Century XX - summary

Art and culture in the 19th century

Architecture

At the beginning of the 19th century, neoclassical architecture was developed. Buildings were constructed in a style similar to that of Greek and Roman architecture, such as the Gate of Toledo in Madrid.

During this century, iron bridges were built and new types of buildings were created, such as railway stations made of iron and glass. 

At the end of the century, a new architectural style, known as Modernism, was born. This style showed curved and wavy shapes that simulate forms in nature.

In Spain, the best-known modernist architect was Antoni Gaudí.

Sculpture

The transformation of cities influenced sculpture. During this century, squares, gardens and avenues were decorated with beautiful sculptures made mainly of stone.

Painting

At the beginning of the 19th century, Francisco de Goya was painter at the Spanish Court and painted portraits of Charles IV and Ferdinand VII. However, he also painted popular scenes such as festivals and wine harvests. Goya is considered one of the greatest artists in history. 

At the end of the 19th century, Impressionism was born. This art movement introduced innovative painting techniques. Impressionist painters put more emphasis on colour than drawing, as well as on the effect of light in landscapes. The most important Spanish impressionist painter was Joaquín Sorolla. 

Literature

During the 19th century, there were great writers in Spain, such as the playwright José Zorrilla; the poets Rosalía de Castro and Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer; and the novelists Benito Pérez Galdós and Leopoldo Alas ‘Clarín’.

At the end of the century, when Spain lost its last colonies, a group of writers known as the Generation of '98 wrote pessimistically about the social and political situation of

Spain. This group included writers such as Pío Baroja, Miguel de Unamuno, Antonio Machado and Ramón María del Valle-Inclán.

Scheme: society in the 19th century

Society in the 19th century

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