The Age of Baroque

THE AGE OF BAROQUE

Art and Architecture, the art and architecture of Europe and certain European colonies in the Americas in the 17th century. A number of its characteristics continue in the art and architecture of the first half of the 18th century, although this period is generally termed rococo (see: Rococo Style). Manifestations of baroque art appear in virtually every country in Europe, with other important centers in the Spanish and Portuguese New World and in other outposts. The term baroque also defines periods in literature and music. See articles on European literature by country.

Among the general characteristics of baroque art are a sense of movement, energy, and tension (whether real or implied). Strong contrasts of light and shadow enhance the dramatic effects of many paintings and sculptures. Even baroque buildings, with their undulating walls and decorative surface elements, imply motion with contrasts in light and color. Intense spirituality is often present in works of baroque art.

There are five Characteristics of Baroque. Motion and space is the major concern of baroque period and one of the characteristics of baroque. The time, light and theatricality are characteristics of baroque.

RENAISSANCE

     

    Renaissance, series of literary and cultural movements in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. These movements began in Italy and eventually expanded into Germany, France, England, and other parts of Europe. The word renaissance means "rebirth." The idea of rebirth originated in the belief that Europeans had rediscovered the superiority of Greek and Roman culture after many centuries of what they considered intellectual and cultural decline. And the participants studied the great civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome and came to the conclusion that their own cultural achievements rivaled those of antiquity. Their thinking was also influenced by the concept of humanism, which emphasizes the worth of the individual. Renaissance humanists believed it was possible to improve human society through classical education.    The most striking characteristics of Renaissance period is Rediscovery of Classical Literature and Art. During the Middle Ages there was a lively interest in classical literature, especially Latin and Latin translations of Greek. This attention was mostly confined to the professional activities of theologians, philosophers, and writers. In the Renaissance, however, people from various segments of society—from kings and nobles to merchants and soldiers—studied classical literature and art. Unlike the professional scholars of the Middle Ages, these people were amateurs who studied for pleasure, and their interest in art from the past was soon extended to contemporary works. Medieval art and literature tended to serve a specialized interest and purpose; Renaissance works of art and literature existed largely for their own sake, as objects of ideal beauty or learning.