The Baroque Era
The Baroque Era was a period of artistic style that emerged from Rome, Italy, and spread through the majority of Europe during the 17th and 18th century. The word ‘baroque’ means something that is elaborate or very detailed. Exaggerated motions and elaborate details to used convey drama, exuberance and grandeur distinguish the Baroque style. This was applied to arts such as sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance and music.
A large amount of Baroque style’s success is credited to the Roman Catholic Church, who decided that the arts should communicate religious themes in direct and emotional involvement. The magnificent style of baroque was often used by the aristocracy to express power and control.
The Baroque era was preceded by mannerism, a style of art that was known for its artificial and intellectual qualities. Baroque style opposes this, as it is about creativity and exuberance. Mannerism style evolved into baroque when the Roman Catholic church demanded that paintings and sculptures in churches should speak to the illiterate, rather than to the well-informed and knowledgeable.
A large amount of Baroque style’s success is credited to the Roman Catholic Church, who decided that the arts should communicate religious themes in direct and emotional involvement. The magnificent style of baroque was often used by the aristocracy to express power and control.
The Baroque era was preceded by mannerism, a style of art that was known for its artificial and intellectual qualities. Baroque style opposes this, as it is about creativity and exuberance. Mannerism style evolved into baroque when the Roman Catholic church demanded that paintings and sculptures in churches should speak to the illiterate, rather than to the well-informed and knowledgeable.