Baroque Era Review

Flashcards for reviewing the Baroque Era, covering definitions, key figures, and artworks.

What is counterpoint?

A compositional technique where two or more independent melodies are played simultaneously.

What is an oratorio?

A large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, typically a narrative on a religious theme, performed without costumes or scenery.

What is a fugue?

A type of composition where a theme is introduced by one voice and then imitated by other voices in succession.

What is a concerto?

A musical composition usually composed in three parts or movements, in which one solo instrument is accompanied by an orchestra.

What is a cantata?

A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir.

What is a toccata?

A musical piece designed to exhibit the performer’s touch and technique, often fast-moving and virtuosic.

List three ways the Catholic Church attempted to counter Reformation efforts.

Establishing the Council of Trent, encouraging the work of the Jesuits, and sponsoring Baroque art and architecture.

What is chiaroscuro, and for whom was it a major characteristic of style?

The use of strong contrasts between light and dark; a major stylistic feature in the work of Caravaggio and Rembrandt.

Describe Bernini’s accomplishments.

Designed St. Peter’s Baldachin, created The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, designed the colonnade in St. Peter’s Square, and sculpted dynamic works like Apollo and Daphne and David. He served as both architect and sculptor.

What are the three strands that contributed to the formation of Baroque art? Which was the chief agent?

The Catholic Reformation, aristocratic absolutism, and rising bourgeois taste. The Catholic Reformation was the chief agent.

Who was considered to be the most versatile and varied Baroque painter?

Peter Paul Rubens.

Define the term baroque.

From the Portuguese word barroco meaning irregular pearl; in art and music, it refers to a highly ornate, dramatic, and expressive style.

For whom was the Palace of Versailles commissioned?

King Louis XIV of France.

What is Descartes most well-known for?

The philosophical statement “I think, therefore I am” (Cogito, ergo sum).

Galileo proved whose ideas to be true?

Copernicus, specifically the heliocentric model of the solar system.

Who was responsible for the picturesque novel?

Cervantes, with his novel Don Quixote.

Who was known as the first modern proponent of materialism?

Thomas Hobbes.

What artwork represents the rise of the wealthy bourgeoisie?

Woman Reading a Letter by Jan Vermeer.

What artwork represents the emphasis on movement within Baroque art?

Apollo and Daphne by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

What artwork represents the expression of intense emotion within Baroque art?

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa by Bernini.

What artwork represents the creation of new artistic forms (e.g., chiaroscuro)?

The Calling of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio.

What artwork represents Aristocratic Splendor?

Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud.

Who painted Louis XIV?

Hyacinth Rigaud

Who painted Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor)?

Diego Velazquez

Who painted The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus?

Peter Paul Rubens

What are key features of the Baroque movement?

Extremes of feeling, psychological expression, new techniques to create dynamic tension, and an emphasis on movement