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BAROQUE ART

Overview
  • Time Period: 1600-1750
  • Definition: The art style or art movement of the Counter-Reformation in the 17th century.
Historical Context
  • The Baroque style primarily flourished in Catholic countries:
      - Italy
      - Spain
      - Netherlands
      - France
  • Characteristics: Artists sought emotion, drama, movement, and variety in their works.
  • Counter-Reformation:
      - "Counter": Meaning against.
      - "Reformation": Meaning change.
      - Conflict emerged due to the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther, challenging the political and religious powers of the Roman Catholic Church, governed by the Pope in Vatican City, Rome.
  • The Protestant Rebellion prompted the Catholic Church to initiate a propaganda campaign in the arts to maintain loyalty.
      - Resulted in two factions of Christianity leading to war and a battle for loyalty and power.
      - Art became a means of communication similar to modern political campaigns, utilizing media to sway public opinion.
Characteristics of Baroque Art
  • **Keywords: **
      - Un-classical
      - Theatrical
      - Violent
      - Exaggerated
      - Unpredictable
      - Tension
      - Inharmonious
      - Extreme
      - Elegant
      - Illusionist
  • Known as "the style of absolutism".
  • Features:
      - Higher volumes, exaggerated decorations, and colossal sculptures.
      - Dominant impression of movement, energy, and tension.
      - Strong contrasts of light and shadow enhance dramatic effects.
      - In architecture: attention to animation and grandeur, showcased through scale and dramatic light.
      - The grandiose and ornate nature; often characterized by restlessness, lack of symmetry, and dynamic forms.
      - Utilization of spatial illusion, large gardens, grandiose staircases and terraces in secular buildings.
Notable Roman Catholic Artists
  • Caravaggio (Italian Painter)
  • Velázquez (Spanish Painter)
  • Bernini (Italian Sculptor)

Background of Caravaggio

  • Active in various locations including Rome, Naples, and Malta between 1593 and 1610.
  • First great representative of the Baroque school of painting.
  • Apprenticeship: Contract with Titian.
  • Notable for a violent temper and tumultuous life filled with legal issues and conflicts, leading to multiple arrests.
      - For example, in 1606, engaged in a fatal sword fight, leading him to flee and gain a temporary knighthood in Malta.
      - Suffered a series of violent encounters and ultimately died in his thirties on July 18, 1610.
Techniques Used by Caravaggio
  • Tenebrism
      - Italian: tenebroso (meaning murky).
      - Radical use of chiaroscuro with stark contrasts between light and dark, where darkness features prominently.
      - The term "Caravaggism" is frequently employed synonymously with tenebrism due to his association with the technique.
  • Realism
      - Depiction of ordinary characters, situations, and themes in a lifelike manner.
      - Discarded idealism in favor of relatable subjects, influencing the emergence of a more realistic style in painting.
Analysis of Caravaggio's Work
  • Caravaggio's early works included religious themes that displayed remarkable spirituality and realism.
  • Example: Penitent Magdalene
      - Depicts Mary Magdalene in a moment of vulnerability, rendered in contemporary outfits, capturing intense emotions and flaws.
      - The model for Mary Magdalene, Anna Bianchini, was a known courtesan, reflecting the blending of sacred and secular themes in Caravaggio's art.
      - His use of realism shifted perceptions, presenting subjects as relatable humans rather than idealized figures.
  • Caravaggio's realism shocked audiences, especially through works like the Penitent Magdalene that rendered everyday struggles into spiritual representation.
Caravaggio and the Conversion of St. Paul
  • The Conversion of St. Paul (1601)
      - Illustrates Saul's spiritual encounter on his journey to persecute Christians.
      - The use of chiaroscuro to enhance the dramatic moment and engage the viewer's gaze.

Background of Velázquez

  • A prominent Spanish painter active under King Philip IV.
  • Known for historical pieces and portraits, culminating in his masterpiece Las Meninas (1656).
Analysis of Las Meninas
  • A unique group portrait depicting the infanta (princess) and her attendants in a dynamic composition.
  • Exceptionally includes a mirror reflecting the king and queen, creating an interactive perspective for viewers.
  • The scene encapsulates a moment frozen in time, emphasizing viewer presence and perspective.

Background of Bernini

  • An architect, sculptor, and painter of significant importance during the Italian Baroque era.
  • His work in the Vatican City includes grand architectural schemes and innovative sculpture.
  • He sought realism in sculpture, emphasizing the psychological depth of subjects.
Analysis of Bernini's Sculptures
  • David (1623)
      - Suggested movement and naturally flowing forms embody the Baroque spirit.
      - Represents the moment before battling Goliath, capturing dynamic energy unlike Renaissance static representations.
  • The Ecstasy of St. Theresa (1645-1652)
      - A sculpture depicting St. Theresa in spiritual ecstasy, showcasing dramatic emotion, and controversial erotic undertones.
      - Texture, light, and movement contribute to the intensity of the experience portrayed.
Public Works by Bernini
  • Trevi Fountain (1629-1762)
      - A grand allegorical fountain, featuring Neptune and intricate designs symbolizing the passage of water and vitality.
      - The fountain's significance lies in its architectural beauty and cultural importance within Rome.

Protestant Artists

  • Rembrandt (Dutch Painter)
  • Vermeer (Dutch Painter)
Background of Rembrandt
  • A renowned Dutch painter linked with the Dutch Golden Age, known for his portrayal of self-portraits, biblical scenes, and individuals of his time.
Notable Work: The Night Watch
  • The Night Watch (1640-1642)
      - Acknowledged for its intricate composition, use of chiaroscuro, and dynamic presentation of figures.
      - Captures a moment full of action, movement, and human interaction.
Background of Vermeer
  • An elegant Dutch Baroque painter specializing in intimate depictions of domestic interior life.
  • Known for his precise use of light and creating captivating scenes.
Notable Work: Allegory of the Art
  • Allegory of the Art (1670-1675)
      - Showcases a painter at work, revealing an artistic process while engaging in historical references.

Recap Questions

Key Questions About Baroque Art
  1. What are 5 Keywords to describe Baroque art?
  2. Who were the Roman Catholic artists?
  3. What are the characteristics of Baroque art?
  4. Who were the Protestant artists?
  5. During which years did the Baroque period take place?
  6. Define Tenebrism.
  7. **Define Realism.