Cervantes’ Masterpieces: Don Quixote and Literary Innovation
Cervantes: 18th Century Novelist
Cervantes’ literary contributions are foundational to the development of the modern novel. His works encompass a range of styles and themes, showcasing his mastery of narrative and character development.
Early Works and Influences
- La Galatea: This early work contains all the ingredients of the pastoral genre: idealized rural life, characters disguised as shepherds and poets, and a narrative framework centered on relationships. It also includes an extensive anthology
Bernini vs. Borromini: A Study in Baroque Architecture
Bernini and Borromini: Contrasting Styles
Bernini favored marble in his constructions, while Borromini often utilized brick, stucco, and plaster. Bernini embraced wild, open spaces with curves and counter-curves. Borromini, in contrast, created artificial spaces with small, complicated combinations of warping effects. Bernini polished facades and interiors to enhance the interplay of light and shadow. Borromini sharpened profiles, adding highlights and edges to create dramatic chiaroscuro effects.
Read MoreItalian and Spanish Renaissance Architecture
Cinquecento Architecture in Italy
Cinquecento:
In the 16th century, the fundamental center of Italian architecture was Rome. Key concepts included:
- Use of perspective as a method to organize vision and create visual hierarchies.
- Proportion: Establishing mathematical proportions to form a cohesive whole.
- Symmetry: Centralized plans that enclose the space within itself.
- Sobriety and clarity.
Bramante’s Architectural Innovations
Bramante
Born near Urbino in 1444, Bramante originated a new trend that emphasized
Read MoreUnderstanding Nouns, Pronouns, Descriptive & Narrative Text
Nouns
Concrete: Tangible realities (ashtray, table)
Abstract: Mental realities (sadness, friendship)
Common: General objects (city, friend)
Proper: Individual names (Rome, Fernando)
Group: Group of beings or objects (swarm)
Individual: Singular beings or objects (bee)
Countable: Can be counted (book, button)
Uncountable: Cannot be counted (oil)
Pronouns
Anaphora: Pronoun refers to elements mentioned previously.
Cataphoric: Pronoun refers to elements appearing later in speech.
Demonstrative Pronouns: This, that,
Read MoreAugustine’s Influence on Medieval Historical Interpretation
Augustine and Historical Interpretation
The theory developed by Augustine of Hippo is presented in the seven books of Historiarum adversus paganos. His history is the story of a series of blame and punishment, merit and prizes, where seemingly random events find their explanation. Perhaps one of the most comprehensive ways to express the concept of providential history is found in the so-called Prophetic Chronicle, in which he explains, by the prophecies of Ezekiel, the entry of Muslims into the
Read MoreRenaissance Art Techniques and Terms Explained
Renaissance Art Techniques and Terms
Depth: A painting technique used in the Renaissance (15th century) to create the illusion of distance. It refers to the perceived distance of an element relative to a reference plane.
Composition: A technique used during the Renaissance (15th century) where figures were arranged in relation to the viewer’s eye level, often in a triangular formation.
Patrons: Individuals who financially supported artists, providing spiritual and material assistance. This practice
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