The Baroque art era includes works created between the early 1600’s and the mid 1700’s. This style of art was ushered in by Italian artists Annibale Carracci and Caravaggio, who painted in classicistic and realist styles, defying the late Renaissance traditions¹
The specific Baroque style is identified by its complex, dramatic, exaggerated, detailed, and ornate design. The art is meant to evoke emotion, tension, and drama, and to be powerfully influential and persuasive.¹ The Catholic Church recognized and embraced this influence of art for religious purposes and hired their own artists, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, to create images that would help guide their followers. These images would be accessible to all, and would strengthen the faith of many by creating a visual connection to important biblical events.²
The term “Baroque” was not initially a flattering name. It was coined by those in the 18th century who thought the artwork was odd, grotesque, and over-decorated. It wasn't until the late 19th century when Heinrich Wölfflin pioneered a study of the Renaissance and Baroque art periods that the terms began to be used as a stylistic design.²
Conversion on the Way to Damascus (1601) by Caravaggio
Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Annibale Carracci
Apollo and Daphne (1622-1625) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
The Elevation of the Cross (1610-1611) by Peter Paul Rubens
References:
1. Baroque period. (n.d.). In Encyclopædia Britannica online. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/53809/Baroque-period
2. Camara, E. (n.d.). The Baroque: Art, Politics & Religion in 17th-century Europe. Retrieved from http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/1600-1700-the-Baroque.html
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