Early Modern Europe Overview (c. 1600-1700)

Early Modern Europe c. 1600-1700

  • Mannerism
    • Transition period between Renaissance and Baroque
    • Influenced by the Protestant Reformation, characterized by:
    • Printing, translation, and widespread availability of the Bible
    • Protestant views promoted by Martin Luther
    • Rejection of Papal (Roman Catholic) authority and concepts such as indulgences
    • Example: Lucas Cranach the Elder, Martin Luther, 1520

Characteristics of Mannerism

  • Crisis in art:
    • All technical problems were solved, leading to a need for innovation and expression.
  • Distinct characteristics:
    • Elongation of figures
    • Distortion of perspective
    • Dark backgrounds
    • Serpentine positions and gestures in human forms
    • Mannerist colours
    • Crowded compositions
    • Dramatic usage of light and darkness

Key Works of Mannerism

  • Madonna of the Long Neck, Parmigianino, 1530–33
  • Madonna of the Meadow, Raphael, 1505–06
  • The Last Supper, Tintoretto, 1592
  • The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1490

Mannerist Sculpture

  • Notable artist: Giambologna (1529–1608)
    • Key works:
    • Hercules and Nessus, 1599
    • Mercury, 1580
    • Rape of the Sabine Women, 1574–82

Baroque Style

  • Definition:
    • Originally designating a pearl of irregular shape.
  • Characteristics:
    • Encouraged by the Catholic Church to counter the simplicity of Protestant influence.
    • Emphasizes a sensual, extravagant, and ecstatic approach in arts.
    • Sometimes described as absurd, grotesque, and theatrical.

Notable Baroque Works

  • The Entombment of Christ, Caravaggio, 1602–1604
  • Judith and Holofernes, Artemisia Gentileschi, 1620-21
  • Girl with a Pearl Earring, Johannes Vermeer, 1665
  • The Milkmaid, Johannes Vermeer, c. 1658

Prominent Artists of the Baroque Period

  • Rembrandt
    • Self-Portrait with Beret and Turned-Up Collar, 1659
  • Peter Paul Rubens
    • The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus, 1618
  • Diego Velázquez
    • Las Meninas, 1656–1657
    • Focus: Princess Margarita; questions about the subject of the portrait (Is Velázquez painting the King and Queen or himself?).
    • Inspired by Van Eyck's Arnolfini Wedding.

Concepts by Nicolas Poussin

  • Et in Arcadia ego, 1637–1638
    • Meaning: “I too am in Arcadia - even death is in Arcadia.”

Baroque Sculpture and Architecture

  • Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680)

    • Combined classical grandeur of Renaissance sculpture with dynamic energy of Mannerism.
    • Notable work: Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, 1651
    • Resides in the Cornaro Chapel in Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome.

  • Baroque Architecture Examples:

    • Saint Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro), 1656-1667
    • Château de Versailles (1661-1710)
    • Architects: Louis le Vau (architect), André le Nôtre (landscape designer), Charles le Brun (painter/interior decorator).