THE BAROQUE ARTISTIC MOVEMENT
The Baroque artistic movement developed in Europe as of the 16th century and lasted until the 18th century. It was characterized by a grandiose, luxurious and exuberant style, with curvilinear forms, bright colours and dramatic compositions. The Baroque was influenced by the Catholic Counter-Reformation, aiming to strengthen the Catholic religion in the face of the Protestant Reformation, and by the Renaissance, which brought a rediscovery of antique art.
Baroque artists worked on religious, historic and mythological subjects, creating epic, moving and expressive works of art with specific attention to detail and dramatization. Emblematic works of the Baroque movement include the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome by Bernini, the Vatican’s Staircase of Honour by Borromini and paintings by Caravage. This movement also had an important influence on architecture, music and the decorative arts, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art.
