18th Century Spanish Cultural Movements: Neoclassicism, Literature & Theater
18th Century Spanish Cultural Movements
The Illustration: A cultural movement in Spain that spread throughout the 18th century, characterized by:
- Rationalism: Emphasis on reason and confidence in science.
- Humanitarianism: The belief that human action should aim for the ultimate good.
- Reformism: The idea that human progress is gradual.
- Individualism: Focus on individual initiative, confidence, and kindness.
- Faith in Progress: The belief that progress leads to happiness and well-being for all.
Neoclassicism
Characterized
Read MoreSpanish Baroque Literature: Quevedo and Calderón
Francisco De Quevedo
Moral-Philosophical Poems
Metaphysical Poetry
In these poems, the author expresses the tragic sense of life and the inherent contradiction of the Baroque spirit. Some poems express regret at the brevity of life and anxiety over the passage of time. In others, asceticism appears, portraying Christian life as a hoax and presenting a positive vision of death.
Moral Poems
These poems depict the corruption of the world and offer a serious satire of Spanish reality. His position is rooted
Read MoreSpanish Literature: From Medieval Narratives to Cervantes
Narrative Idealism
Narrative idealists idealized the world with invented characters and implausible arguments.
Cavalry Novel
Originates in the medieval era with the emergence of a hero as a principal character. Highlights include:
- Tirant lo Blanch: Written in Catalan with no fantastic episodes.
- Amadís de Gaula: Characterized by the presence of fantastic elements and knightly virtues, with an emphasis on honor.
Pastoral Novel
Amorous misadventures recounted by idealized shepherds. Shepherds tell their
Read MoreSpanish Theater Evolution: 1940s to 1970s
Theater in Exile
Max Aub: Public in 1942 “San Juan”. The book presents the story of a contingent of Jewish immigrants fleeing the Nazis in a boat, the “San Juan”, and failing to be received in any port.
Alejandro Casona: Debuts in Buenos Aires “La Dama del Alba” (1944), “The Boat Without a Fisherman” (1945), “Trees Die Standing” (1949).
1940s: Evasion and Humor
Highlights include the innovative theater humor of Enrique Jardiel Ponce and Miguel Mihura. Mihura’s most representative work is “Three Top
Read MoreMaison Carrée and Augustus of Prima Porta: Roman Art
Maison Carrée: A Roman Temple in Nîmes
Construction and Architectural Features
May 2 – The Maison Carrée is a well-preserved Roman temple in Nîmes, France, exemplifying Roman temple architecture. It incorporates elements from Etruscan temples, such as a high podium, a prominent main facade, and a deep portico. The temple’s rectangular form and interior division also reflect Etruscan influences.
The temple stands on a podium, accessible only by a main stairway. The portico features slender Corinthian
Read MoreSpanish Literature: 14th to 16th Century Authors & Genres
The Picaresque Novel: *Lazarillo de Tormes* (1554)
Lazarillo de Tormes, first published in 1554 (Burgos, Antwerp, and Alcala de Henares), is a seminal work in the picaresque genre. The protagonist, Lazaro de Tormes, is a *rogue* who narrates episodes from his past life in the first person, in the form of a letter to “Your Excellency”.
Key Features of *Lazarillo de Tormes*:
- Realism: It offers a realistic, rather than idealistic, portrayal of 16th-century Spanish society, including its hardships.
- Protagonist: