Reformation, Counter-Reformation & Baroque Overview

absolutism

The political doctrine and practice of unlimited, centralized authority and total sovereignty, as vested especially in a monarch or dictator.

Anabaptist

Member of sectarian movement of the Protestant Reformation and spiritual ancestor of some modern Protestant wings of Christianity.

indulgence

A distinctive feature of the penitential system of the Roman Catholic church that granted full or partial remission of the punishment of sin (esp. by 'sale' of a slip).

Jesuit

A member of the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus founded by St. Ignatius Loyola in 1534, devoted to missionary and educational work.

Martin Luther

Spark of the Reformation with his Ninety-Five Theses, emphasizing faith alone in Christ for God's favor.

John Calvin

Important figure of the Reformation, forming an influential Protestant community in Geneva, Switzerland.

Copernicus

Proposed heliocentrism, leading to the 'Copernican Revolution.'

Tycho Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, Descartes

Contributors to early modern science with advancements in astronomy, planetary motions, telescopic observation, and mechanical philosophy.

Isaac Newton

Tower figure of the scientific revolution, inventor of calculus, and author of the influential Principia.

Elizabethan England

Under Elizabeth I, England stabilized post English Reformation, emerging as a major European power.

Shakespeare

Incomparable writer capturing common human experience for all time.

Council of Trent

Significant event in Roman Catholic history during the Counter-Reformation.

Baroque art

Characterized by evoking emotional states through grandeur, drama, and elaborate decoration.

Monteverdi, Handel, Bach

Central figures in Baroque music, known for operas, oratorios, and compositions.

Bernini

Italian Baroque artist known for sculptures and architectural designs.

Rubens

Flemish Baroque artist known for diagonal compositions and full-bodied figures.

King Louis XIV

French monarch famous for constructing the lavish Palace of Versailles.

El Greco, Velazquez

Spanish Baroque painters known for dramatic and complex works.

John Milton

Considered one of the greatest English poets, author of Paradise Lost.

Paradise Lost

Epic poem by John Milton recounting the fall of Adam and Eve.

Paradise Regained

Companion piece by Milton dramatizing the temptation of Christ.

Bernini's Ecstasy of St. Teresa

Example of Baroque art depicting religious ecstasy.

Caravaggio's Calling of St. Matthew

Baroque painting by Caravaggio depicting a religious scene.

Gentileschi's Judith Slaying Holofernes

Baroque painting by Gentileschi portraying a biblical scene.

Poussin's Holy Family on the Steps

Baroque painting by Poussin depicting a religious subject.