Study Notes on Baroque Art and Architecture in Italy

Baroque Art and Architecture in Italy

  • Definition of Baroque: Likely derived from Portuguese "barocco", meaning an irregular pearl. Characterizes 17th-century European art.

  • Historical Context: Reflects geographical and religious diversity in Europe during the period.

Baroque Architecture

  • Key Figures:

    • Carlo Maderno: Known for the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica (1607-12).

    • Gianlorenzo Bernini: Renowned for St. Peter’s Piazza, Baldacchino, and the Chair of St. Peter.

    • Francesco Borromini: Significant for Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane and Chapel of Sant’Ivo della Sapienza.

  • Comparison: Recap of differences between Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Baroque Sculpture

  • Key Works:

    • Gianlorenzo Bernini: "David", "Ecstasy of St. Teresa", "Rape of Proserpina".

    • Stefano Maderno: "Santa Cecilia".

Baroque Painting

  • Notable Artists:

    • Giovanni Battista Gaulli: "Triumph of the Name of Jesus".

    • Pietro da Cortona: "Allegory of Divine Providence".

    • Caravaggio: "The Calling of St. Matthew", "Death of the Virgin".

    • Artemisia Gentileschi: "Self-Portrait", "Judith and Her Maidservant", "Judith slaying Holofernes".

  • Technique: Tenebrism - stark contrast between light and dark.

Recommended Resources

  • Books:

    • Pile, J. F. & Gura, J. A. "A History of Interior Design" (2013).

    • Gombrich, E. H. "The Story of Art" (1995).

  • Online Resources:

    • Khan Academy provides extensive information about Baroque art and architecture.