Baroqoue Period
(circa 1600-1750)
Probably the most influential century in the shaping of Europe .
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Political and social, religious unrest experienced across the continent.
Expensive and protracted warfare between Nations.
Direct and extravagant artistic Catholic response, in reply to the austerity and removal of public art
from religion during the Protestant Reformation.
New ideas and knowledge forming about the world, nature and human relationships.
Age of exploration with colonial expansion and trade routes.
Development of modern sciences, philosophy, printing press.
Rome the birthplace of Baroque, subsequently its artistic centre.
Artists were influenced to paint in a convincing ‘realism’ style.
Main Countries: Italy, France, Spain, England and Netherlands.
Some of the Main Artists of the Baroque Period.
(Styles reflected developments in respective countries.)
Italy
Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi) (1571-1610)
Gianlorenzo Bernini (1573-1610)
Spain
Diego Velazquez (1632 -1660)
Netherlands
Jan Vermeer(1632 -1675)
Rembrant van Rijn(1606 -1669)
Flanders
Paul Ruebens(1577 -1640)
Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599 -1641)
France
Nicolas Poussin (1594 -1665)
Claude Lorraine (1600 -1682)
Britain
William Hogarth (1697 -1764)
Thomas Gainsborough (1723-1792)
Brazil
Antonio Francisco Lisboa(1731 -1814)
The Baroque Movement embraced painting, sculpture and architecture – unifying all the arts.
Initially referred to as a term of abuse. In Italian – barrocco –“tortuous medieval pedantry” and in Portuguesebarrocco - “tortured pearl” also meaning ‘rough’ - Signified a deviation from the norm and appeared impure
and irrational.
Characteristic s included
o Richness of art used to define Catholic Church movements and theology
o Large and dramatic compositions and structures e.g. frescoes ,chapel decorated walls.
o Chiaroscuro (Strong contrasts of light and dark). Study of Light and its effect heavily important.
o Energetic interpretations of subject matter.
o Realistic every day models. Realism style of painting
o Strong use of colour
o Linear perspective.
o Theatrical style, opulent, dynamic free flowing with sweeping movement.
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 1
Timeline Notes of Interest:
1645
1648
1662
French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture founded
30 Year war ends, destroying many countries finance/ability to pay for art.
Royal Society founded in London
Baroque works of art were often funded by the patronage of the Vatican and the Catholic Church. European
Royal Families and Heads of State, rich aristocrats and wealthy merchants in commerce all contributed funds.
In some instances, artists were used politically. Some countries had vast wealth before the 30 year war, and
commissions from private and public interest were readily available.
Artists’ commissioned works were frequently determined by the source of patronage, portrayed religious and
political scenes.
Michelangelo Merisi (Caravaggio) (1571-1610)
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Son of an architect.
Born in Caravaggio, Milan
Highly talented - apprenticed as 11 year old to Simone Peterzano.
Began career in Rome as portrait painter and perfecting still life and historical paintings.
Travelled extensively round Europe, mainly due to his fiery temper and antagonising people throughout his
life.
Characterised by:
 Religious narrative subjects.
 Portrayed biblical characters as ordinary, everyday people. Insisted on painting from studio model.
 Secular pictures often disguised Christian content.
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 Painted directly without drawing out initial composition.
 Strong realism with strong contrasts and interplay of lights and darks(Chiaroscuro)
 Use of colour in its purest form.
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Despite receiving patronage from the Vatican and Cardinal Maria Del Monte, Caravaggio struggled to sell
paintings and relied on charity until his death.
Caravaggio
Supper at Emmaus
c. 1600-1601
Oil on canvas
138 x 195cm
http://www.theartgallery.com.au/ArtEducation/greatartists/Caravaggio/supper/supper.jpg
Accessed: 07/09/2011
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 2
Caravaggio
Title: St Catherine of Alexandria
c. 1598
Oil on canvas,
173 x 133 cm
Important Works
Boy with a basket of Fruit (1593 – 94)
The Calling of St Matthew (1599 -1600)
The Crucifixion of Saint Peter (1600-01)
Flagellation of Christ (1606-07)
http://www.artgallery2000.com/gallery/images/S-Catherine-of-Alexandria-c-1598.jpg
Accessed: 07/09/201
Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599 -1641)
o Son of Antwerp textile merchant.
o Established own studio at age of 16.
o Appointed as official Court Painter to Charles 1st
o Travelled widely in Italy.
