España Literature and Art

Historic Spanish Architecture/Art Prehistoric Art Roman architecture in Spain Coliseums, bridges, theaters, temples among others Roman aqueduct of Segovia

Arabic Architecture Espa ña

La Alhambra

Arabic Structures cont’d Due to their belief in not reproducing the human form Arabic art rarely contains humans can be found Arabic art is dominant in the south of Spain. Their art consisted of vibrant colors, intricate designs, and rich ornamentation.

Arabic Art cont’d

The Mosque of Cordoba The Mosque of Cordoba was converted into a Christian Church contains almost 1000 columns

Roman Architecture Espa ña

Roman architecture in Spain The Roman architecture in Spain included Amphitheatres, coliseums, temples, and bridges

Murallas de Avila

Cathedral of Jaen en Andalucia

The Cathedral of Sevilla

The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The bridge of Toledo

Aqueduct of Segovia Considered one of the greatest Architectural feats in Europe Made with granite blocks of granite The aqueduct was made without concrete or mortar and stands due to the equal balance of forces.

Literature Espa ña

Spanish Literature Jarchas - Jarchas are the oldest form of Spanish literature that is known. They are short poems written in Arabic and Spanish dialect. The main themes of these poems are frequently of love and the pain or ectasy it may bring

Garcilaso de la Vega (1501 – 1536) He wrote in Spanish, Latin, and italian He died in Battle at the age of 34 He was from a noble family, was a military man, diplomat, musician, and poet He played the harp and the violin

Miguel Cervantes (1547 – 1616) Cervantes was self-taught but also received formal education He was also a soldier, and lost the use of his left hand in battle “for the greater good of the right” (according to Cervantes) Most famous for his work – Don Quijote de la Mancha in 1605

Lope de Vega (1562 – 1635) Although he was married twice and had many illegitimate children, he became a priest at age 52 Born and died in Madrid Spain He attended a university operated by Jesuit priests, but was largely self-taught He was part to the 1588 Invincible Army He was a playwright, poet, and a priest Famous works: Fuenteovejuna

Federico Garcia Lorca Was born in Andalucía Spain Lorca was a poet, playwright, composer, pianist, guitarist, director, and illustrator He was considered the poet of the Gitano (gypsies), the Blacks of New York, homosexuals, and oppressed women

Federico García Lorca (1898 – 1936) He visited New York in 1929 – a visit that both impressed and depressed him Famous works Bodas de and Sangre, Yerma, La Casa de Bernada Alba He was assassinated by a Franco loyalist in 1936

Domenico Theotocopuli - El Greco (1542 – 1614) The name El Greco came about because this painter was born in Crete, Greece Born in Greece, studied painting in Italy, and one of the most famous Spanish painters El Greco painted mainly religious themes -using somber colors, and people in reverential positions

Famous works: La crucifixión and El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz,

Diego Velazquez (1599 – 1660) One of the most famous Spanish painters both in life and death He was almost opposite to Greco painting scenes of enjoyment

El Cristo Crucificado, Las Meninas, La Rendición de Breda and Los Borachos

Francisco de Goya (1746 – 1823) Goya was from a humble family He was a mischievous boy and remained that way into adulthood as a result he was involved in many duels, quarrels, and fights

Francisco de Goya (1746 – 1823) He was the ‘painter of the court’ for Carlos IV. That still did not stop him from painting about the corruptions occuring in his government He painted the royal family en all their reality with all their foibles. Historians believe it’s a wonder he was not hanged!

La Gallina Ciega, Ni por esas and El Sueño de razon produce monstruos

Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) Born in Málaga Spain to a father who was a museum curator, possibly one of the factors that influenced his profession He began to paint in earnest at the age of 15 At age 19 he moved to Paris

Guernica (1937)

The Old Guitarist and Las Doncellas de Avignon He was the founder of a style of art called cubism He painted up to the final years of his life He died at 92 in France

Flamenco Flamenco is a type of music and special dance originating from Arabic and Gitano influences. Different regions in Spain have slightly varying interpretations of Flamenco.

Instruments of Flamenco