Notes on the Scientific Revolution and the Baroque Period

Scientific Revolution and Empiricism

• Francis Bacon and Empiricism:

  • Francis Bacon proposed the theory of empiricism, which led to the scientific method.
  • Empiricism emphasizes detailed observation of reality.
  • Based on observations, scientific laws are formulated.
  • These laws must be verified through experimentation to be accepted.
  • Empiricism laid the foundations for modern science.

• Rationalism:

  • Arising in the same century, rationalism was initiated by René Descartes.
  • Rationalism aligns with empiricism by asserting that reasoning is the sole method to understand reality.

Baroque Period

• Stages:

  • Mannerism: The transition period between the Renaissance and the Baroque.
  • Baroque: Developed in the early 17th century and lasted until the mid-18th century.
  • Rococo: Emerged after the Baroque period.

• Characteristics of Baroque Art:

  • Context: Developed during the Counter-Reformation to reinforce religious experience.
  • Purpose: Aims to promote spirituality and attract believers to the Catholic Church.
  • Key features:
    • Breaks with the Renaissance.
    • Focuses on religious themes.
    • Exhibits dramatism: Highlights a pessimistic life attitude and the prominence of death, often with a tendency toward exaggeration.
    • Uses contrasts of light and color to capture the viewer's attention.
    • Emphasizes realism and naturalism, depicting everyday life situations to connect with reality.
    • Incorporates abundant ornamentation to impress viewers.
    • Integrates architecture and sculpture into a unified work.

Baroque Architecture

• Key Architects and Works:
  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini: Completed St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Francesco Borromini: Designed San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.

Baroque Sculpture

• Key Sculptors and Works:
  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini: Apolo and Dafne.
  • Nicola Salvi: Fontana di Trevi.

Baroque Painting

• Key European Painters and Works:
  • Italy:
    • Caravaggio used contrasts of light and shadow (tenebrism).
  • France:
    • Nicolas Poussin: The Realm of Flora.
  • Netherlands:
    • Rembrandt: Master of chiaroscuro, renowned for portraits and corporate group portraits.
  • Flanders:
    • Peter Paul Rubens: Painted religious subjects and everyday scenes of citizens.

The Golden Age in Spain

• What it is:

  • During the 17th century, Spain lost its international dominance after several military conflicts but remained an artistic reference internationally.

• Architecture and Sculpture in Spain:

  • Architecture:
    • The architectural peak occurred in the 18th century, but significant works were also produced in the 17th century.
    • Religious Architecture: Fernando Casas y Novoa (Obradoiro façade of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral) and José Churriguera (façade of the Tomas de Aquino Convent in Madrid).
    • Civil Architecture: Examples include the Plaza Mayor in Madrid and the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca.
  • Sculpture:
    • Primarily expressed through religious imagery.
    • Polychrome wooden figures were used to decorate altarpieces in churches.

• Painting:

  • The 17th century was also the Golden Age for painting in Spain.
  • Many painters achieved international fame, such as Zurbarán and Velázquez.

• Velázquez:

  • One of Spain's greatest painters.
  • Began working in Seville, creating highly realistic paintings.
  • Moved to Madrid to become the court painter for Philip IV.
  • Painted some of his first important works, such as The Triumph of Bacchus.
  • Traveled to Italy twice and was influenced by Italian painters.
  • During this period, he painted Vulcan's Forge and created works for the Medici family.
  • Upon returning to Spain, he added color to his works and abandoned tenebrism.
  • Notable works include Las Meninas and The Fable of Arachne (The Spinners).

• Kahoot Games:

  • Focus on Barrokoa I and Barrokoa II (excluding the science-related Kahoot).
  • Required to identify images and their authors.