BAROQUE

BAROQUE

1. SCIENTIFIC METHODS AND DISCOVERIES

   • New research methods
     • During Middle Ages, knowledge gained from Holy Scriptures. Aristotle and his ideas were the most widely accepted. Scholars began to ask question themselves. They used empiricism ( claims ther all knowledge is derived from sensory perception and experience, things must be tested) and rationalism (argues that reason is more important than experience)
   • Scientific academies
     • Early 17th century. Institutions aimed to promote research and technical progress and became more popular. Cabinets of Curiosity were created.
   • Scientific progress
     • In the 17th century there were lots of scientists who discovered lots of things, such as Copernicus, who proposed the heliocentric theory of the univers. Or Newton who formulated the law of universal gravitation.

2. BAROQUE SPIRIT

   • New aesthetics
     • -Emphasis in motion and complexity.
     • -Light and colour created shapes.
     • -Realism was used for emotions.
     • -Used drama and symbols, presented as theatrical backdrops.
   • Religious art and propaganda
     • Catholic Church used Baroque artists for: Propaganda for the new Counter reformation. They used miracles, mystic ecstay and martyrs.

3. PAINTINGS

   • Realist paintings
     • -Iimportance of colour over drawing.
     • -Focus on light, use chiaroscuro.
     • -Did lots of realism.
     • -Search for movement in the composition.
   • Painting in Catholic countries
     • Italian School
       • Baroque art quickly developed in Italy. Caravaggio is the father of tenebrism (abrupt contrast between dark background and sources of light)
     • French School
       • Influenced by academic art such us in the work of Nicolas Poussin. Artists used naturalist and forceful paintings, here chiaroscuro predominated.
     • Flemish School
       • Peter Paul Rubens main exponent of Flemish paintings. Here they used colour over drawin, movement and sensuality.

4. ARQUITECTURE AND SCULPTURE

   • ARQUITECTURE
     • Desire to incorporate a sense of mvement. Used effects of light and shade, interiors were elaborately decorated. Some great architects are Bernini and Borromini.
   • SCULPTURE
     • Sculptors represented movement and naturalism. Figures in the middle of action. Used marble and stone as material. The best sculptor was Bernini.
   • IN SPAIN
     • People liked a lot architecture and sculpture. They built new churches and cathedral chapels. Structure became more regular and balanced. Used polychrome wood.