"Originality is about going back to the roots."
Antonio Gaudi
Catalan Modernism: An Expression of the Nation's Cultural Renaissance
Origins of Modernisme: A New Art Movement
The architectural style Modernisme, also known as Catalan modernism, was a cultural movement in Spain that arose at the end of the nineteenth century and lasted until the beginning of the twentieth, and was one of the most important architectural manifestations of the time. Catalonia acquired its own identity as part of a common phenomenon that emerged throughout Europe (Art Nouveau, Modern Style, Jugendstil, Stile Liberty, Sezessionstil, Style 1900, Style Nouille, and so on). In this vibrant period, Catalan Modernism emerged as an expression of the nation's cultural renaissance, where names like Antonio GaudÃ, LluÃs Domènech I Montaner, and Josep Puig I Cadafalch forever changed the trajectory of world architecture, with many of their works now listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list."
The Rise of Modernisme: A Social, Political and Cultural Movement in Catalunya
The desire to transform reality socially is a hallmark of Catalan modernism. Many of the founders of the movement were socialists and patriots, which explains such a large presence of national motifs in architecture. The same can explain the name of the style - Modernisme, the modernization of society by creating a new type of city with a combination of traditional and modern architectural elements.
A striking example is Barcelona, a city with numerous architectural masterpieces in a relatively small area. (for example, Passeig de Gracia), but this style has also been adopted by other Catalan cities such as Girona, Tarragona, Reus and Lleida, among many others.
Elements of Catalan Modernism
Early modernist buildings contain references to Catalan Gothic architecture, such as the use of powerful decorative elements, traditional and innovative elements in construction and decoration (enamel tiles, tiled brickwork or metal structures, cast iron, ceramic bricks). The forms become more sinuous, curved, and organic over time, the use of floral ornaments spreads, and the facades themselves occasionally acquire sinuous forms borrowed from nature.
Unsurpassed Masters of Catalan Modernism: Antonio GaudÃ, LluÃs Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch
Patronage and Economic Growth
Catalan industrial and rural bourgeoisie were the main sponsors of Catalan modernista architecture in the last two decades of the nineteenth century and the first quarter of the twentieth century. The reconstruction of Barcelona and the emergence of the famous Eixample district, which is a true open-air museum of Catalan modernist architecture, have been made possible as a result of economic growth.
The Birth of Barcelona's Iconic Eixample District
Luis Domènech y Montaner created a truly unique architectural style. His work is notable for its blend of constructive rationalism and ornamentation influenced by Hispano-Arab architecture, as seen in the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Sant Pau Hospital, and the Instituto Pere Mata en Reus.
Josep Puig I Cadafalch was a Catalan architect, politician and historian who worked on numerous restoration projects. One of his most famous works is the restoration of the Amatler House on Paseo de Gracia. It includes elements of the Catalan tradition, as well as Dutch and German Gothic. His most famous are Casa Amatller and Casa Trinxet.
The Architectural Legacy of Antonio Gaudi
Antonio Gaudà stood out among his contemporaries from the very beginning. He went beyond the mainstream of Modernisme, developing his own style based on the observation of nature and the use of traditional Catalan building traditions.
He used geometric shapes that could be adjusted, such as the hyperbolic paraboloid, hyperboloid, helicoid, and conoid. He was looking for new forms of embodiment of the laws of nature in architecture, where the artist does not imitate the creation, but becomes the creator himself.
Gaudi was fortunate to meet a man who was not only an admirer of his idea, but also a long-term patron. Eusebi Güell was a son of Joan Güell, a wealthy industrialist, who made his fortune in the Cuban textile industry. When he returned to Barcelona, he established the largest business empire, which included textile mills, cement plants, and machine manufacturing. Eusebi, married the daughter of another local wealthy man, Antonio Lopez. In 1884, he commissioned Gaudi to create a new gate for his father's country estate. Architect designed the famous "Dragon Gate" in 1884, which impressed the customer so much that he commissioned him to build the Güell House (1888), the Güell Wineries (1895-1897), the Catllaras Chalet (1905), and the Güell park (1900–1914).
Experiencing Catalan Modernism
Barcelona is a city of great architects, but let's be honest... Gaud is the star of the show. His impact on the world history of architecture cannot be overstated. Yes, and it must be stated unequivocally: Barcelona would not be the same without Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and Sagrada Familla.
If you enjoy architecture and art and want to see masterpieces of Catalan modernism, Barcelona is the place to go to get your *daily dose* of Gaudà and Modernista awesomeness.
Sources
casanavas.cat
amatller.org