Take each of the following characteristics of the Baroque world and explain how it can be seen in at least 2 works from the period (music, art, architecture, and/or literature). Space, especially expansiveness Light and its symbolism Time, especially the moment frozen in time Emotion Virtuosity Space, especially expansiveness When discussing works from the Baroque period that depict characteristics of space and expansiveness two architectural works that come to mind are St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy and the Palace of Versailles, in France. Many describe both of these massive architectural masterpieces as evoking an overwhelming feeling of endless when immersed in their presence. Light and its symbolism On the subject of the use of light and its symbolism two works that that seem to stand out are Michelangelo Merisi or more commonly known as Caravaggio painting, The Calling of Saint Matthew, and Georges de La Tour, The Lamentation over Saint Sebastian. Both artists use the technique of chiaroscuro or the extreme contrasts between light and dark to make certain the viewer’s attention is drawn to the main subject in the painting and act that they are engaged in.
Art was a crucial aspect of expressing Renaissance ideas. Italian sculptors, painters, and architects in particular did a fantastic job of communicating Renaissance concepts in their artwork. Three of the most central humanistic beliefs during this period of time were the appreciation of the individual, the emphasis on the real rather than the abstract, and the imitation of past civilizations. The sculpture “David”, by Italian artist Michelangelo, is an excellent example of the humanistic emphasis on appreciating the individual and dignifying the human kind. Michelangelo depicts David as a strong, godlike figure, emphasizing the size of his hands and feet.
Baroque Architecture Characteristics Introduction The Baroque period took the humanist Roman view of Renaissance architecture and showed it in a new rhetorical, theatrical and sculptural fashion they expressed the triumph of absolutist church and state. The main view of Baroque architecture was more concerned about color, light and shade, sculptural values and intensity which could be seen in its characteristics. Baroque is defined periods in literature as well as music; however critics perceived it to be unstructured, over ornamented, theatrical and grotesque. Although many things influenced the Baroque period it was also influenced by religion as well as the countries politics. Architects were interested in the space of the unfolding universe as well as the workings of the mind and attempted to portray passions of the soul through facial expressions.
Otto, as Augustus, could trace his imperial lineage from Augustus to Constantine to Charlemagne, and the symbolic impact of this "genealogy" would deeply affect Ottonian art and architecture. Architecture and Sculpture Otto revived the imperial ambitions of Charlemagne, taking the Carolingian westwork church (i.e. St. Riquier) as the model for the imperial "stamp" in the ecclesiastical community and refashioned the exteriors to make them more imposing and majestic. The most majestic of all Ottonian churches is St. Michael's, Hildesheim Cathedral, c. 1010 — 33 (Janson, figures 9-22 — 9-26). A very symmetrical building, it has two almost identical transept arms, the proportions of which are trebled in the nave.
BAROQUE PERIOD The Baroque period lasted from about 1600 to 1750. The Baroque style is noted for its use of exaggerated motion and rich, minute detail in order to bring out emotional intensity like drama, tension, exuberance and grandeur in painting, sculpture, architecture etc. The Oxford English Dictionary states that the term ‘baroque’ has been derived from the Portuguese word ‘barroco’, Spanish ‘barroco’ or French ‘baroque’ which all mean ‘rough or imperfect pearl’, but it can informally also mean something that is elaborate or richly detailed. The term "Baroque" was first rehabilitated by the Swiss-born art historian, Heinrich Wölfflin (1864–1945) in his Renaissance und Barock (1888); Wölfflin identified the Baroque as "movement imported into mass," an art antithetic to Renaissance art. The Baroque style was encouraged by the Roman Catholic Church which wanted works of art to portray religious themes while conveying a sense of direct emotional involvement to the viewers, as a challenge to the Protestant Reformation.
earlymusicla.org laweekly Introduction to Baroque Art and Music (pages 94-102) - It originates first in Rome, as a way to glorify the Counter-Reformation Catholic Church, and then spread beyond Italy to Spain, France, Germany, Austria, the Low Countries and England in the early seventeenth Century. -The artists who created Baroque art worked mainly for the pope and important monarchs throughout Europe. -Baroque is the term used to describe the arts generally during the period 1600-1750. Definition: Taken from the Portuguese word barroco, refering to a pearl of irregular shape then used in jewelry and fine decorations. - Baroque had a negative connotation: It signified distortion, excess, and extravagance... except when we get to Vivaldi and Bach.
The Baroque Period was the age of reason when minds and imaginations opened up new worlds of scientific knowledge as well as artistic creativity. (Fleming, 75) The Baroque era was a period of opulence and magnificence that gave off a powerful awe inspiring style that was full of flamboyant concepts and overall dramatic quality. From Venice, as well as from Rome and the centers where international mannerism flourished, the roads to Baroque art fanned out in all directions. The style of Baroque art was so diverse that it’s difficult to determine what classifies it as being art of the Baroque era. Although Baroque art has many diverse artistic manifestations there are certain general characteristics that appear in all three types of Baroque art.
This not only represents a symbol of Gothic spirituality, but a practicality in engineering. These arches redistributed the thrust of downward force in a more equal controllable directions. Second it is known for the massive ribbed vaults that are seen along the ceilings of these churches. These ribbed vaults enabled the buildings to achieve new heights. Third it is known for the flying buttresses that were used to let the outward thrust of the vaults go gracefully to the ground through a series of arches.
Historical development Rococo developed first in the decorative arts and interior design. Louis XV's succession brought a change in the court artists and general artistic fashion. By the end of the old king's reign, rich Baroque designs were giving way to lighter elements with more curves and natural patterns. These elements are evident in the architectural designs of Nicolas Pineau. During the R�gence, court life moved away from Versailles and this artistic change became well established, first in the royal palace and then throughout French high society.
It is called neoclassical architecture, because it is neo, or new age, buildings that use ideas and styles from the classics. This was primarily an architectural movement in the United States, during and following the American Revolution. It was promoted by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. It had such an influence in America that the US Capitol, Supreme Court, and White House buildings all draw on Neo-classicalism. One of the most famous Neoclassical buildings in the U.S. Is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's long worked on and respected home.