Baroque Art and Its Historical Context

Baroque

Art style emerging in 17th century Italy.

Feudalism

Societal organization based on land and loyalty.

Absolute Monarchs

Rulers with complete control over their states.

Plague

Contagious disease causing widespread death since 1348.

Little Ice Age

Period of cooler temperatures affecting Europe, 1550-1700.

Empirical View

Knowledge based on observable phenomena, not authority.

Thirty Years War

1618-1648 conflict over land and religion in Europe.

Peace of Westphalia

1648 treaty guaranteeing religious freedom in Europe.

Reformation

Movement to reform the Catholic Church, 16th century.

Indulgences

Payments for redemption from sins in Catholicism.

Iconoclasm

Destruction of religious images by Protestant reformers.

Counter-Reformation

Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation.

Bel Composto

Integration of sculpture and painting in Baroque art.

Urbanization

Movement of serfs to cities during the 17th century.

Aristotelian Worldview

Knowledge based on church authority and tradition.

Chemical Weapon

Plague used intentionally to infect enemies.

Veneration of Saints

Worship of saints seen as idolatry by reformers.

Martin Luther

Initiator of the Reformation with 95 Theses.

Protestants

Groups of reformers opposing Catholic Church practices.

Galileo Galilei

Scientist arrested for challenging church authority.

Religious Freedom

Right guaranteed by Peace of Westphalia.

Emotional Contrast

Dramatic expression in Baroque art and architecture.

Portraiture

Art depicting individuals, often in detail.

Still Lifes

Art featuring inanimate objects, showcasing composition.

Landscaping

Art focused on natural scenery and landscapes.

Genre Scenes

Art depicting everyday life and activities.

Emotional Intensity

Strong feelings conveyed through artistic expression.

Moment in Time

Capturing a specific instant within the artwork.

Instability/Dynamism

Art characterized by movement and energy.

Diagonals

Lines creating tension and movement in composition.

Energy/Movement

Visual elements suggesting action and liveliness.

Foreshortening

Technique making objects appear closer to viewer.

Realism

Art depicting subjects as they truly are.

Interrupted Contours

Lines that break, creating dynamic visual interest.

Effects of Light

Use of light and shadow to enhance depth.

Directed Focus

Attention drawn to real subjects, not symbols.

Baroque Fashion

Clothing emphasizing volume and restrictiveness.

Baroque Style

Characterized by chaos and dramatic elements.

Neoclassical Style

Art style emphasizing order and restraint.

Contrapposto

Pose where weight is shifted onto one leg.

Serenity

Calmness and tranquility in artistic representation.

Eternal Stiffness

Static poses conveying timelessness in art.

Idealization

Representation of subjects as perfect or flawless.

Censorship of Nudity

Increased covering of nudity in Baroque art.

Chiaroscuro

Contrast of light and dark in art.

Atmospheric Perspective

Distant objects appear softer and duller.

Tenebrism

Dramatic use of light and shadow.

Vanitas

Theme emphasizing the transience of life.

Memento Mori

Reminder of human mortality.

Pitture Ridicule

Satirical genre paintings on human flaws.

Dynamic Lighting

Lighting that creates movement and drama.

Baroque Art

Art influenced by Reformation and Counter-Reformation.

Carracci Brothers

Key figures bridging Renaissance and Baroque.

Counter-Reformation Art

Art emphasizing recognizable saints and sacred texts.

Caravaggio

Painter known for realism and dramatic lighting.

Orazio Gentileschi

Painter similar in style to Caravaggio.

Artemisia Gentileschi

Female artist known for realistic portrayals.

Calling of Saint Matthew

Caravaggio's depiction of Matthew's conversion.

Supper at Emmaus

Caravaggio's painting of Jesus revealing himself.

Caravaggisti

Followers of Caravaggio's artistic style.

Pyramidal Composition

Stable arrangement of elements in art.

Dynamic vs Static Composition

Movement versus stability in artwork arrangement.

Natural Light

Light that occurs without artificial sources.

Unattainable Ideal Beauty

Perfect beauty without flaws depicted in art.

Attainable Character

Realistic, relatable features in artistic subjects.

Mirror to the Real World

Art reflecting everyday life and experiences.

Strong Highlights

Bright areas in art that draw attention.