Baroque Architecture

Baroque

Baroque architecture style is highly decorative and dramatic. Translates to “irregularly shaped”. Introduced by the Catholic Church to win back Protestant converts with architecture that inspired surprise and awe.

Quadratura

A specific style of trompe-l’oeil painting technique to create the illusion of three-dimension scene on a ceiling. Creates a convincing illusion of the expansion of the actual space into an imagined space.

Contrapunto

The dramatic, twisted shapes of baroque sculpture, painting, and architecture

Axial Planning

Symmetrical layout of a building/group of buildings and gardens along a single axis. Everything is arranged like a rectangle, makes a processional pathway, usually from the back end of the building.

Boiserie

Carved interior floor to ceiling wood paneling.

French Window

Pair of glass window or door casements hinged at the side post of the door. Could open inwards or outwards, often with an arched window on top.

Broken pediment

Pediment split at its apex and/or center of its base

Commode

low chest with drawers/dresser, often veneered.

Tall Case Clock

Full-length standing clock with pendulum and weights, grandfather clock

Chiaroscuro

Use and treatment of light and dark in painting and drawing