Week 9- Spanish Renaissance

This week in History if Interiors we learned about the Spanish Renaissance, which is also referred to as the Hispano- Moorish to Neoclassical. A fusion of Christian Spain with Moorish Art, known as Mudejar exploded in 1607. Taking place during the reign of Ferinand and Isabella, there were many voyages acquiring the New World, resulting in trade of gold and silver, but ending in bankrupt.  

Greatly influenced by the Italian Renaissance, craftsmen were in great demand and art schools were founded. Inspiration of vibrant extravagance came from the Moors of Africa. Courtyards and gardens were evident in buildings such as the Alhambra. Many castles were built during this time, made from concrete and brick. Grand cathedrals erupted, inspired by gothic and classical architecture.  

 

(Alhambra) (Modern Day Example)

The Spanish Renaissance was focused on silversmith’s style known as the Plateresco Phase, creating minute and delicate ornamentation. However, there was also unornamented which is referred to as Desornamentado Phase, which was powerful and carefully proportioned as a result of Plateresco. Next came Herrera Architecture, inspired by Palladio, it consisted of classical forms, plain surfaces and sparse decorations. However, after Herrera passed away, Baroque style or Churrigueresco became evident. This was a more passionate style of architecture, having sculptures, motifs, and classical orders in unconventional ways.  

(Grille Work) (Modern Day Application Grille Work)

In residential design, Moorish design played a large influence. Modest rural homes were constructed with elaborate decorations. Iron grilles ornamented windows, openings, and handrails. There were colored tiles, paneled, painted, and carved ceilings, plasterwork framed doors and windows. Pictures were made from tile, flooring was also tile or stone, brick, or wood, floors were often laid in a basket weave consisting of subdued colors, and there was leatherwork throughout the building. Oil paintings were framed with gold and carpets, rugs, and mats were used. 

Furniture by cabinetmakers was made from wood, having inlays carvings, and being painted or gilded. The structure of the furniture was overall simple and bold, while ornamentation contained geometric or natural designs. Craftsmanship was limited creating simpler designs compared to that of the Italian Renaissance, however, ornamental iron work was often added for bracing and decoration.  

(Vargueno) (Modern Day Application)

Vargueno furniture was used as desks using a drop-down feature, and storage with all the cabinet work. A taquillion was another type of chest, which could be used for the base of a vargueno. A papelera was a cabinet without a drop-front, usually mounted by ball feet. Similarly, there were benches, chests, tables, beds, and other types of furniture made from wood, ironwork, and leather in a similar style.  

 

One Step Further: 

The Spanish Renaissance Gaywood Residence was designed by L. Lumpkins Architect INC. and its interiors by Richard Trimble and Associates in Dallas, TX. “A Spanish Renaissance Revival style, the goal of the house was to cross borders and appeal to a more modern attitude, a modernized interpretation of traditional architecture.” The traditional Spanish style is incorporated in the exterior and interior. The arched doorways, wood furniture, tiled flooring and roofs, carved ceilings, and iron work display the classic style.  

Lloyd Lumpkins, from East Texas, designs residential projects with a passion of beauty and perfection based on the historical classical styles such as the Spanish Renaissance. The revival styles emphasize the classical forms with proper scale and proportions.  

 

https://www.lumpkinsarchitects.com/portfolio-collection/spanish-revival-gaywood 

https://www.lumpkinsarchitects.com/about-us