The Baroque Art Style

To fully understand the art of the Counter-Reformation Catholic Countries and the art of Calvinistic Countries we must first understand the art style and religious climate of the day. The religious beliefs are what directly effected the type of art that was produced and from there the Baroque style was fostered and cultivated.

The Baroque Art was the commanding art style in the 1600’s-mid 1700’s throughout Europe and influencing the art style throughout the world. We see distinctive versions of the Baroque style “depending on particular political, religious, and economic conditions of the countries” (encarta). What distinguishes the Baroque art style is its ability to appeal to the senses with the use of “richness, drama, vitality, movement, tension, emotional exuberance, and the tendency to blur distinction between the various arts” (britanica). The use of ligh

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The once acceptable behavior of clergy living lavish lifestyles was also denounced.

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. During this era the tone of the Catholic Church was one of “mystical tradition”. ” Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises and Bernni’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa depicts this “sensuous and spiritual” appeal the Catholic Church wanted to appeal to.

The Art Style of the Calvinist Countries

The middle class had a big influence on the Baroque art of this region because of financial gains during this time. We see a change in the cultural values also and this effects the artwork in the area. The Catholic Church was the main benefactor of devotional artwork but during the Protestant Reformation they ceased to be patrons we see “Calvinist citizens commission painting for private use” (Dutch).

The goal of the Counter Reformation of the Roman Catholic Church during the 16th and 17th centuries was to reinvigorate the Catholic Church and win back members lost to the Protestant Reformation. The Counter Reformation had and ongoing missionary that span throughout the world that is where we see the baroque style influence in many Latin countries.

The Art Style of the Counter Reformation Countries

Unlike the Protestant North the Roman Catholic Church looked to art to serve as the driven force to stimulate the faith of the public.

The Religious Climate of Calvinistic and Counter Reformation Countries

The Calvinistic beliefs were born from the Protestant Reformation which goals were to end the sovereignty of the Roman Catholic Church and the pope. Light was used to shadow as well as enhance the dramatic effect of paintings and sculptures. “The Calvinist Church belief in the power of relic, miracles and saints declined as a greater interest developed in the original Bible text” (Dutch). Numerous middle class where able to commission painting from artist. Realism is also another theme present in Baroque art there is and depth that portrays a ‘passion of soul” this is seen in the painting as well as the sculpture of this period.

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