Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Baroque art refers to a style that emerged in Europe during the 17th century characterized by exaggerated motion, dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and ornate details.
Related terms
Rococo Art: An artistic style that developed in the early 18th century as a reaction against the grandeur of Baroque art. It is characterized by delicate pastel colors, ornate decoration, and playful themes.
Caravaggio: An Italian painter known for his realistic depictions of religious subjects using dramatic lighting and intense contrasts between light and dark.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini: An Italian sculptor and architect who played a significant role in shaping Baroque art. He created dynamic sculptures that conveyed movement and emotion.