Response to Spanish Renaissance

I read Kristina P's and Samantha's blogs.  Kristina's had a great description of the features from this time period.  I love how she put up so many pictures and examples of buildings, cathedrals,and castles form this time period.  I really got a good look at what was actually designed in this time period. Samantha's blog had a great deal of information on the Moors.  She had a good connection between them and the style that was developed during this time period.

Spanish Renaissance

The Spanish Renaissance was a revival of the Greek's and Roman's designs. The buildings became more extravagant  following the gothic style.  The buildings looked heavy and secure more than light and friendly.  Castles were also introduced.  All kinds of castles were built which set apart the important and rich from the poor.
 
  One of the most popular palace/ castle that was built was the El Escorial.  This was a royal palace created and acknowledged for its simplicity. King Phillip was the ruler during this time period.



However, there were many other key features during this time period.  There were different phases including the Plateresco phase and the desornamentado phase.  The plateresco phase included gothic style in its construction.  Minute and delicate ornament resembled the work of a silversmith  and was used on exteriors, patios, churches, public buildings, furniture and accessories.  Example as seen at the University of Salamanca.  The design of the building is rich with detail. 
The Desornamentado phase was a powerful style characterized by austerity, it was a reaction to the plateresco style.  This phase is where the El escorial was created.  The architecture had carefully defined proportions and corresponded more to public buildings.

Lastly, the interiors from this time period included iron grilles on the windows and other openings.  Also colored tiles, and paneled ceilings.  Other features included floors made of basket weave and subdued colors.  The furniture was simple and bold with a heavy look to it.  The rectangle shape was commonly used. Some examples of the furniture include Sillon de Frailero, wooden benches, walnut benches, puente stands, and taquillions.

Taquillion

Puente Stand

current application

current application

Response to Italian Renaissance

I read Ali and Dana's Blogs about the Italian Renaissance.

Ali had a lot of great pictures of Michelangelo's work and some of the other influential art pieces from this time period. I find it amazing how these artists were able to compose such extravagant and detailed pieces because they definitely did not have as many different tools as we do today. She also showed some good pictures of the interiors.  Dana's blog had a great description on the clients relationship with artists and architects.  I agree with her on how are society is such a "throw-away" society.  We do not really carry long term relationships with painters, interior designs, photographers, architects, and more.  While I do not like contracts, it would be nice if clients would stick with the same people when they need similar projects done.

Italian Renaissance

The arts were ravishing through this time period.  Everyone whether you were poor or rich, was intrigued by the arts.  Sculptures, writing, painting, architecture and pretty much every other kind of art was studied.  The styles were a remake of Greek and Roman architecture, but with Gothic and Romanesque interior styles.  Some of the art from this time was extravagant.  Michelangelo was discovered during this time with his sculptures and painting done in the Sistine Chapel.

Also during this time period, the style went from safety to comfort, convenience, and style.  People were more interested in how the furniture and interiors looked rather than the structure.  The furniture had lots of detail and moldings on it.  The arches and doorways were extravagant as well flourishing into elaborate ceilings. One of the most popular types of homes was the Palazzo. Which included fireplaces, tapestries, and frescoes on the interiors.  The Palazzo included living spaces on the 2nd and 3rd floors, while a shop was on the first floor similar to the Roman insula. 

As you can tell by this picture, homes are still similar to the Palazzo.  People usually own shops on the first floor and live on top of them. 

Some furniture types from this time period:

sgabello chair

modern day sgabellos might look like bar stools

Modern Day Dante Chair

Dante Chair:

Another interior living room or dining room

Interior of a living room or office