Arts and culture of Baroque period - Research Paper Example

Art and Culture in Baroque Period Baroque period is a unique and important era for most historians and scholars worldwide. This period includes both the seventeenth and eighteenth century in Europe. Baroque period is mainly characterized by a unique lifestyle, cultural, and economic activities across Europe, which is the reason for the much importance and emphasis on this period. A number of people across Europe during this period applied the term Baroque to the art and culture of that time. The application resulted from the dynamism and the adoption of extravagant effects by artists. Furthermore, the Baroque art was distinct in that it was dramatic and had tremendous emotional expression while the culture was equally unique with strange dressing code and presence of grammar schools. Artists in this period were known for their habit and love for artwork that revealed the fantastic energy and induced emotional reactions from various individuals in the society. Thus, the onlookers and admirers of various artworks exhibited a range of emotional reactions. Equally important, Baroque art was widely known for the use of bright colors and selective illumination of figures (Carl and Charles 52). The artists were dynamic in their works revealing various senses of movement while drawing. Furthermore, these artists drew images that were direct and distinct to different people in the community. Although these images were obvious, creative artists made them dramatic. They did this by using dramatic colors and effects on their work. Moreover, they enhanced their artworks by ensuring continuous overlapping of element and figures in their drawings. During this period, there were numerous talented artists whose work were admirable and highly demanded. Although the artists were many, the rules required the every artist to work specifically for or under one patron at a time. The number of patrons at that time was equally large since the demand for the artwork was high. According to the article Baroque art, patrons such as the church, secular government and the courts among other were in need of artists. The rules and regulations set by the artist/patron relationship act empowered patrons giving them total control and authority over contracted artists. Although this rule worked for a very long period, it later changed after the act was dissolved to free artist. Consequently, artist were afforded more freedom in their operations. Besides, art was used by monarchs and aristocrats to express power and domination (Carl and Charles 14). During this era, the kings and powerful leaders preferred beautifully constructed palaces and areas of residence. Skillful and dedicated artist built these palaces during that time. The leaders preferred palaces built in particular places, which is around and the entrance of courts. Furthermore, the palaces were spaciously built with reception rooms of increasing opulence. All these were done to display power and also as a way of impressing visitors and giving them the best impression of the kingdom. The perfect example of royal palace decorated to impress visitors was built at Versailles. Moreover, during this era creative and talented people practiced the religious art. According to Carl and Charles (16), the Catholic priests and leaders in an attempt to dominate the locals and counter other religions used art. Through art, they sought to stimulate a majority of the public’s faith in the church and its practices. The church hired numerous talented and creative artists across the world. Consequently, these artists came up with conscious artworks that emotionally appealed to various faithful. The artists mostly focused on saints and holy and influential people in the Bible such as Mary. A perfect example of Baroque artwork is the Ecstasy of St. Teresa that was drawn and painted by Giovanni Lorenzo in 1652. Furthermore, the artist explained Biblical stories to the church members through pictures and paintings. This move resulted in massive increase in the number of congregation members. Therefore, the church became widely known and respected across Europe. Baroque period was characterized by supremacy battle between various denominations across Europe (Fitzpatrick 12). The Catholic and Protestants engaged in several wars and verbal attacks. As a result of their conflict, many countries separated and became villains. The notably separation due to these religious disagreements was between Protestant Holland and Catholic Flanders which is currently Belgium. Due to their inability to settle on one religion, Holland supported Protestants with the majority of its citizens embracing the religion. Conversely, in Belgium, the citizens fully embraced Catholicism leading to the construction of numerous churches in support the church. In addition, come Protestants converted to Catholicism. Consequently, most communities in Belgium believed and worshiped a supreme being that is Almighty God. Religion became an important part of the community. Consequently, people organized fellowships and mass services to worship God. Furthermore, others spared particular days of the week and specifically dedicated them to God. Through this, they believed God would bless them and answer their prayers. After successfully defeating Protestants, Roman Catholics introduced education to various countries across Europe. Moreover, different communities saw educations as enlightening and a necessity for their children’s growth and development (Benton & DiYanni 267). The Catholics built different schools and taught both religion and grammar. Thus, two very high standard and quality schools were established that is Jesuits and the Benedictines (Bohn and Saslow 84). These schools absorbed numerous students from various countries that practiced Catholicism. Not only were these students taught grammar and religion, but also poetry. It led to the emergence of a number of prolific poets in Baroque period most notably Wolf Helmart. Helmart`s poems were interesting and educative on various matters of life. Additionally, through various paintings and pictures it is easy to learn about the fashion and style during the Baroque era. The drawing and images that were mostly reflected the reality and actions in the society reveal fashion trend in that period. Thus, art was based on daily routines and practices of the society (Camara). Men had long hair, beards, and mustache. This look was viewed as trendy, classy, and appropriate during that period. Furthermore, they rocked fancy clothes with beaver’s hats. Similarly, women also had long hair and fancy clothes. Astonishingly, some women had a strange dress code, as they would put on as many as eight petticoats beneath their short skirts or dresses. In addition, a group of men also had such unique ways of dressing since they wore high-heeled shoes with long stockings. All their ways of dressing were trendy and classy during that period and were in line with community`s norms. Moreover, communities during this period composed and enjoyed different music (Guisepi). Between the year 1600 and 1750 many people enjoyed and danced to European classical music. The various composers of classical European music were Claudio Monteverdi, Antonio Vivaldi among others. As a way of making the music enjoyable and melodious, musicians used various instruments such violin, flute, and horns. Although many people enjoyed music, its significance only increased depending on the sophistication of the instruments used by musicians (Fitzpatrick 68). As a result of the increasing fondness for music as a way of expression, different genres of music emerged during this period. The most notable type was opera. Evidently, the art and culture of various communities during this period were unique and interesting. The period had an influx of creative and talented artists who fully expressed their mind and thoughts in their artwork. The artworks evoked emotions and also passed important messages to the society members. Although artists worked under restrictions, they still gave their best and satisfied their patrons with accomplished and admirable work. Furthermore, the cultural practices during this period were also unique and strange. Men rocked fancy clothes and shoes that were viewed as classy and trendy. Similarly, women also wore funny dresses and numerous petticoats. Equally important, various countries also engaged in religious conflict with Roman Catholic emerging the winner. The study of this period is vital and informative to historians. Through it, they learn from the history and happenings of Baroque period. Works Cited ‘Baroque Art.’ N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. . Benton, Janetta Rebold, and Robert DiYanni. Arts and Culture: An Introduction to the Humanities. Prentice Hall, 2011. Print Bohn, Babette, and James M. Saslow. A Companion to Renaissance and Baroque Art. John Wiley, 2012. Print. Carl, Klaus H., and Victoria Charles. Baroque Art. Parkstone International, 2009. Print. Camara, Esparanca. Baroque art in Europe, an introduction. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. . Fitzpatrick, Anne. The Baroque Period. The Creative Company, 2006. Print Guisepi, R.A. The Baroque Era in the Arts. N.P., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. . Read More