Art History 252 - ART OF SPANISH HABSBURGS

From Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (Charles I of Spain) in the 16th century, to Charles II, last of the Spanish Habsburg line at the end of the 17th century, this survey investigates the purposes to which painting is used to satisfy religious and political needs in what is called Spain's "Golden Age." Venetian paintings, especially those of Titian -- highly prized by Charles V and his son and successor Philip II -- are examined within the context of royal patronage and against the backdrop of global political power. The great age of Philip IV and the gradual diminution of Spain's influence -- culminating in a rapid decline under Charles II -- is also considered through artistic production, especially that of Velazquez and others at the court of the Spanish monarchy under the direction of the powerful prime minister the Count-Duke Olivares. Works by painters, especially El Greco, Ribera, Zurbaran, Velazquez, Murillo and Coello are the primary focus of this course. Group II.