From the 1570s until the mid-17th century, and even beyond, the Escorial exercised an enormous influence on Spanish architecture. It epitomizes the classicism of the age of Philip II and the figurative arts as practiced then by Spanish and foreign artists. It is also a testimony to the continuous evolution of Spanish art up to the 19th century. Its influence on the planning of major architectural projects elsewhere in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries was widespread.