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Period: 1300 to
Renaissance
The 15th and 16th centuries are referred to as the "renaissance" in history and as a European cultural movement. It marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity and was characterized by an effort to revive and surpass the ideas and achievements of classical antiquity. Associated to significant social change in the majority of disciplines and fields, such as science, art, architecture, politics, literature, and exploration. -
1420
Florence Cathedral's dome
The dome is the symbol of Florence, of Renaissance culture, and of all Western humanism. It was built between 1420 and 1436 to a plan by Filippo Brunelleschi, and is still the largest masonry vault in the world. Is the symbol of the Italian Renaissance, it has the largest vault made of bricks and the biggest diameter in history of art. Actually, it is the first modern architecture able the overcome the ancient roman buildings. -
1498
Pietá, by Michelangelo Buonarroti
It was created between 1498 and 1500. Pietá is a flawless work of art that is rich in detail and brimming with a profound sense of humanity. With a genuine religious inspiration, this is the first of many variations on the theme of lamenting Christ's death. The sculpture captures the moment when Jesus, taken down from the cross, is given to his mother Mary. It is a key work of Italian Renaissance sculpture and often taken as the start of the High Renaissance. -
1509
The school of Athens, by Raphael Sanzio
The School of Athens was painted at some point between 1507 and 1512; the usual date given is 1509 to 1511.
It is on exhibit at Vatican City and is one of the frescoes that Pope Julius I commissioned.
It is thought that his masterwork, which exemplifies Renaissance art, is the School of Athens.
Singulart examines the high Renaissance movement in this essay, as well as the key characters depicted in The School of Athens and the reasons it holds such significance for Raphael. -
Period: 1520 to 1521
The revolt of the Comuneros in Castilla
The revolt of the Comuneros in Castilla was a rebellion that took place in Castile between 1520 and 1521 against the reign of Charles I and his government. At their height, the rebels ruled Toledo, Valladolid, and Tordesillas, controlling the center of Castile. -
Period: 1568 to 1571
The rebellion of the Alpujarras
It was a conflict in Spain under Philip II. The Moors of the Kingdom of Granada took up arms in protest against the practical sanctions of 1567 which restricted their cultural freedoms.
When the Moors were defeated, they decided to deport the survivors to the Crown of Castile, where the Moorish population grew.
In addition to the deaths and deportations, thousands more were sold into slavery in Spain. -
Period: 1568 to
The Eighty Years War
The conflict for the independence of the Netherlands from Spain resulted in the division of the northern and southern regions and the establishment of the United Provinces of the Netherlands.
The initial stage of the war started with two failed invasions led by armies (1568 1572) and attacks from foreign-based Geuzen forces.
By the close of 1573, the Geuzen had taken control of, converted to Calvinism, and defended from Spanish assault the regions of Holland and Zeeland. -
Period: to
Baroque art
The Baroque is a highly ornate and elaborate style of architecture, art and design.
Baroque art reflected the hierarchical and patriarchal society of the time, developing through and being used by those in power to persuade as well as impress, to be both rich and meaningful. Compared to the control and carefully balanced proportions associated with the Renaissance, it's known for its movement and drama. -
The defeat of the Spanish Armada by England
An English naval force led by Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake defeats Spain's infamous "Invincible Armada" off the coast of Gravelines, France. Following eight hours of intense combat, the Spanish withdrew from the conflict and headed for the North Sea due to a shift in the direction of the wind. After their prospects of invasion were dashed, the remaining members of the Spanish Armada set off on a protracted and challenging trip back to Spain. -
Apollo and Daphne, by Bernini
The statue of Bernini narrates the story of a nymph pursued by the sun god Apollo, who, as retribution for ridiculing Eros, was struck by a love arrow, while Daphne was struck by a hateful arrow. As Apollo chases Daphne, she runs away, seeking assistance from her father, the river god Peneus. To rescue her, he changes her into a laurel tree. Apollo embraced the tree and vowed that from this moment on, it would be his sacred tree, representing glory. -
Saint Peter's square project by Bernini
This grand elliptical area, surrounded by 284 Doric columns in four tiers, is the creation of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who designed it during the papacies of Alexander VII and Clement IX.
Each Sunday at twelve o'clock, individuals come together to pray the Angelus and receive the Pope's blessing from his window. A red porphyry stone located on the northwest corner of the square indicates the place where Pope John Paul II was shot. -
The Spinners, by Velázquez
"The Spinners" is a painting by Velázquez that is kept in the Prado Museum.
Thematically, one of the artist's most mysterious works. It consists of Athena and Arachne posing as old ladies. The story tells of a bet made by people to determine who is better at weaving. The goddess lost and had to admit that Arachne's abilities were superior.
However, the winner is punished equally for its rudeness.
That's why Atenea didn't take defeat in the end and turned spinning into a spider. -
Period: to
Neoclassical art
Inspired by classical antiquity's art and culture, Neoclassicism, emerged as a Western cultural movement in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theater, music, and architecture. Rome is where neoclassicism originated. -
Oath of the Horati, by Jacques-Louis David
It depicts three men, brothers, salute three swords raised by the father, while the woman behind laments that no one has seen such a painting.
Similar themes had been seen frequently at the Salon before, but the physicality and emotional intensity of this painting was new and undeniable.
Revolutionary painting transformed French art, but David also called for a different kind of revolution. -
Carlos IV of Spain and his family, by Francisco de Goya
The Family of Carlos IV It has often been described as Goya’s greatest portrait.
The king requested a family portrait, and in the summer of 1800 the artist prepared a series of oil sketches for the formal arrangement of the various sitters. The final result shows the family members wearing sparkling, sumptuous garments and sashes of various royal orders. Yet, despite the pomp and splendor, the artist employed a naturalistic style, capturing the individual characters.