What is Painting Stylistic of Baroque?

Figure-01- One of Baroque style of art, painted by Caravaggio, credit to WUBR

Baroque style started in around 1600 in Rome, Italy, then spread to Europe continent. 

The style was initiated by the Catholic Church to respond to the Protestant reformation, where the style had to be:

- more forceful

- more emotional

- a greater realism.

Then, Baroque style influenced artists in painting, sculpture and architecture a cross Europe.

Art Encyclopedia (2016) listed prominent artists of Baroque style, some of painting artists are:

- Diego Velazquez

- Rembrandt

- Caravaggio

- Carlo Maratta

Figure-02- a Caravaggio painting

Among sculpture artists are:

- Giovanni Bernini

- Juan Martines Montanes

- Jorg Zurn

Famous artists of Baroque style in the field of architecture are:

- Christopher Wren

- John Vanbrugh

- Balthasar Neumann

Figure-03- Another Caravaggio painting

We could see the examples of painting from Caravaggio as one of Baroque artists (please see Figure 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05).

Caravaggio is nickname for Michelangelo Merisi who developed Baroque in style form known as “lights and dark.” The style was developed in 1600’s as the mark of ending of Renaissance style era.

Figure-04- Girl and fruits, painted by Caravaggio

The Caravaggio paintings are characterized by darkness as background, and then spot light on the figures.

As of above paintings and below one, we don’t see architectures, landscapes or views as background. We just see man, woman, girl, boy, animal or fruit as spot figures.

Figure-05- Boy and an animal, painted by Caravaggio

Caravaggio's style was not very accepted, especially from religious communities in Italy, because his models are coming from common people such as from street, farming or brothels.

His style influenced over European artists includes Spanish, Dutch and French at early times. Then, respected by Italian artists of next generations.

Reference

Art Encyclopedia. 2016. Baroque Art. Retrieved from  http://www.visual-arts-

cork.com/history-of-art/baroque.htm....