10
How to use this content:
As listed on the “Start Here” page for this unit, one of the unit objectives is “Identify Key Historical Facts” This objective will be assessed by the unit quiz. While reading and watching the content in the following links and videos, make note of historical facts and information so you can return to them as needed when working on the unit quiz. Be on the lookout for names of artists, influential people, artworks, important events, trends and values in the culture.
The Baroque
Move over all other art styles, here comes the big daddy of them all (IMHO), the Baroque, more specifically, Italian Baroque. It is the style that has it all — passion, intensity, dynamism, drama, blood, lust, religious conversions, heavenly ascensions… you name it, they got it. If you can’t tell, it’s my personal favorite. It’s just so over the top, it’s like the Las Vegas of fine art — what’s not to love? It is hard to underestimate the influence of this style; you will see its themes, motifs, and emotional structure reverberate in art from this point on. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Link #1: The Baroque Intro
Link #2: Characteristics of Baroque art
Bernini
Bernini was the Michelangelo of the Baroque, with important commissions and influential patrons. No one did extravagance and drama like Bernini!
Link #3: Bernini St. Theresa on Smarthistory
Caravaggio
Caravaggio brought a new approach, new attitude, and new stylistic brilliance to Italian art.
Link #4: Influence of Caravaggio
Link #5: Caravaggio Deposition
Link #6: Caravaggio Conversion of St. Paul
Northern Baroque
The Northern states of Europe had different cultural influences, most notably the huge impact of the Reformation movement in Christianity, as well as a robust free-market economy, all of which influenced a unique version of the Baroque style period.
Link #7: Rubens and Flanders
Link #8: Rubens Rape of Daughters of Leucippus
Link #9: Rembrandt, The Night Watch
Link #10: Vermeer, Woman with a Water Jug
Link #11: Velasquez, Las Meninas
More Learning Resources
Remember, since we can’t cover everything about art in this class, these reading assignments are based on the choices I have made for what to include, but there is much more that has not been included. If you are interested in learning more, please remember that our primary source, the Khan Academy, has lots of other videos and articles that explore this time and culture even further. You can explore them at Khan Academy (Italian Baroque) or SmartHistory (Italian Baroque).