aim: how did baroque art reflect the attitudes of the 17 th century? baroque art: takes shape in...

Aim: How did Baroque art reflect the attitudes of the 17th century?

• Baroque Art: Takes shape in Italy, Spain and France after 1600. Intensely emotional, exuberant art that portrays dramatic human moments (man at his most excited).

• Purposes of Baroque Art: – Tool of the counter-reformation

– To glorify monarchies

– In the Netherlands, people are interested in a toned down Baroque art that stressed self-portraits and a Calvinist lifestyle.

Italians • Michelangelo (late): The Dome of St. Peter’s (1626)

A dramatic moment is created by the sheer size. Extremely elaborate, winding and overwhelming, all to glorify the Church.

Italians • Bernini: Ecstasy of St. Theresa (1647-1652)

Sculpture of 16th century Spanish nun St. Theresa being visited by an angel. The angel plunges a golden spear into her heart, leaving her “utterly consumed by the great love of God.”

Italians • Gentileschi: Judith Beheading Holofernes (1611-1612)

Based on an Old Testament story. Judith, a Jewish widow, and her maidservant, seduce Holofernes, an Assyrian general persecuting the Jewish people. After he is drunk, the two women behead him!

French More focused on glorifying absolute monarchy than the Church

• Peter Paul Rubens: Henry IV Receiving the Portrait of Marie de Medici (1622-1625)

French• Poussin: The Rape of the Sabine Women (1633-1634)

The Dutch • Vermeer: Girl

with a Pearl Earring (1665)

The Dutch • Rembrandt: The Night Watch (1642)