of Baroque-style art
The Baroque is an artistic style originating in Italy in the early 17th century and lasting until the mid-18th century The term “baroque” comes from the Italian for “irregularly shaped pearl,” and was first used to describe the ornate, exaggerated and detailed compositions characteristic of the period. Baroque art and architecture are filled with dramatic elements, with the goal of eliciting strong emotional reactions. This style was used throughout Europe to express power and grandeur, and it remains popular today.
One of the most defining features of baroque art is its focus on dramatic lighting and color. This often involves the use of chiaroscuro, or the juxtaposition of light and dark to create a sense of depth. The emphasis on dramatic lighting allows the viewer to focus on the important elements in a painting or sculpture. Although the Baroque period was largely a religious one, its use of secular topics in artwork was unprecedented.
The following are five examples of Baroque-style artworks:
1. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Gianlorenzo Bernini. This sculpture, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, depicts Teresa of Avila in a moment of religious ecstasy. It is an example of Bernini’s baroque style, featuring dramatic lighting and movement.
2. The Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David. This painting highlights the Baroque style of dramatic lighting, with the figures illuminated from the side. The figures are presented realistically, with strong expressions and poses that illustrate the story’s narrative.
3. The Night Watch by Rembrandt. This painting is an example of the Dutch Baroque, featuring a large scale and theatrical lighting. The figures are also presented realistically, with emphasis on their expressions and clothing.
4. The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault. This painting is an example of the Romantic Baroque, featuring dramatic light and movement to evoke a sense of emotion in the audience.
5. The Death of the Virgin by Caravaggio. This painting is an example of the early Baroque style, featuring strong light and dark contrasts to create a sense of drama and emotion. The figures are presented realistically, with intense expressions and poses that further enhance the painting’s narrative.
In conclusion, the Baroque style was a period of artistic innovation characterized by dramatic lighting and color, realism, and theatricality. The five works mentioned above are just some of the best examples of baroque-style art, which remain beloved to this day.