Baroque architecture and sculpture

4. BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE WHAT WAS THE BAROQUE STYLE? - Baroque became the main artistic style in Europe during the 17 th century and the early 18 th centuries.

- It was a dramaticand ornamental style.

- It was used as a visual propaganda for religious and political purposes: 1.

In the spirit of the Counter – Reformation: - The Catholic Church used religious art to demonstrate the spiritual grandeur of Christianity against the austere simplicity of Protestantism.

- Especially in Catholic countries like Italy.

2. Baroque style spread beyond Catholic countries: - This style influenced non-religious art and architecture.

- In politics, Baroque architecture was a way of demostrating the power of monarchs.

- Impressive palaces were built with royal patronage.

4. BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE -

-

BAROQUE ARCHITCTURE The façades were highly decorated and curving forms created an impression of dynamism.

Spiral Solomonic columns produced the same effect.

Some buildings had a complex geometry that used both convex and concave forms.

The Baroque style was created in Rome : - Here, the Popes commissioned building projects for churches, palaces and squares.

- Bernini and Borromini were outstanding architects.

-

In France: - The style was not as extravagant as in Italy.

- King Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles showed the royal patronage.

-

In England: - The style was more classical and restrained than in Italy.

- An example, Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London.

-

In Spain: - Churrigueresque architecture has highly ornamental surface decoration.

- Min squares, or plazas mayores, were designed for Madrid and Salamanca.

4. BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE

-

BAROQUE SCULPTURE Baroque sculpture represent highly dramatic scenes.

It was dynamic, showing figures in movement.

Sculptors found ways to make scenes more theatrical, creating shadows from the folds of a figure’s clothing.

Bronze and marble were used.

Spanish religious sculptures were often made of polychrome wood.

4. BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE BAROQUE SCULPTURE IN EUROPE -

In Italy: - The greatest Baroque sculptor was Bernini in Rome - He created expressive works of art.

- His Ecstasy of Saint teresa is a highly emotionalrepresentation of mysticism.

-

In Spain: - There was a tradition of wooden religious sculptures.

- Altarpieces were made for churches.

- Images were created for religious processions.

-

In France: - Classical scenes were represented - Example: Grardon’s Apollo and the Nymphs.

-

In Germany: - Sculptors maintained the Renaissance tradition of portraying leading figures.

- Example:Sclhüter ‘s Equestrian Statue of the Great Elector.