools of art. One came from the Moors where supreme ornamentation, naturalistic representations, and wood experts stood out, and the other was the Spanish Christian groups.

Works 

The Alhambra, Granada was the last of the Spanish palaces completed before the expulsion of the
Moors. It's exterior plain and numerous courtyards, gardens, fountains, and reflecting pools enhance its attraction. Another significant building during this time period was the gothic styled Cathedral Seville, the largest cathedral in the world during the 15th century. With 80 chapels holding 500 daily masses, the cathedral demonstrated the cities - Seville, Andalusia Spain - wealth. An important piece of architecture during this time was La Mota Castle built by noble Christian families out of concrete walls that were faced with brick. It should be noted, though, that there are more castles in Spain than any other European country.

Characteristics and Phases

The Spanish Renaissance, being influenced by other cultural groups and architectural styles, consisted of minute and delicate ornament that resembled the work of a silversmith, specifically during the Plateresco Phase. While either Gothic or Renaissance in its construction, this type of style was primarily used on exteriors, patios, churches, public buildings, furniture, and accessories. During the Desornamentado Phase, or the Unornamented Phase), the proportions of buildings were carefully crafted. This was a powerful style characterized by austerity and reacted to the Plateresco Style. An example of the style is the El Escorial, built by Hapsburb but completed by Juan de Herrera. It imitated the Temple of Solomon and included a palace and religious house. This massive structure is known for its simplicity, sobriety, and plainness while still being seen as a highly "moral" building.

Interiors

The interior spaces during this time consisted heavily of one of their most artistic features: the superb iron grilles. These were seen frequently in windows, openings, and wrought-iron handrails. The use of colored tiles, pine-paneled ceilings, and plasterwork also resembled a Spanish Renaissance interior. Ceilings were pine-paneled that were either painted or carved and the plasterwork featured a white decorative border or frame around doors and windows. On top of this, tile pictures were used to resemble tapestries and hanging of tooled Cordoba leather were painted and gilded. Flooring during this time was either tile, stone, brick, or wood and typically seen in a basket weave with subdued colors.

One Step Further

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans incorporates neoclassical design
elements in its interior spaces. This style can be seen in the galleries, with large spaces, classical motifs, and elegant detailing. This creates a sense of grandeur and historical significance, which is ideal for a historical museum. This building reflects how neoclassical principles continue to influence modern architectural practices and how past styles of art and design are still producing inspiration for architects and designers today.