Art
Under Philip II, there were multiple artists, including himself, that brought forth many pieces of work that resembled the ideas and values of the era. One of these artists was Domenikos Theotokopoulos, or better known as El Greco, meaning "the Greek". His art confused many people because it distorted the human figure, used clashing colors, and symbolically expressed emotion. In his art, there were often saints and martyrs because he painted with the deep Catholic faith in Spain in mind.
Another artist was Diego Velázquez (pictured above). He reflected the pride of the Spanish monarchy nearly 50 years after El Greco. He was, at the time, the court painter to Philip IV. He used rich colors and painted many portraits of the royal family and court life.
Overall, Philip II had created a golden age for art, as well as literature, that continued through the 16th and 17th centuries.
Another artist was Diego Velázquez (pictured above). He reflected the pride of the Spanish monarchy nearly 50 years after El Greco. He was, at the time, the court painter to Philip IV. He used rich colors and painted many portraits of the royal family and court life.
Overall, Philip II had created a golden age for art, as well as literature, that continued through the 16th and 17th centuries.
Literature
One of the most famous works of literature created during the Golden Age that is still known today is the story of Don Quixote de la Mancha written by Miguel de Cervantes. The story is about a Spanish nobleman who went crazy after reading books about knights. He traveled around looking to right all wrongs.
Cervantes was thought to be mocking chivalry, so controversy arose about the story. In opposition to the negative, some thought the book showed an idealistic person who was romantically lost because he was upset with his materialistic world.
Cervantes was thought to be mocking chivalry, so controversy arose about the story. In opposition to the negative, some thought the book showed an idealistic person who was romantically lost because he was upset with his materialistic world.