The Baroque Period - Essay Example

Introduction The artistic expression of the late 16th century way to the middle 18th century was generally termed as Baroque. Since Renaissance wasthe revival of the classics in art, Baroque art was first thought of as the failure to meet the standards of Renaissance. And with the many changes that transformed the European society at that time, art had its own revolution. Nevertheless, as with any other period, Baroque had its own style etched in art history. Historical Background The 17th century was the advent of the so-called modern age, as scientific discoveries and human awareness began to take shape (Sullivan).

Like the Renaissance, Baroque art had its origins in Italy, and encompassed other European regions as well. Nevertheless, unlike in the Renaissance, the Catholic Church became influential to the arts. Political situations also affected and influenced art, such as the English and Spanish monarchies. Baroque Art The art forms of the period are characterized as intense, immediate, and individualist (Sullivan). These characteristics were achieved through the manipulation of movement and energy of the paintings and sculptures.

Most of the themes of the art forms were mainly of considerable action and lively momentum. For a case in point, consider Gianlorenzo Bernini’s David (1623). This marble sculpture was set at a dynamic point, the moment at which David was about to hurl the sling. At such point of action, Bernini added emotion by carving it out of David’s face, revealing enthusiasm, and fury out of the sculpture. As most of the figures of the Baroque, Bernini’s subject was a human figure. Naturalism was still a general attribute of baroque art, and science gradually influenced art pieces.

This could be seen in David’s elaborate details of the body structure. In paintings, the same characteristics could be observed. In Caravaggio’s representation of Christ from the cross, Entombment (1603), the depicted scene shows a sense of movement and emotions. The painting engages the viewer into sympathizing with the subjects through the evident emotions depicted in the faces and movements of the figures. The emotion of the moment was captured as well through the manipulation of light, which is also an attribute of Baroque period.

Such paintings were commissioned by the church to draw people into returning to the Catholic Church at the time of the Counter-Reformation. The architecture of the period was grand, like the energy portrayed in paintings and sculptures of the time. Due to the aristocratic influence of the royalties, the structures of the period were extravagantly designed and furnished. The apparent treatment of space, balance ad scale was expressed in architecture as well as in other art forms. Conclusion As the Baroque period was the time of scientific endeavors, much of the art styles were influenced by the ideals of science.

European culture was greatly swayed by art in most aspects, thus Baroque art was aesthetically premier and grand. It was also the period of energy and movement in art forms. With this distinctiveness, the art forms of the period should not be characterized as a failure to meet the principles of Renaissance. The Baroque period is a highlight of art history in its own style. Reference: Sullivan, E.J. Baroque art and architecture. (n.d.). Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved May 8, 2008 Microsoft Encarta Online.