Baroque Era Essay

617 Words3 Pages
The Baroque Era (1600-1750 C.E.) The term Baroque comes from the Portuguese meaning “ "a pearl of irregular shape." used to describe an irregular or imperfectly shaped pearl. Others say that it originally derived from the Italian word barocco, which was use by the philosophers to describe an obstacle in schematic logic. Baroque style began in Rome around 1600, and spread throughout Europe. Baroque architecture is well known for its excessive flamboyant designs and opulent ornate interiors. It was also recognised in creating a dramatic use of texture through color, architecture, and design details. Often light and dark contrasting colors were used together to create designs often seen on painted ceilings and tiled marble checkerboard floor patterns. A signature style of baroque was the rich use of ornamented decorations. Architectural ornaments were first found on the buildings and were very detailed and extravagant in size. The style became so apparent that it quickly dictated the direction of furniture, jewelry and clothing. Gowns became even more elaborate in size and pattern. Jewelry was worn in excess and hair styles were tremendously grand in scale,and very flamboyant. It became even more needed as interiors demanded color and large scale ornate details. Labor intensive ceiling frescoes, faux marble walls and gilding became more popular than ever. Gold was seen everywhere, and anything that could be gilded, often was. The interiors had jeweled walls with striking colors, and rich fabrics, which adorned the furniture. The excessive rich details were not spared in any corner of the home. The Baroque Era was a time of extreme vanity on the part of its sovereigns who followed the model set by Kings of France. France in the 17th Century was dominated by its kings; Henry IV, Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Each weakened the power of the aristocrats and

More about Baroque Era Essay

Open Document