Baroque
Definition
Baroque was an artistic style that emerged in Europe during the late 16th century and lasted until the early 18th century. It was characterized by grandeur, drama, emotional intensity, exaggerated motion, rich ornamentation, and elaborate detail.
Analogy
Think of a baroque piece of music like Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor." It starts off slow with intricate melodies before exploding into fast-paced sections filled with complex harmonies. Similarly, baroque art is like visual symphonies that evoke strong emotions through its lavishness.
Related terms
Contrast: A key element in baroque art where lightness is set against darkness or bright colors are contrasted with deep shadows to create dramatic effects.
Chiaroscuro: An artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark areas to add depth and volume to figures or objects.
Trompe-l'oeil: A technique in baroque art that creates realistic illusions, often by painting objects or scenes to appear three-dimensional.
"Baroque" appears in:
Subjects (3)
Practice Questions (10)
Which religious order played a crucial role in promoting the Baroque style during the Catholic Reformation?
Which artist is known for his Baroque masterpieces, including the sculptural ensemble "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa"?
Which art form was particularly prominent during the Baroque period, featuring dramatic use of light and dark contrasts and intense realism?
Which artist is known for his use of light and shadow to create dramatic effects in his Baroque paintings, such as "The Calling of St. Matthew"?
Which architectural feature is commonly found in Baroque buildings and is characterized by its grand entrance and staircase?
Which country served as a major center for Baroque art and architecture, with artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck?
Which artist is known for his lavish and ornate Baroque paintings, including "The Raising of the Cross" and "The Descent from the Cross"?
How did art from the Italian Renaissance influence subsequent movements, such as Baroque and Rococo?
Which characteristic shared by both the Mannerist & Baroque styles constituted a reaction against Renaissance ideals?
Which art movement followed Baroque in the late 18th century?
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