The Churrigueresque Style

The churrigueresque, refers to a style of the Spanish Baroque that consisted of elaborate sculptural architectural ornament. It was developed as stucco ornamentation in the late 17th century. Some of the main elements categorized to the churrigueresque were florid decorative detailing, stucco shells and garlands.

Casa del Prado in Balboa Park

Although the style was named after the sculptor Jose Benito de Churriguera, who worked mainly in Madrid and Salamanca, the origins of the style are said to go back to Alonzo Cano, the architect and sculptor born in Granada.

Alonzo Cano

 From 1680-1720, the style went through a development phase where the use of the Guarino Guarini's mix of Solomonic columns and the composite order were popularized. In the second phase of development, the estipite became an established form of ornament of the Churrigueresque style. The estipite is and inverted column that tapers down. The style eventually shifted interest from twisted movement and excessive ornamentation.

Estipite Column

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churrigueresque
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/117383/Churrigueresque
http://gracemorganpardo.wordpress.com/el-paular/
http://www.spanish-art.org/spanish-architecture-churrigueresque.html