Early Modern Art Catholic Baroque Art Vs. The Protestant Dutch Masters “The Annunciation” – Sebastiano Mazzoni “Courtyard of a House in Delft” – Pieter de Hooch
When was the Baroque Period? The baroque period in European art began in the late 16 th century and continued through the 17 th century finally ending around 1700 when it was supplanted by the rococo and later the neo-classical styles. “The Ecstasy of St. Cecilia” – Bernardo Cavallino, 1645
What’s Happening in Europe? By the start of the baroque period, the renaissance was coming to a close and the reformation was creating religious wars and divides across the continent. The Catholic church was trying to maintain its membership and its control over much of Europe while the Lutherans and Calvinists were gaining a stronghold, particularly in parts of Northern Europe.
Religious Differences Catholic leaders tried to impress the people by incorporating more and more dramatic and elaborate paintings and sculptures into their churches. Political leaders also picked up on the ability of art to celebrate national accomplishments.
Cerisi Chapel, Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome-- Caravaggio
Religious Differences, cont’ Calvinist leaders believed that too much fancy art, etc. was a distraction to worship and destroyed many statues of saints, etc. Artists in Calvinist areas, such as the Dutch Republic, had to find new subjects and many turned to still life, portraiture, and paintings of everyday scenes. (Art of the Dutch Masters)
Baroque Art The desire to evoke emotional states by appealing to the senses, often in dramatic ways, underlies Baroque Art. Characteristics include grandeur, sensuous richness, drama, vitality, movement, tension, emotional exuberance, and often a natural background. “The Penitent Magdalen” – Agostino Carracci
“The Vision of St. Jerome” - Guercino
“Daniel in the Lions’ Den” – Peter Paul Rubens
Baroque Detail Cologne Cathedral
Baroque Sculpture “The Ecstasy of St. Theresa” Church of Santa Susannah, Rome--Bernini
“Equestrian Monument to Philip IV” – Pietro Tacca
Baroque Art “The Princess Margarita” -Valasquez
Dutch Masters Early Modern Dutch and N. European Art was strongly influenced by the new Protestant religions—especially Calvinism. Dutch art portrayed everyday life scenes and often showed the people wearing their normal, puritan-style clothing.
The Mill Rembrandt
Bruegel The Harvesters
Frans Hals Willem van Heythuyzen
Vermeer Lady Writing a Letter
The Baker Berckheyde