Baroque Art ------> Rococo

Italian Baroque/ European Baroque

Title: Il Gesù
Date: 1573
Artist: Giacomo Vignola and Giacomo della Porta
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
Location: Rome, Italy
3 facts:

• Greek influence with dynamic composition and dramatic ornamentation

• Sculptural interior with chiaroscuro, colossal order columns, and winged consoles

• Emphasizes emotional and spiritual excitement typical of Baroque churches

Title: San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
Date: 1667
Artist: Francesco Borromini
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
Location: Rome, Italy
3 facts:

• Asymmetrical, irrational curves emphasize movement and drama

• Dome interior symbolizes the Holy Spirit; invites spiritual introspection

• Eclectic mix of sculptural, painting, and chiaroscuro effects

Title: Façade of St. Peter’s
Date: 1606–1625
Artist: Carlo Maderno
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
Location: Vatican City, Rome, Italy
3 facts:

• Classical Greek elements fused with dynamic Baroque grandeur

• Strong vertical emphasis; prepares the setting for Bernini’s additions

• Façade gives architectural authority to St. Peter’s Basilica

Title: Piazza of St. Peter’s
Date: c. 1660
Artist: Gianlorenzo Bernini
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
Location: Vatican City, Rome, Italy
3 facts:

• Colonnades form two curved arms symbolizing the embrace of the Church

• Unusually symmetrical for Baroque architecture

• Doric columns organize space and focus attention toward the basilica

Title: Calling of St. Matthew
Date: 1598
Artist: Michelangelo da Caravaggio
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
3 facts:

• Intense chiaroscuro with unseen light source creates divine presence

• Humanized depiction of Christ in a tavern-like setting

• Matthew’s confused gesture captures the moment of spiritual calling

Title: Conversion of St. Paul
Date: 1600
Artist: Michelangelo da Caravaggio
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
3 facts:

• Unscriptural event dramatized with emotional power

• Unseen light source defines spiritual transformation

• Composition emphasizes chaos and divine intervention

Title: Conversion of Mary Magdalene
Date: 1598
Artist: Michelangelo da Caravaggio
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
3 facts:

• Mirror symbolizes her renunciation of vanity

• Unseen light highlights her contemplative expression

• Chiaroscuro emphasizes spiritual rebirth

Title: Deposition of Christ
Date: 1600
Artist: Michelangelo da Caravaggio
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
3 facts:

• Jesus is lowered toward the viewer, inviting emotional participation

• Virgin Mary portrayed with aging features—realism over idealism

• Chiaroscuro and gestures heighten the dramatic tension

Title: Martyrdom of St. Peter
Date: 1601
Artist: Michelangelo da Caravaggio
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
3 facts:

• Depicts St. Peter’s upside-down crucifixion out of humility

• Composition is diagonally structured, enhancing visual drama

• Harsh shadows and intense lighting underline emotional agony

Title: The Beheading of St. John the Baptist
Date: 1608
Artist: Michelangelo da Caravaggio
Period: Baroque
Culture: Italian
3 facts:

• Red cloak mirrors the blood from John’s wound, symbolizing martyrdom

• Chiaroscuro and unseen light enhance realism and dread

• Moment captured at its peak, making it deeply unsettling

Charateristics of Baroque art

1) Intense Chiaroscuro

2) Unseen light source

3) Drama