e that deals in spectacle, grandeur, and dramatic contrast. Test these concepts in an essay that discusses the baroque as an expression of the Catholic Reformation, Protestant devotionalism, the Scientific Revolution, and the Age of Absolutism. Define your general statements with specific examples. The following essay will discuss the baroque period and how the Catholic Reformation, Protestant devotionalism, and the Scientific Revolution influenced it.
The Baroque period generally refers to the years 1600 to1750. Classicism of the Renaissance has been replenished during the Baroque period. During the Baroque artistic period, the exploration of the fundamental components of human nature and the realm of senses and emotions were very crucial. The Baroque era was a very dynamic time that showed an abundance of radiance and color.
Artists of this time were passionate and sensual. Their works were many times considered to have an overpowering emotional effect. The superficial form of light was fascinated during this period due to the thoughts of godlike sun or the truth of the Holy Spirit. The Baroque naturalism maintains the religious themes in content. The elements of perception in the Baroque art are how we perceived the natural human figures are in motion through space, time, and light. We present and analyze the extent of human actions and passions in all its degrees of lightness, darkness, and intensity.
The scientific revolution also had a tremendous impact on art during this time. Scientists started to study the earth and its positioning in the universe. This was a time when the people started take more of an interest in astronomy and mathematical equations. During the time of the Catholic Reformation artists began to challenge all the rules that society has set for artistic design. Artist starting with Parmigianino, Tintoretto, and El Greco began to add a wide variety of colors into their paintings, challenging the way things have been done in the past. These artists also added abnormal figures or altered the proportions in paintings.
This is displayed in Parmigianinos painting, Madonna of the long neck. During this time the Catholic Church was in a transition period moving from their recent reputation and becoming a well-respected organization. During this reform, an autobiography written by Layola about Saint Teresa of Avila set a new tone for Catholics to follow. This influenced people to have a more spiritual outlook on life. Protestantism also played a huge part in the development of the baroque style.
Protestantism had a strong scriptural and devotional emphasis with rising commercialism. Artists during this time started to concentrate on personal issues instead of religious displays. Poetry became another way of expression during this era. Poets like John Milton produced works that depicted morality, evil, and death. Johann Sebastian Bach and George F.
Handel influenced the baroque period with oratorio musical designs depicting a scriptural narrative. The baroque period was a time of change. From the reformation of the Catholic Church, the new expression of the Scientific Revolution, and the new ideas Protestant devotionalism society experienced a varying degree of changes that impacted life, art, and entertainment that we know today.
