Spanish Golden Age

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Spanish Golden Age (Siglo de Oro) refers to a period of flourishing in arts and literature in Spain, coinciding with the political rise and subsequent decline of the Spanish Habsburgs. This era is generally considered to have spanned from the late 15th century to the late 17th century.

Historical Context

The Spanish Golden Age began with the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, who unified Spain and sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus. This period saw the expansion of the Spanish Empire, which brought immense wealth and cultural exchange.

Literature

The Spanish Golden Age is renowned for its literary achievements. Notable figures include:

• Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, often considered the first modern novel.
• Lope de Vega, a prolific playwright who wrote over 1,800 plays.
• Pedro Calderón de la Barca, known for his philosophical and theological dramas, such as Life is a Dream (La vida es sueño).

Art

Spanish art also flourished during this period, with significant contributions from:

• El Greco, whose dramatic and expressionistic style influenced both the Spanish Renaissance and Baroque movements.
• Diego Velázquez, court painter to King Philip IV of Spain, known for masterpieces like Las Meninas.
• Francisco de Zurbarán, famous for his religious paintings and still lifes.

Music

The era also saw advancements in music, with composers like:

• Tomás Luis de Victoria, a leading composer of the Spanish Renaissance.
• Francisco Guerrero, known for his sacred music.

Science and Philosophy

The Spanish Golden Age was not limited to the arts. It also saw significant developments in science and philosophy, with figures such as:

• Miguel Servet, a polymath who made contributions to anatomy and theology.
• Francisco Suárez, a prominent philosopher and theologian.

Decline

The decline of the Spanish Golden Age began in the late 17th century, coinciding with the economic and political decline of the Spanish Empire. The death of Charles II of Spain in 1700 marked the end of the Habsburg dynasty and the beginning of the War of the Spanish Succession, which further weakened Spain.

Related Pages

• Spanish Renaissance
• Baroque
• Habsburg Spain
• Philip II of Spain
• Philip III of Spain
• Philip IV of Spain
• Charles II of Spain

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