Baroque art is a painting and sculpture style that is thought to have originated in Italy in the mid-fifteenth century. It is described as a more expressive, theatrical art style than the Renaissance style that came before it. Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Bernini, and Vermeer, for example, are known for their bold use of light and shadow, elaborate scenes and structures, and dynamism. Baroque art is frequently thought to be heavily influenced by strong emotions. The style is thought to have originated in Italy under Roman Catholic influence, but as the Baroque style spread to northern, Protestant Europe, depictions of everyday life began to appear. Between about 1600 and 1750, the term “Baroque” was used to describe works of art created in Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Baroque art is divided into three categories by art historians. Many artists, including Peter Paul Reubens, preferred to work with religious themes, whether they were Catholic or Protestant. Others, particularly Flemish artists like Vermeer, chose to depict everyday scenes. Some artists, such as Caravaggio, depicted both types of scenes, but used a technique known as chiaroscuro to create dramatic contrasts between light and shadow in their works. All of these types of Baroque art depict scenes of almost exaggerated vibrancy, which may reflect the social and cultural environment created by the Age of Enlightenment and the rise of a prosperous middle class.
To give their work immediacy, most Baroque artists used an implied sense of dynamism, emotion, and psychological tension. As seen in the works of Rembrandt and Caravaggio, Baroque paintings and sculptures are known for illuminating figures against a dark, shadowy background. Baroque paintings, particularly those by Italian artists, usually depict action-packed Biblical scenes or battle scenes. While northern artists like Vermeer’s Baroque works may not appear as dramatic on the surface, they frequently depict people and objects in motion, giving the work a sense of urgency.
In addition to deep shadows and brightly illuminated figures, Baroque painters and sculptors were known for their meticulous attention to detail. The use of bright colors appeared to be popular among Baroque artists. Old Man Time and other figures from legend and folklore were frequently depicted in Baroque painting and sculpture, but religious figures and everyday characters were equally represented in many artists’ works.