Characterised by:
 Mythological and Religious works – grand images
 From 1627 onwards, increasingly painting Aristocratic portraits of royal court and high society sitters.
 Strong colours, bold and dramatic with effective use of light.
 Rough visible brush strokes.
 Forms suggested, but not detailed in their finish.
 Treated women with sensitivity and sympathy.
Recieved commissions and patronage from Royal household and wealthy Aristocrats. Awarded with a Knighthood by
Charles 1st.
Important influence on subsequent English painters such as Gainsborogh and Reynolds.
Sir Anthony van Dyck
Lady Elizabeth Thimbleby and Dorothy, Viscountess of Andover
1637
http://www.artchiv.info/galerie/_large.php?workID=10729
Accessed on 07/09/2011
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 3
Sir Anthony van Dyke
Samson and Delilah
Circa 1630
Accessed on 07/09/2011
Important Works
The crowning of Thorns (1620)
Self portrait (1620-21)
Ladies in waiting to Queen Henrietta Maria
(1637)
Equestrian Portrait of Charles 1 (1667)
Jan Vermeer (1632-1675)
Dutch
As few as 40 known works
‘Discovered’ in 1866, by French art critic and historian, Théophile Thoré
Was an extremely private individual and little is known about his personal life/persona.
During his early years as a painter, Vermeer was not short of commissions or work, however due to the 30
year war Vermeer and his family were left bankrupt.
Died at an early age
Characterised by:
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Photographic realism
Subtle depictions in Light and Shadow
Amazing understanding and use of light
Chose scenes of ‘apparent’ ordinariness, often domesticity
Influenced by the colours used in Delft ceramics
Jan Vermeer
ca. 1666
Allegory of the Art of Painting
In this painting Vermeer portrays an artist painting the Muse of HistoryCleo. It is suggested that Vermeer felt history was extremely important
to the Visual arts. We can see Vermeer’s amazing use of light in full
effect, with the model, artist and scene lit entirely by the light through
the window. Creating subtle realism yet, retaining intricate detail and
strong colour.
http://www.students.sbc.edu/mclemore10/The Allegory of
Painting.html
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 4
Jan Vermeer
Woman Holding a Balance
C. 1664
http://www.nga.gov/feature/vermeer/moment1.shtm
Again we can see Vermeer’s incredible use of light and colour and
strong compositional elements.
Important Works:
Diana and her Companions, 1655-56
Procuress, 1656
Girl Asleep at a Table, ca. 1657
Officer with a Laughing Girl, ca. 1655-60
The Music Lesson, 1662-65
Girl with a Pearl Earring, ca. 1665-66
Allegory of the Art of Painting, ca. 1666
Peter Paul Rubens (1577 -1640)
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Born 1577 Germany
Influenced by Roman Sculpture
Theatrical style/use of light Rubens was particularly flamboyant
Court painter to the Spanish governors of Flanders and subsequently to Charles I of England
And Marie de' Medici, Queen of France
Painted religious and hunting themes, landscapes
Best known for his oft-unclothed figures
Anthony Van Dyck became a prominent student of Rubens
Prominent artist, who became popular and extremely well know, subsequently wealthy
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Use of Pure Colour
Study of Light
Large scale scenes/many figures
Panoramic landscapes
Strong compositional elements
Peter Paul Rubens
Marie de Medici
c. 1622 -1630
http://www.students.sbc.edu/vandergriff04/mariedemedici.html
Rubens was requested to paint a series of work of and for Marie De Medici.
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 5
Peter Paul Rubens
Peace and War
c. 1629 – 1630
Here we can see Rubens wonderful use of strong
colour and large scale painting. Rubens was also
known for painting many figures into his scenes and
careful use of composition.
http://www.dailyartfixx.com/2009/09/21/international-day-of-peacewar-and-peace-in-art/
Important Works:
Marie de Medici
Peace and War
Portrait of Catherine Manners
Autumn Landscape
Gialorenzo Bernini( 1598- 1680)
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Born in Naples
Begun with his father Pietro Bernini a sculptor
Italian Artist who was also known as a great sculptor and architect.
