About the +ART Column
In the +ART column, we share articles designed to make art feel a little closer to home. From seasonal recommendations of artists to clear, beginner-friendly explanations, we explore the appeal of art from many angles. Our aim is to offer little hints that let art slip naturally into your everyday life. We hope you'll enjoy the world of art with ease.
Contents
- Introduction
- What is Baroque? A super-easy guide
- The features of Baroque architecture
- Highlights of Baroque sculpture
- The masters of the Baroque — 2 names worth knowing
- A tour of the world's Baroque landmarks — 3 places to visit
- Summary
Introduction
You've seen it in art textbooks, but it looks a little difficult…
Do you have an impression like that?
In fact, Baroque art is a deeply fascinating art form, packed with elements that we today would call "flashy!" "lavish!" "dramatic!"
In this article, we'll introduce the appeal of Baroque architecture and sculpture!
What is Baroque? A super-easy guide
Baroque is an artistic style that flourished in Europe from the 17th to the 18th century.
The word "Baroque" means "misshapen pearl" in Portuguese, and was originally used in a critical sense, to mean "strange art."
But today its distinctive appeal is held in high regard!
Whereas the Renaissance prized "harmony and proportion," Baroque valued "emotion and movement."
It developed out of the Catholic Church's desire, after the Reformation, for "art that stirred the hearts of the faithful."
The features of Baroque architecture
Curves and movement
Curves over straight lines! Undulating walls, winding staircases, oval domes — architecture that never sits still is its hallmark.
A theater of light and shadow
Natural light is drawn in to great effect, staging the space as if with theatrical lighting.
The placement of windows and reflections is calculated to create a mysterious atmosphere!
Sumptuous, lavish ornamentation
Gold leaf, marble, colorful frescoes... in a word, flamboyant!
Its hallmark is a sumptuousness in which ornament is layered upon ornament.
Highlights of Baroque sculpture
A frozen moment
The greatest feature of Baroque sculpture is "movement."
It has such a sense of vitality, as if capturing a single instant of motion, that the scene seems to come to life before your eyes.
The realism of emotional expression
Joy, suffering, ecstasy, astonishment... it expresses human emotions with realism.
Though it is sculpture, you feel as if the figure is "about to burst into tears" or "about to cry out"!
Beauty from every angle
Baroque sculpture is calculated to be beautiful from any angle.
Walk all the way around it, and you can discover different expressions and movements.
The masters of the Baroque — 2 names worth knowing
Bernini (1598–1680)
A sculptor and architect who was active chiefly in Rome.
A master of such skill that he could render, in what hardly seems to be marble, the softness of skin, the texture of cloth, even the fineness of individual hairs.
"Ecstasy of Saint Teresa," 1647–1652
Francesco Borromini (1599–1667)
An architect who created mysterious spaces by combining curves in intricate ways.
He was a man of innovative ideas that astonished the people of his time.
"San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane," 1638–1641
A tour of the world's Baroque landmarks — 3 places to visit
1. St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican City)
The "Baldacchino" (the colossal canopy) crafted by Bernini and the colonnade of the square are must-sees.
It has a grandeur befitting the very seat of the Catholic Church.
2. The Palace of Versailles (France)
A sumptuous, lavish palace built by the "Sun King" Louis XIV.
A treasure trove of composite art where you can also witness the transition from Baroque to Rococo.
3. Karlskirche (Vienna, Austria)
A church built in prayer for recovery from the plague.
Its interior in tones of blue and white, and its twisting columns, leave a striking impression.
Summary
The keys to Baroque art are "movement" and "emotion."
Though the architecture and sculpture ought to be standing still, somehow they seem to move — that is the appeal of the Baroque!
It may be hard to go and see the real thing, but you can also find Baroque architecture in scenes from films!
Even without knowledge of art, the feeling of "amazing!" "beautiful!" is what matters most.
Don't overthink it — first, just enjoy the work right in front of you!
Why not add a touch of art to your space?
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