Spanish Golden Age: History, Culture, and Renaissance
The Golden Age of Spain
Historical Events
Three pivotal events marked the beginning of the Golden Age under the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella:
- The end of the Reconquista
- The expulsion of the Jews
- The discovery of America
The Impact of Spanish Arrival in America
The arrival of the Spaniards in America had profound effects:
Economic Impact
- Ports became important trade hubs.
- Food sources became more varied.
- Precious metals were used to pay debts incurred from European wars.
Political Impact
- Spain gained control of a vast territory.
Scientific Impact
- Development of engineering, mining, and navigation techniques.
- Encounter of large ethnic groups with strangers.
Social Impact
- A large number of Spaniards emigrated to America, seeking to improve their social status.
European Reactions
As the Catholic Monarchs conquered many areas, countries like France and England resented Spain’s growing power, leading to numerous and costly wars.
Culture and Thought
Throughout the 16th century, the Renaissance, which developed in Italy, influenced Spain, leading to:
- A return to ancient Greco-Roman culture, fostering new issues, attitudes, and behavior patterns.
- The development of humanism (anthropocentrism), emphasizing man’s creative intelligence and desire for happiness, without renouncing Christian faith.
- The flourishing of translations and the prestige of vernacular languages. Latin remained the universal language of culture among humanists.
Religion
- Erasmus of Rotterdam, an important Christian humanist, criticized the rigidity of ecclesiastical institutions.
- Martin Luther led the movement to reform the Church.
In response to Protestant criticisms, the Council of Trent was held, launching the Counter-Reformation to defend Catholic traditions.
Carlos I initially showed openness to Erasmian ideas. However, during the reign of Philip II, Spain became a staunch defender of Catholic values.
Language
From a literary perspective, Castilian achieved a high degree of development and creativity.
The century concluded with Cervantes’ essential and definitive contributions.
Lyrics in the Early Renaissance
The lyric poetry of the early Renaissance flourished during the reign of Charles I in the first half of the sixteenth century.
Poetic Currents of the Early Renaissance
Traditional Ballads
The taste for popular poetry increased during the 16th century.
Two types of verse were cultivated:
- Traditional songs: generally written in authentic Castilian ballads and broken verse, focusing on themes of love.
- Romances: disseminated through broadsides and compilations.
Educated Lyrics in Castilian Verse
Courtly poetry was transmitted through successive editions of Hernando del Castillo’s Cancionero General.
Italianate Lyrics
In 1526, Juan Boscán met the Venetian ambassador in Granada, who encouraged him to introduce Italian literary trends into Spanish poetry. Boscán sought help from Garcilaso de la Vega, and they both collaborated.
This poetry was influenced by:
- Petrarch, who viewed love as a supreme feeling, with the beloved as an angelic being leading the poet to paradise, emphasizing the attraction women exert on the spirit and senses.
- Baldassare Castiglione, author of The Courtier, a handbook of good manners that presented the ideal man of the time.
New forms inspired by Italian metrics arrived in Spain:
- Preference for seven-syllable and hendecasyllable verse.
- New stanzas like lyres and silvas.
Themes
- Nature: presented in accordance with the poet’s state of mind.
- Mythology: used to convey the poet’s feelings.
- Common thematic motifs: such as ubi sunt or locus amoenus.