"Baroque architecture is a highly decorative and theatrical style which appeared in Italy in the early 17th century..."
Study of the architectural works from the Baroque period in Europe, which started in the 17th century and lasted until the 18th century.
Historical context: Understanding the social, political, and economic backdrop that led to the rise of Baroque architecture.
Characteristics of Baroque architecture: Identifying the distinguishing features of Baroque architecture, including its grandeur, opulence, dramatism, and dynamic form.
Spread of Baroque architecture: Tracing how Baroque architecture spread across Western Europe and beyond, and its influence on subsequent architectural styles.
Baroque architects and their works: Examining the lives and works of the leading Baroque architects, such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini, and Christopher Wren.
Baroque churches: Exploring how Baroque architecture was used to create extravagant and sumptuous religious interiors, including churches and basilicas.
Baroque palaces: Analyzing how Baroque architecture was employed to create grandiose and visually arresting palaces, such as Versailles in France and the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.
Baroque gardens and landscapes: Discussing how Baroque architecture extended into garden design and landscaping, including the creation of formal gardens and grand fountains.
Baroque sculpture and decoration: Assessing the role of sculpture and decoration in Baroque architecture, including the use of marbles, stucco, frescoes, and gilding.
Baroque urbanism: Examining how Baroque architecture influenced the planning and design of cities, including Baroque town squares and fountains.
Baroque revival: Highlighting the revival of Baroque architecture in the 19th and 20th centuries, including its influence on Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.
Italian Baroque: This style of Baroque architecture is characterized by its use of dramatic curves, ornate decoration, and grandiose scale. It was strongly influenced by the classical Roman and Renaissance styles.
French Baroque: This style emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by its grandeur, use of symmetrical designs, and intricate interior decoration. This style was a deliberate attempt to create a national style of architecture in France.
Spanish Baroque: Developed from the Italian Baroque, this style is heavily influenced by the Spanish Catholic Church. It is characterized by its use of decorative elements, dynamic composition, and bold colors.
Portuguese Baroque: The Portuguese Baroque style is known for its ornate decoration, elaborate frescoes, and the use of gold leaf. It developed in the 17th and 18th centuries due to Portugal's wealth and colonial expansion.
Austrian Baroque: Characterized by grandiose buildings, intricate decoration, and use of bright colors, this style was popular in Austria in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Bohemian Baroque: This style emerged in the Czech Republic and is characterized by its use of ornate decoration, grand scale, and intricate stucco work.
Polish Baroque: This style is known for its decorative elements and the use of bright colors. Polish Baroque buildings often feature elaborate facades, grand staircases, and sculptures.
Russian Baroque: Developed in the 18th century, this style is characterized by its grandiose scale, symmetrical design, and use of gold leaf. It was heavily influenced by the Italian Baroque.
British Baroque: British Baroque architecture is characterized by its grandeur, use of columns, and intricate decoration. It emerged in the late 17th century and is influenced by the Italian Baroque.
German Baroque: The German Baroque style emerged in the 17th century and is characterized by its elaborate decoration, grandiose scale, and use of sculpture. German Baroque buildings often feature extensive frescoes and stucco work.
"It was originally introduced by the Catholic Church, particularly by the Jesuits, as a means to combat the Reformation and the Protestant church with a new architecture that inspired surprise and awe."
"It reached its peak in the High Baroque (1625–1675), when it was used in churches and palaces in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Bavaria, and Austria."
"Baroque architects took the basic elements of Renaissance architecture, including domes and colonnades, and made them higher, grander, more decorated, and more dramatic."
"Twisted columns were also often used, to give an illusion of upwards motion, and cartouches and other decorative elements occupied every available space."
"Light was also used for dramatic effect; it streamed down from Cupolas, and was reflected from an abundance of gilding."
"The interior effects were often achieved with the use of quadratura, or trompe-l'œil painting combined with sculpture; the eye is drawn upward, giving the illusion that one is looking into the heavens."
"In Baroque palaces, grand stairways became a central element."
"The Early Baroque (1584–1625) was largely dominated by the work of Roman architects, notably the Church of the Gesù by Giacomo della Porta... and the lavish Barberini Palace interiors by Pietro da Cortona."
"In France, the Luxembourg Palace (1615–45) built by Salomon de Brosse for Marie de Medici was an early example of the style."
"The High Baroque (1625–1675) produced major works in Rome by Pietro da Cortona... Francesco Borromini... and Gian Lorenzo Bernini."
"In Venice, High Baroque works included Santa Maria della Salute by Baldassare Longhena. Examples in France included the Pavillon de l’Horloge of the Louvre Palace by Jacques Lemercier..."
"The Late Baroque (1675–1750) saw the style spread to all parts of Europe, and to the colonies of Spain and Portugal in the New World."
"The Late Baroque in France, under Louis XIV, was more ordered and classical."
"Examples included the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles and the dome of Les Invalides."
"An especially ornate variant, appeared in the early 18th century; it was first called Rocaille in France; then Rococo in Spain and Central Europe."
"Its most celebrated architect was Balthasar Neumann, noted for the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and the Würzburg Residence."
"The Late Baroque (1675–1750) saw the style spread to all parts of Europe, and to the colonies of Spain and Portugal in the New World."
"The sculpted and painted decoration covered every space on the walls and ceiling."
"Its most celebrated architect was Balthasar Neumann, noted for the Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and the Würzburg Residence." (Note: Each quote corresponds to the respective study question.)