Baroque style

Definition

Baroque style refers to an artistic and architectural movement that emerged in the late 16th century and continued into the 18th century, characterized by dramatic expressions, elaborate details, and grandeur. This style often aimed to evoke emotional responses through its use of contrast, movement, and a sense of theatricality, making it particularly influential in literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Baroque literature is marked by its ornate language and complex imagery, aiming to engage readers' emotions and imaginations.
2. Richard Crashaw, a key figure in baroque poetry, utilized intense emotional expression and religious themes to create works that resonate with spiritual fervor.
3. The baroque style often employed metaphor and simile in elaborate ways, leading to a rich interplay of ideas and images in poetry.
4. Themes of transience and mortality are prevalent in baroque works, reflecting a deep engagement with the human condition and the divine.
5. Baroque art often featured dynamic compositions with movement and tension, which can also be seen mirrored in the rhythm and structure of baroque poetry.

Review Questions

• How does baroque style manifest in the works of Richard Crashaw, particularly regarding his use of language and imagery?
  • Richard Crashaw exemplifies baroque style through his lush language and intricate imagery that evoke strong emotional responses. His poetry frequently employs elaborate metaphors and similes that create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. This use of rich detail not only enhances the beauty of his work but also emphasizes the spiritual themes central to his writing, illustrating the baroque emphasis on dramatic expression.
• In what ways did the baroque style influence the thematic content of literature during its period, specifically relating to concepts of faith and existence?
  • The baroque style profoundly influenced literary themes by emphasizing emotional intensity and existential contemplation. Writers like Crashaw often grappled with questions of faith, mortality, and the divine, using their works to reflect on the complexities of human experience. The dramatic nature of baroque literature allowed authors to explore deep spiritual conflicts while engaging readers with both beauty and complexity.
• Evaluate how the characteristics of baroque style compare to those of Mannerism in terms of artistic expression and thematic exploration within literature.
  • While both baroque style and Mannerism share an interest in complexity and ornamentation, baroque literature tends to emphasize emotional engagement and dynamic expression, whereas Mannerism leans toward artificiality and stylistic intricacy. Baroque works often explore themes of spirituality and human emotion with fervor, striving for an immediate connection with the reader. In contrast, Mannerism's focus on form over naturalism can result in a more detached or cerebral approach. The transition from Mannerism to baroque reflects a shift toward a more immersive experience that captivates the audience emotionally.

Related terms

Mannerism: An artistic style that preceded baroque, known for its artificiality and elongated forms, often emphasizing complexity over naturalism.

Chiaroscuro: A technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.

Dramatic Monologue: A poetic form in which a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their thoughts and feelings in a dramatic context.