Ancient Greek Art & Architecture: A Comprehensive Study

Ancient Greece: Humanism and Historical Periods

In ancient Greece, humanity was considered the axis and measure of all history and fundamental principles. Consequently, great importance was given to the exterior and public life. We can highlight three significant periods in Greek art and culture: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic.

Greek Architecture: Temples and Orders

In Greek architecture, the temple is the most emphasized edifice, characterized by several key features:

  • A gable roof
  • A *pediment*
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16th Century European Novels: Idealism vs. Realism

The Novel in the 16th Century

The narrative genre experienced a profound renewal in the 16th century. This change was facilitated by the rise of printing, which aided the diffusion of novels. During this period, two main currents emerged: the idealistic novel, rooted in medieval tradition, and the new Italian genre, which recreated idyllic worlds and characters for entertainment. By the mid-16th century, the realist novel also appeared, giving voice to marginal characters and depicting unpleasant

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Medieval Iberian Lyric Poetry: Forms and Evolution

Lyric Poetry of the 13th Century

Lyric poetry of the 13th century encompasses two main forms:

  • Traditional Lyric: Characterized by anonymous, oral transmission.
  • Cultured Courtly Lyric: Attributed to known authors and transmitted in writing.

Traditional poetry is generally simpler than its cultured counterpart.

Characteristics of Traditional Lyric

This genre consists of a limited set of songs transmitted orally, primarily focusing on the theme of love. These compositions were sung to accompany farm work,

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Post-War Spanish Poetry: Eras of Transformation (1940-1970)

The evolution of post-war Spanish poetry mirrors that of the novel, characterized by existential themes in the 1940s, social concerns in the 1950s, experimental approaches in the 1960s, and openness to diverse trends from the 1970s onwards.

The 1940s: Post-War Poetic Landscape

In the 1940s, poetry was strongly influenced by the historical situation. Poets sought a sense of reality, often finding it in spirituality or in expressions of complaint. Generally, poetry during this period was highly individualistic,

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Spanish Renaissance Poetry: Garcilaso de la Vega’s Enduring Legacy

16th-Century Spanish Poetry: Trends and Garcilaso

Poetry in 16th-Century Spain

In Spain, two major trends emerged in 16th-century poetry: traditional Spanish poetry and Italianate poetry.

Traditional Spanish Poetry

In the 15th century, both learned and popular poetry existed. In the 16th century, both types of poetry continued. Learned poetry, in particular, was widely cultivated through the Cancionero General, where compositions abounded with courtly love and troubadour traditions. Popular lyric poetry

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La Celestina: Renaissance Theater’s Defining Work

Renaissance Theater and La Celestina

Compared to religious drama, the late 15th century marks the beginning of a new generation: Renaissance theater. Among the major works of this period, a significant genre is La Celestina, a drama written to be read, not performed, which mimics the Italian humanist comedy.

Fernando de Rojas: The Author

Fernando de Rojas was a man of laws, a converso, born in Toledo around 1475. He lived in various Castilian cities until his death in 1541. Rojas found the first act

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