Spanish Historical Romanticism Painting - Mon.24 FEB. 2025 - 5pm

Monday, 24 February, 2025

17:00 H (5pm)

Benitachell Properties

Calle Padre Placido 57

Donation of 10 euros

ABOUT

This class will provide participants with a deep understanding of how Spanish Historical Romanticism combined history, emotion, and politics to create powerful, enduring works of art. 

Through an exploration of key artists, themes, techniques, and socio-political influences, attendees will develop a nuanced appreciation of this influential movement. 

The talk includes slides of representative artworks, allowing for an engaging visual analysis of Spain’s most dramatic historical paintings by arts historian - Karla Ingleton Darocas, BA (Hons) 

Author of PRIDE & PASSION AT THE PRADO - Spain's Seven Most Famous Historical Romantic Stories & the Artists Who Immortalised Them -  click here to learn more about this book!

Before You Attend Class - READ This! 

Introduction to Spanish Romanticism in Painting

Introduction to Spanish Romanticism in Painting

Spanish Romanticism in painting, emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was a response to political upheaval, national identity struggles, and evolving artistic influences from Europe. Unlike the structured realism and compositions of Neoclassicism, Romanticism embraced emotion, drama, and individuality, often highlighting Spain’s historical past, cultural traditions, and exoticism. 

Several distinct movements developed, each reflecting different aspects of Spanish Romanticism.

Rococo

Immersive Journey into the Rise and Fall of Rococo in Spain! 

Step into the splendor of 18th-century Spain as we explore the captivating rise and dramatic fall of the Rococo style. 

José de Ribera - 27 Jan, 2025. 5pm

Paris is currently celebrating José de Ribera (1591–1652), the late Renaissance and early Baroque master, with an extraordinary exhibition of over 100 paintings dedicated to the Valencian painter, who was born in Xàtiva. This celebration of Ribera's work offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore his legacy, and I have decided to do the same in an inspirational talk about his remarkable art. Ribera’s paintings are relatively easy to understand within the framework of the Baroque era. This was a time when the Catholic Church used art as a powerful form of propaganda, reminding people of the suffering of saints at the hands of the Romans to reinforce faith and counter the Protestant threat.  

What I love about José de Ribera is not only his mastery of Caravaggio’s dramatic style but also his unique position as a painter outside the confines of a royal court. Unlike court painters who were often restricted to royal portraits, Ribera worked under the Spanish rulers of Naples, which allowed him to explore a wide range of subjects. His repertoire extends beyond tortured saints to some of the most unusual and compelling paintings, often with fascinating stories rooted in Spanish history.

Franciscan Convent of Benissa is a Cherished Renaissance Landmark

Thank Goodness the Franciscan Convent of Benissa Was Not Turned Into a Hotel

Preserving the historical and architectural heritage of the Franciscan Convent in Benissa was a relief to many locals and history enthusiasts alike. Plans announced in 1917 to transform this storied convent into a hotel were met with mixed emotions, as the proposal risked altering the character of one of Benissa's most iconic landmarks. Instead, the convent remains a treasure of cultural and spiritual significance, even as its use evolves to accommodate modern realities.

Architectural Features of the Convent

Felipe II (1527–1598) The Renaissance King with a Big Ego & Painful Death

Imagine a man so convinced of his divine right to rule that he believed his kingdom wasn’t just vast—it was illuminated 24/7 by the sun itself. Enter Felipe II of Spain, the ultimate monarch with a cosmic-sized ego to match his colossal empire. Born in 1527, Felipe wasn’t just any king; he was the king—God’s personal pick to manage the affairs of the mortal world. And he had every reason to think so, with a résumé so glittering it could outshine the treasures of the Americas (which he also happened to own).

Spain's Golden Age of Architecture - Monday, 13, January 2025

Discover the Splendor of Spanish Renaissance Architecture: The Golden Age

Step back in time to the opulent world of 16th-century Spain, a period celebrated as the "Golden Age" of art, culture, and architecture. Book NOW for this engaging talk with slides where we will explore the iconic architectural styles, masterful architects, and royal patrons that defined an era of unparalleled wealth.

Who is commemorated by the bust in Benissa?

DID YOU KNOW

The bust in Benissa commemorates Jaume el Conqueridor (James the Conqueror) King James I of Aragon, who reigned from 1213 to 1276. He is renowned for his military campaigns that expanded the Crown of Aragon's territories, including the conquest of Valencia in 1238. This expansion played a significant role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of the region.

What defines the Monastery of San Jerónimo's church portal?

The door and portal of the Iglesia del Monasterio Jerónimo de la Concepción (Monasterio de San Jerónimo) in Granada, Andalucía, are remarkable examples of Renaissance architecture, crafted by Martín Díaz Navarrete around 1593. 

What secrets lie within the portal of Carlos V at the Alcázar of Toledo?

The main portal of Carlos V at the Alcázar of Toledo is a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, reflecting the grandeur and ambition of Carlos I of Spain during his reign. Designed in the Plateresque style, the portal combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish influences, showcasing the highly decorative and intricate craftsmanship of the era.