Pope Paul V was his patron
Influenced
Bacicco (Italian), Fischer Von Eriach (Italy, Austrian) and Sir Christopher Wren
Ecstasy of St Theresa ...1645—1652
Designed to be illuminated to be reflective of light from a hidden
window.
Important works.
Apollo and Daphnia 1622—1624
Cornaro Chapel 1647—1652
Ecstasy of St Theresa 1645--1652
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 6
Apollo and Daphne
Part of the Cornaro Chapel 1647 – 1652
Diego Velázquez (1599-1660)
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Born in Seville 1599
Thought to be of Noble Portuguese descent
Student of Fracisco Pachees
Married Pachees’ daughter
Philip IV became his Patron
He went to Italy twice 10yrs apart but spent most time in court.
He was court painter and also had the position in court as Marshal of the Royal Household. He prepared for
ceremonies which they say the last one, a wedding killed him as not long after he died exhausted.
Characterised by.....
o Mythological, Religious and common life scenes
o Kitchen scenes strong dark and light colours
o Swift brush strokes called virtuoso or brava
o The Venus was the 1st known example of female nude
o He was compared to Michelangelo, Avagio and Rubens.
Important works
Toilet of Venus 1650
Christ in the House of Mary and Martha 1618
Las Meninas 1656
Old Woman Cooking Eggs 1618
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 7
Diego Velazquez
The Toilet of Venus
1650
Diego Velazquez
Christ in the house of Martha and Mary
1618
Diego Velazquez
Old Woman Frying Eggs
1618
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 8
References
Books
Alfred Moir (1989) Caravaggio,Harry N Abrams,Inc.,New York (ISBN 0-500-08038)
Jordi Vigué(2002) Great masters of Western Art. Watson-Guptill Publications (ISBN 0-8230-21130)
Prof. William Vaughan Encyclopaedia of World Art(ISBN 978-1-84013-916)
Hawksley, Cunningham, Payne & Bradley (2000) Essential History of Art, Bath, Parragon Books (ISBN 0 -75253-6966)
Hugh Honor & John Fleming (1984) A World History of Ar.,7th ed. London. Laurence King Publishing (ISBN 1-85669448-8)
Websites
http://www.artgallery2000.com/gallery/images/S-Catherine-of-Alexandria-c-1598.jpg
http://www.theartgallery.com.au/ArtEducation/greatartists/Caravaggio/supper/supper.jpg
Accessed on 07/09/2011
http://www.artgallery200.com/gallery/st-catherine-of-alexandra-c-1598-by-caravaggio-p-4968.html
http://staff.jccc.net/jjackson/reformation.htm
http://www.historyylearningsite.co.uk/How-successful-was-the-Counter-Reformation.htm
http://www.strategos.demon.co.uk/tywhome
http://history.wise.edu/sommerville
Accessed on 06/09/2011
Books
Roy Bolton (2004) A Brief History of Painting, Robinson. (ISBN 1-84119-957-5
Belinda Thomson (1998) Movements in Modern Art Post-Impressionism, Tate Gallery Publishing (ISBN 185437254 8)
Sister Wendy Beckett (1997) Sister Wendy’s Story of Painting, Dorling Kindersley Limited, (ISBN 0751301337)
Tansey and Kleiner Gardner’s Art Through the Ages Tenth Edition, Harcourt Brace College Publishers
Gaetan Picon (1991) The Birth of Modern Painting, Mallard Press (ISBN 0792455282)
Websites
http://www.students.sbc.edu/vandergriff04/mariedemedici.html
http://www.dailyartfixx.com/2009/09/21/international-day-of-peacewar-and-peace-in-art
http://www.nga.gov/feature/vermeer/moment1.shtm
http://www.students.sbc.edu/mclemore10/The Allegory of Painting.html
http://www.artcyclopdeia.com
http://www.arthistory.about.com
Elspeth Dalgarno, Karen McLaughlin, Dawn Petrie
HNC Art & Design.
Contextual Studies
13/9/11
Page 9