Baroque period

Definition

The Baroque period was an artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the late 16th century and lasted until the early 18th century, characterized by dramatic expression, grandeur, and intricate detail in art, architecture, and music. This period represented a shift from the preceding Mannerism style, emphasizing emotional intensity and a sense of movement. Baroque art often conveyed religious themes and sought to evoke awe and wonder through its elaborate compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Baroque period is marked by the works of renowned artists like Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who were pivotal in defining the style.
2. Baroque architecture is known for its grand scale and elaborate details, with notable examples including St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and the Palace of Versailles.
3. In music, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel exemplified the complexity and expressiveness typical of Baroque compositions.
4. Baroque art often served religious purposes, with many works commissioned by the Catholic Church as part of the Counter-Reformation efforts to inspire devotion.
5. The term 'Baroque' originally had a negative connotation, describing something irregular or grotesque before being embraced as a descriptor for this rich artistic style.

Review Questions

• How did the emotional intensity of Baroque art differ from that of Mannerism?
  • Baroque art emphasized emotional intensity and dramatic expression compared to Mannerism's focus on elongated forms and complex poses. While Mannerism often created a sense of artificiality, Baroque artists sought to convey real human emotions through their work. The use of chiaroscuro and dynamic compositions in Baroque pieces aimed to evoke a visceral response from viewers, making it more relatable and impactful than the more cerebral approach of Mannerism.
• Discuss how Baroque architecture reflected the values and beliefs of the time, particularly in relation to religion.
  • Baroque architecture was designed to convey power, awe, and religious devotion. Structures like St. Peter's Basilica were built on a grand scale to inspire wonder and demonstrate the glory of God, aligning with the Catholic Church's goals during the Counter-Reformation. The use of intricate details, bold curves, and elaborate decorations reflected the belief in the divine presence in everyday life, aiming to captivate worshippers and reinforce their faith.
• Evaluate the influence of Baroque art on subsequent movements like Rococo and how it shaped cultural expressions in Europe.
  • The influence of Baroque art on subsequent movements like Rococo can be seen in the transition from grandeur to playful elegance. Rococo artists retained some elements of Baroque style but shifted towards lighter themes, pastel colors, and an emphasis on leisure. This evolution reflected changing societal values among the French aristocracy who favored intimacy over the dramatic religious fervor of Baroque. The lasting impact of Baroque on art history is evident as it set a foundation for future styles by exploring emotional depth and complex narratives that continued to resonate throughout European culture.

Related terms

Mannerism:

An artistic style that emerged in the late Renaissance, known for its elongated figures, complex poses, and lack of clear perspective, serving as a precursor to the Baroque style.

Chiaroscuro:

A technique used in painting that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality in subjects.

Rococo:

An artistic movement that followed the Baroque period, characterized by lighter colors, playful themes, and ornate decorations, often associated with the French aristocracy.