Catalan Modernism was an artistic and cultural movement that flourished in Catalonia at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th. It was part of the European modernist trend, known in other countries as Art Nouveau in France and Belgium, Jugendstil in Germany or Sezession in Austria However, Catalan modernism had its own identity.
In Barcino Designs we are going to discover the characteristics of Catalan Modernism in architecture and painting, two of the disciplines where this artistic current proper to our land shined the most. We’ll tell you!
Historical context of Catalan Modernism
Catalan Modernism emerged from industrialization and the rise of the Catalan bourgeoisie. The new wealthy classes sought to express their identity through art and architecture, therefore, they sought a style that combined tradition and modernity.
Catalan modernism was also closely linked to the Renaissance movement, a process of recovery of Catalan language, culture and identity. Through architecture, painting, literature and the decorative arts, modernist artists embodied nationalistic pride and the exaltation of nature.
Catalan modernist architecture led to the creation of buildings, both public and private, that transformed Barcelona and other Catalan cities. This golden period of art and architecture left an impressive legacy, with figures like Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch .
What is Catalan modernism and its characteristics
Catalan Modernism was an artistic and cultural movement that developed in Catalonia between approximately 1885 and 1920. It was inspired by European trends, but with its own distinct character.
Unlike other more academic architectural styles, Catalan modernism favored creative freedom, experimentation with materials and the fusion of various artistic disciplines. It was not limited to architecture, but also had a great presence in painting, sculpture, interior design, furniture and literature.
The characteristics of Catalan modernism are:
- Inspiration in nature. Modernist artists took nature as a source of inspiration, embodying organic forms in their designs. Therefore, in the works there are references to flowers, leaves, animals and geometric structures based on biology.
- Use of curves and undulations. Unlike classical architecture based on straight lines and sharp angles, Catalan modernism incorporated curves and undulations.
- Mix of artistic disciplines. Catalan modernism integrated various artistic disciplines within architecture. Great importance is given to ceramics, glass, mosaics (such as trencadís) and carpentry.
- Use of innovative materials. He also tried new techniques and materials such as wrought iron, colored glass and cement.
- Presence of symbolism and mythology. Many modernist works include symbolic references related to mythology, religion or Catalan history. An example is the presence of the dragon of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, in several of Gaudí’s works.
- The importance of light and color. Natural lighting and the use of color were fundamental in modernist aesthetics. We can see it in the stained glass windows and multicolored mosaics.
Catalan modernism has masterpieces that are symbols of identity and culture in Catalonia.
Catalan modernist architecture
Catalan modernist architecture is one of the most important manifestations of modernism in Catalonia. These constructions are distinguished by a series of architectural elements , such as the following:
- Broken: It is the mosaic technique created by Antoni Gaudí. It consists of irregular fragments of ceramic, glass or broken tiles that are stuck on surfaces.
- Wrought iron: It was used in balconies, railings, doors and lampposts. Organic designs were used that simulated vegetable or animal forms.
- Stained glass and stained glass: Large windows were created decorated with colored crystals that filtered the light in an artistic way.
- Ornamental details: Sculptures, reliefs and decorative elements inspired by nature, such as flowers, leaves, animals, etc., were incorporated into modernist buildings.
- Fachadas con movimiento: With Catalan modernism, the rigidity of the facades went away to give way to more movement, volumes and organic shapes that seemed to be carved in stone.
Main modernist Catalan architects and their works
Catalan modernism had great architects who marked an ante and an after in the history of architecture. Here is a list of the most important numbers:
Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926)
He is the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism. The artist took architecture to another level by integrating natural forms, organic structures and unique craft techniques. Among his most important works stand out:
- Holy Family (1882-present): It’s his masterpiece and it’s still under construction. This basilica combines Gothic and modernist elements with religious symbolism.
- Parc Güell (1900-1914): It is an urban park full of elements of trencadís, and with shapes inspired by nature.
- Casa Batlló (1904-1906): It is a modernist building with an undulating facade covered in colored ceramics. The building is inspired by the sea and the legend of Sant Jordi.
- Casa Milà (La Pedrera ) (1906-1912): It is a building that has a novel structure without load-bearing walls and a roof with chimneys with surreal shapes.
Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850-1923)
Domènech i Montaner is another of the most important modernist Catalan architects. His most important modernist works are:
- Palau de la Música Catalana (1905-1908): It is a spectacular auditorium with an iron structure and a glass dome that allows natural light to enter.
- Hospital de Sant Pau (1902-1930): This is a modernist hospital complex with pavilions surrounded by gardens and trencadís.
Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867-1956)
Its modernist style is characterized by the influence of the Gothic and the Catalan Renaissance. His most representative works include:
- Casa Amatller (1898-1900): Inspired by the flamenco gothic style, with a stepped facade and detailed sculptural decoration.
- Casa de les Punxes (1905): A building with the appearance of a medieval castle, crowned with pointed towers.
Catalan modernist painting and other art styles
Catalan modernism also stood out in painting, sculpture and decorative arts.
Let’s start by talking about Catalan modernist painting and the most prominent artists of said movement. They are the following:
- Ramon Casas: He is the master of the modernist portrait. Pintó works like The cargo and advertising posters of the time.
- Santiago Rusiñol: He was a painter, writer and promoter of Catalan modernism. He created landscapes of gardens and architectural corners.
- Joaquim Mir: Catalan modernist painter very distinguished for his landscapes full of color, expressive brushstrokes and much light.
Style and themes in Catalan modernist painting
Catalan modernist painters were inspired by nature, everyday life and symbolism. His works present:
- Portraits: The artists focused on the human figure, especially the bourgeoisie and women as symbols of beauty and mystery.
- Landscapes: Representations of nature were carried out with a poetic vision.
- Customary scenes: Works were created that reflected bohemian life, cafés and Barcelona at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.
Catalan modernist typography
A lesser known, but very influential, aspect of Catalan modernism is its use of typography on posters, labels and publications.
- Advertising posters : In works such as those of Ramon Casas and Alexandre de Riquer, Catalan modernist typography was popularized which was decorative and stylized.
- Commercial signs : Modernist businesses and cafes used decorative letters with curves and floral details.
The legacy of Catalan modernism
Catalan modernism has been recognized worldwide as an artistic movement of great importance. Several of his most emblematic works have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and the Palau de la Música Catalana. All this has converted to Barcelona in a destination for lovers of architecture and art .
The Catalan modernist style has inspired modern and contemporary architects. Figures like Santiago Calatrava, Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid have taken elements of modernism in their designs.
Today, modernism is still a symbol of Catalonia. In addition, the Ruta del Modernismo in Barcelona or the modernist fairs in cities such as Terrassa and Sitges keep alive the essence of this movement.
At Barcino Designs we pay tribute to this Catalan artistic movement every day. We create figures and decorative elements that are inspired by Gaudí’s trencadís technique to create objects that are elegant, colorful and with a more avant-garde design.
