Baroque Architecture: Comparison of Italian, French and Spanish Baroque - Term Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages Comparison of Italian, French and Spanish Baroque Italian Baroque Baroque architecture emerged in Italy and Rome became its ideal city where it was strongly encouraged by the ‘convergence of ambitious Popes and artists who had gained a good reputation internationally (Learn Columbia n.d.). The three major architects of the era were Maderno, Bernini and Borromini. Carlo Maderno was the first major architect and is known for his work on Saint Peter’s between the period 1606 and 1612 (E. Sullivan n.d.). Gian Lorenzo Bernini was a very important and influential architect. He designed the colonnade which embraced Saint Peter’s Square and churches such as San Andrea al Quirinale in Rome. Francesco Borromini designed the church - San Carlo all Quattro Fontane which could be described as the quintessence of Italian baroque architecture (E. Sullivan n.d.). Both Bernini and Borromini have been commended for the way they developed the simple geometrical shape with ‘creativity, complexity and effect’ at San Andrea al Quirinale and San Carlo alle Quattro respectively (Learn Columbia n.d.). Pictures of San Carlo alle Fontane provided by M. Sullivan (n.d.) indicates that it has a main facade, three bays facing the street, a second facade and a narrow bay at the corner with its own tower. Sullivan also pointed out that there was a gigantic order which enclosed a small order; however the gigantic order does not serve the purpose of unifying the two stories. Instead, M. Sullivan (n.d.) points out each story have contrasting elements and are equally important. The lower story of the building has three bays two of which are concave and one convex while the upper story has only concave bays. Sullivan also points out that the lower bays are united by continuous...
This essay stresses that the Baroque developed into two separate forms – one that was strongly Roman Catholic and one that was Protestant. The Roman Catholic form was counter reformist and was aimed at combating the spread of Protestantism. This form was practiced in Italy and Spain. The Protestant form was practiced in France and other protestant countries. According to Sullivan (n.d.) the simplicity sought by Protestantism explains the architectural styles in those areas.
As the report highlights leading architects in Italy included Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini, Pietro da Cortona, and Guarino Guarini. Architects in Spain that have been recognized include Alonso Cano, Peter Paul Rubens, Jacques Francart and Pieter Huyssens. Those recognized in France include Salomon de Brosse, Francois Mansart, Andre Le Notre, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Nicolas Pineau and Juste-Aurele Meissonier. Baroque architecture emerged in Italy and Rome became its ideal city where it was strongly encouraged by the ‘convergence of ambitious Popes and artists who had gained a good reputation internationally. The three major architects of the era were Maderno, Bernini and Borromini. Carlo Maderno was the first major architect and is known for his work on Saint Peter’s between the period 1606 and 1612. Spanish Baroque was similar to Italian Baroque but there was more emphasis on surface decorations. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More