Baroque Art

During the last decades of the 16^th century, a new artistic style known as the Baroque emerged using exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, fervor, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature and music. It started in Italy and spread to other areas in Europe and the world, after the idealism of the Renaissance period (c.1400-1530) and the witty, intellectual qualities of the Mannerism period (c.1530-1600). The word Baroque originated from the Portuguese word “barocco” (Spanish barrueco) or French “baroque” which indicate an irregular, imperfectly shaped pearl. In informal usage, the word baroque can simply mean something is “elaborate” and with many details.

The Baroque period reflected religious tensions which had begun in the Renaissance between the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter Reformation that continued until the 17th century.  Following the declaration made by the Council of Trent on how art might serve religion and coinciding with the upsurge in confidence in the Roman Catholic Church, it became apparent that a new style of Biblical art was necessary to support the Catholic Counter Reformation. This style had to be more forceful, more emotional and would instill a greater realism. The Baroque art was paradoxically both sensuous and spiritual while the use of naturalistic treatment in the religious images makes them more accessible to the average churchgoer. The dramatic and illusory effects also used, stimulate piety and devotion and convey an impression of the splendor of the divine.

The success of the Baroque style grew because of the encouragement of the Catholic Church.  However, it soon became popular at royal courts, where it symbolized the emerging power of the new monarchies. The aristocracy saw the dramatic style of Baroque architecture and art as a means of impressing visitors and expressing triumph, power and control. Many Catholic emperors and monarchs across Europe had an important stake in the Catholic Church's success; hence a large number of architectural designs, paintings and sculptures were commissioned by the Royal Courts of Spain, France and elsewhere. Corresponding to the overall campaign of Catholic Christian art, as pursued by the Vatican, the Baroque style of art helped glorify their own divine grandeur and in the process, strengthen their political position.

Baroque painting demonstrated key elements of Catholic dogma, either directly in Biblical works or indirectly in mythological or allegorical compositions. Along with this monumental approach, painters illustrated a strong sense of movement, using swirling spirals and upward diagonals, and strong sumptuous color schemes, in order to dazzle and surprise. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) was one of the true master painters.  Caravaggio, as he was known, painted a number of large canvases that depicted religious subjects from the New Testament. His painting, “The Calling of St. Matthew”, which might be Caravaggio’s greatest work of art, showed real mastery in the use of lighting effect. A bright light comes from the background and shines on Matthew. The lighting gives the painting drama and emotion. Movement is shown in the pointing of Jesus’ hand, calling St. Matthew to follow him as well as the turning of the men at the table towards Jesus.

Baroque architecture was designed to create spectacle and illusion. The straight lines of the Renaissance were replaced with flowing curves and domes or roofs were enlarged, and interiors carefully constructed to produce spectacular effects of light and shade as illustrated by St. Peter’s Square (1656-1667) in Rome, leading up to St. Peter’s Basilica. Its designer, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), one of the greatest Baroque architects, surrounded the square with colonnades to convey the impression to visitors that they are being embraced by the arms of the Catholic Church.

               

Baroque sculpture, which is typically larger-than-life size, is marked by a similar sense of dynamic movement, along with an active use of space. It often had multiple ideal viewing angles. The characteristic Baroque sculpture added extra-sculptural elements like concealed lighting or water fountains. Aleijadinho or Antônio Francisco Lisboa of Brazil was also one of the great names of Baroque sculpture and his masterpiece is the set of statues of the Santuário de Bom Jesus de Matosinhos in Congonhas.

The Baroque period is very rich and diverse. All of the art produced during these years cannot be described by a single term. The Baroque introduced a new dynamic, theatrical quality to its arts while continuing the classicism of the Renaissance. It has served as an inspiration not only to tourists and artists but throughout the Western world. Personally, I’m not really familiar with Baroque art, but upon learning about it in my Art History classes, I became intrigued, especially by its bizarre and unorthodox style. For me, it is the most unique and distinct among other art forms. Someday, I want to create artworks that would be as distinctive and exceptional like those in this period. I also hope that more artists become aware and influenced by Baroque art.

References:

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Baroque. (n.d.). artinthepicture.com. Retrieved March 1, 2015, from http://www.artinthepicture.com/styles/Baroque

Guisepi, R. A. (n.d.). The Baroque Era In The Arts.  International World History Project . Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://history-world.org/baroque_era.htm

Baroque. (n.d.). ruf.rice.edu. Retrieved March 2, 2015, from http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~fellows/hart206/baroque.htm

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Sorabella, J. (2003, October). Baroque Rome. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved March 3, 2015, from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/baro/hd_baro.htm

Image from:

Ducksters.com