Baroque is a style of sculpture, architecture, painting, as well as literature and music that came from Europe. It was from the Baroque era that European culture began to spread to new lands around the world.
1. Many believe it originated from the Portuguese word “barroco” which means – irregularly-shaped pearl. Others believe it came from the Latin verruca – a steep high place, a defect in a gem. There is also a theory that it came from the Italian word “barocco” – complex or distorted thought.
2. The Baroque was a period of a particular artistic style that exaggerated emotions. The art of that time produced grandeur, drama, tension, and exuberance.
3. According to one version, the history of Baroque architecture began in Rome with the construction of one of the most famous churches – Gesù Nuovo, which is located just outside the western boundary of the historic center of the city.
4. The baroque sculpture went hand in hand with the architecture. The dominant figure in Baroque sculptor-architects was Gian Lorenzo Bernini. At that time, they tried to emphasize the dynamic effects of Baroque architecture with decorative sculptures.
5. Amazing artists appeared in all major European countries during the Baroque period, and painting originates in Italy from the works of Guido Reni and Pietro da Cortona.
6. The baroque painting had leading positions in Italy for about 250 years.
7. An example of Baroque sculpture and architecture is the Trevi Fountain in Rome. The Trevi is famous for being the largest Baroque fountain in the world and it’s arguably the prettiest too.
8. Baroque art was made for religious propaganda. Baroque is also called the “Jesuit Style.” The order wished to combine different art forms to create a richer experience for the viewer.
9. The woman of the Baroque era is characterized by pale skin, elaborate hairstyles, and artificial moles on her face. Baroque man is characterized by a shaved mustache and beard, perfumed and powdered wig.
10. The term “baroque” was first used to characterize the style of architectural structures. At the end of the XIX century people start talking about baroque in literature.
