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CConvent of San Marcos in León Renaissance. Photo J. L. Cernadas Iglesiasonvento de San Marcos en León. Foto: J. L. Cernadas Iglesias

The Renaissance through the Way of Saint James

The Renaissance is an artistic movement that emerged in Italy in the 15th century. It was inspired by classical antiquity and the Greco-Latin tradition. It spread throughout Europe and reached Spain thanks to the relations that the Way of Saint James promoted.

Medieval times gave way to the Modern Age, and the Renaissance brought artistic, scientific, and social change. Major historical events such as the discovery of America marked this period.

The Renaissance is characterised by a new way of seeing the human being and the world. Theocentrism and rigidity were set aside, and man was placed at the centre of the universe. This new conception can be seen in Renaissance painting and sculpture.

The Renaissance in Spain

The 15th century in Spain is linked to the reign of the Catholic Kings, who came to power in 1479. At this time, the Iberian Peninsula still had a Muslim presence, and it was not until 1492 that the Muslims disappeared. The reconquest of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada brought about the final unification of all the Christian kingdoms.

Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon were the first monarchs to leave the feudal system. They ushered in the Modern Age. From then on, the power of the nobility was reduced. The great families were placed at the service of the crown.

Although the Renaissance emerged in the 15th century, it was not established on the Iberian Peninsula until a hundred years later. Gothic art with religious themes was deeply rooted, and at first, the Renaissance was rejected as pagan art.

It developed throughout the 16th century, with the reigns of Charles I and Philip II. Art went from being at the service of religion to serve the Monarchy. Renaissance art began to develop as decoration for Gothic buildings and evolved throughout the century.

Plateresque

During the first third of the 16th century, the Renaissance artistic style that emerged in Spain was known as Plateresque. For some, it is the last Gothic, and for others, the first Renaissance. It owes its name to the fact that the work done on the stone was like that carried out by silversmiths and goldsmiths.

This trend is characterised by excessive decoration, which overflows the architectural framework and imposes itself on the sculpture. The Golden Staircase that Diego de Siloé built-in Burgos Cathedral is from this period. It dates from 1519 and is inspired by Italian Renaissance models. Its decoration includes both vegetal and zoomorphic themes.

Golden Staircase of Burgos Cathedral. Photo: S. López-Pastor

Golden Staircase of Burgos Cathedral. Photo: S. López-Pastor

Also, in the Cathedral of Burgos, the Pellejería Door is in the Plateresque style. It was commissioned by Bishop Juan Rodríguez de Fonseca and it was built by Francisco de Colonia. It is in the shape of an altarpiece, and its decoration is grotesque.

Following the route of the Way, in León, pilgrims can visit the Pilgrims’ Hospital and Convent of San Marcos. It is one of the most significant Spanish Renaissance monuments. Its façade is completely decorated in Plateresque style, and its tower houses the cross of Santiago and a Lion.

In Santiago de Compostela, Plateresque influence can be found in the Hospital of the Catholic Kings. The monarchs commissioned the architect Enrique Egeas to build it to accommodate sick pilgrims.

Together with the door of Carlos V in Vivero, it is the only example of Plateresque style that pilgrims can enjoy in Galicia. The façade houses the medallions of Isabella and Ferdinand, images of Adam and Eve, the twelve apostles, Christ, and the Virgin.

Front of the Hospital of the Catholic Kings in Santiago.

Front of the Hospital of the Catholic Kings in Santiago.

Purism

The second third of the 16th century saw the development of the purest Renaissance style, faithful to the ideals coming from the rest of Europe. It reduces the use of decoration, and monumental façades were introduced.

During the reign of Charles V, the capital of Spain was moved to Toledo. Because of that, the most outstanding examples of the purist Renaissance are there. The Alcázar of Toledo is one of them.

Herreriano

The Herreriano Renaissance style dates from the last third of the 16th century. It is characterised by scarce decoration and a more austere style. The main work of this period was the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial. This work by Juan de Herrera was completed in 1583 and followed the wishes of King Philip II.

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