Spain’s Silver Age: Politics, Art, and Culture (1900-1939)

The Popular Front (February-June 1936)

The new government, led by Santiago Casares Quiroga:

• Decreed an amnesty for the prisoners of the 1934 Revolution.
• Reinstated reforms.

Radicalization between left and right grew. A new political party of extreme right-wing ideas was founded: Falange Española. It demanded a fascist regime for the country. The political confrontation caused the Tragic Spring of 1936, with street fights, attacks, and assassinations between the Falangistas, the communists, and the anarchists.

The radical sectors of the army, which had been conspiring against the Republic since its creation, decided to intervene. A coup d’état under the direction of General Mola was planned in order to prevent the implementation of the reforms projected by the Popular Front and end the Republic.

Art and Culture: The Silver Age

The Silver Age (Early 20th Century)

Spanish culture and art enjoyed a period of splendor known as the Silver Age. There was a succession of new literary movements:

• Generación del 98: Expressed their pessimism after the disaster of Cuba. Notable members include Unamuno, Baroja, Valle Inclán, and Azorín.
• The Modernists: Tried to capture the essence of art and beauty. Key figures include Juan Ramón Jiménez and Rubén Darío.
• Generación del 27: Experimented with new writing techniques. Notable members include Lorca, Alberti, and Aleixandre.

Other intellectuals, scientists, engineers, historians, and literary critics contributed to the dynamism of Spanish culture. Examples:

• Philosopher Ortega y Gasset analyzed the power of the masses in society (The Revolt of the Masses).
• Doctor Ramón y Cajal made discoveries in the field of neurology.

Architecture

Modernist Architecture (Late 19th – early 20th century):

Antonio Gaudí designed buildings with undulating shapes, decorated with motifs taken from nature, such as rocks, plants, and animals. Examples include Casa Batlló, Casa Milá, Güell Park, and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Rationalist Architecture:

• Preferred functional designs.
• With little decoration.
• Pure lines.

Architect: Lluis Sert.

Painting: The Avant-Garde

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

One of the greatest artists of the 20th century due to his continuous search for innovation. His early years are defined by his peculiar use of color:

• Blue Period (1901-1904): He painted figures that expressed sadness, loneliness, and pain.
• Rose Period (1904-1907): He painted melancholic figures often connected to the circus.

Picasso as a Cubist Artist:

• Analytical Cubism (1907-1911): Abstract, and it is difficult to recognize the elements of the composition.
• Synthetic Cubism (1912-1921): A variety of colors are used. The elements of the composition are more defined.

Surrealism

• Dalí (1904-1989): He found his inspiration in the world of dreams. His method of composition was paranoiac-critical. He created his work in a state of paranoia or delirium represented by strange, recurring images. Examples: watches that appear to be melting.
• Miró (1893-1983): He got his inspiration from fantasy and dreams. Characteristics: Flat and colored backgrounds. Twisted or geometrical shapes of vibrant colors seem to float. His paintings have a characteristic sense of humor.