Spanish Renaissance

The 16th century was the start of the most amazing era in Spanish History. Influenced by the Italian Renaissance and the need for its craftsmen. There was a new focus on art, literature and science. The beginning of the Spanish Renaissance was due to political and some religious reasons. There are many amazing examples of the such as the Alhambra, Granada in 1354. This structure was the last of palaces constructed before the expulsion of the moors. The outside was deceiving because it's exterior was plain, but the inside included numerous courtyards, filled with gardens, fountains and pools.

Other examples such as the La Mota Castle, which was built with concrete was faced with brick. There was also the Granada Cathedral, which was inspired my the Gothic period because it included Gothic like columns in size, and Gothic vaults. One of my favorite structures from this period was the Cathedral of Seville, it was a huge structure that demonstrated its cities wealth, during this period. It includes 80 chapels and had 500 masses daily.

One interesting characteristics about the Spanish Renaissance was its Spanish silversmith. Its work was used on exteriors, church buildings, furniture and accessories. The Desornamentado Phase was a powerful style that included unornamented designs, The El Escorial was an example of this style. This building was known for its simple and plainness in design. Next the Baroque Style took over, this style consisted of sculptures, wood carvers and architects. The El transparente was an example of this style. 

Residential design was influenced by Moorish design and used many elaborate decorations. Interiors during this period included superb iron grilles, that were placed on windows, openings, and wrought-iron handrails. Color tiles, and pine-paneled, painted and carved ceilings, were also an characteristics of interiors in this period. Materials of upper floors, were: tile, stone, brick, or wood. Spain was also known for its fine leather work. Alot of the decorations that were within this interiors were well made, and paid attention to details, for example the handmade cute pile carpets, rugs, and mats. 

Furniture within this period was simple yet bold, used heavy proportions. Rectangles shaped items were preferred, walnut wood was common used, and colors such as mahogany were seen. Furniture such as the Sillon De Frailero, benches that were wooden, there was also a stand called Vargueno Puente. The taquillion, it was a chest that could be used as a base of the Varguerno. I really enjoyed the Spanish bed, it was made of wood but looked like wrought-iron railings. In general the Spanish Renaissance was an amazing one!

Current Applications

Peer Review

I reviewed Nichole K, Micah blogs, both were great! Nichole's blog did a great great at explaining the Spanish Renaissance, her video that depicted the furniture during this period was also very good and informative.

I also reviewed Micah's blog which was really good. Her current applications really showed what the characteristics of the Spanish Renaissance, with a modern twist.

Video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38kmLyWc2iw

This video gives a great tour on the architecture throughout this period.

Italian Renaissance

The Renaissance period typically begins to look within Florence, Italy. The evolve of attention to buildings led to not only the creation of beautiful structures but also the move towards democracy. The first example of a Renaissance interior was the Palazzo Davanzati, which was a traditional house. The family was one of the important social units within Italy. One of the most important figures in the early Renaissance period was, Filippo Brunelleschi. He is known for his attention to detail throughout his structures. A interesting fact about him is that he was also credited for the creation of the one point perspective. 

The Capitoline Hill was one of seven hills that provided an excellent view to Renaissance Rome. Another influential individuals within this period was Michelangelo. His works included the  redesign of the of the Campidoglio. His design consisted of a classic Renaissance design story that was a contrast between medieval urban and architectural tradition of the Renaissance. 

Church design in the Renaissance period was a continuation of the Early Christian basilica form. A unique and rare example of a centrally planned church was the Santa Maria della Consolazione in Todi. This plan was symmetry and was "indicated by one apse that was made of line segments; the other curved". Throughout researching more about this period I learned that the Todi form was both bilaterally and radially symmetrical. (Bilaterally symmetrical meaning it has "two halves of a composition are mirror images of each other") 

The Italian Renaissance had many pieces of furniture that were a specific to this time period, such as the sedia chair, the sgabello which was a stool, the x chair, a chest which was known as an cassapanca, and many more. Their was also a bed that I found pretty interesting.  

Current Application