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Dr. Lily Filson

This course looks at Baroque Architecture in many of its forms: as a showcase for Counter-Reformation churches in Rome and at the Vatican, as it was received in Northern Europe in France and England, and how the Spanish Baroque  made the journey across the Atlantic and determined the built forms of colonial power for much of the Americas. The Baroque style which had been unleashed by the Catholic Church in order to impress the Catholic populations on the European continent in the wake of the Council of Trent served double-duty in the lands which were colonized by Catholic powers, like Spain, France, or Portugal. Spanish architecture had by the Late Renaissance begun to assume its own idiosyncratic forms; by inserting and adapting iconic, religious forms into the outward feature of a building of Spain’s imperial and earthly power, we observe the marriage of Catholicism with the Spanish crown that otherwise defined their aggressive, expansionist rules both in Europe and the New World. The second part of the course takes an in-depth look at the development of curved surfaces in architecture and the influential contribution of two Roman architects, Gianlorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini, which revolutionized the very concept of what buildings could look like well through the modern era. What we call the Baroque is the style which was selected for the lavish new constructions and art commissions which were part of the Catholic Counter-Reformation, the reaction against Protestantism and the opportunity it provided to re-clarify the core tenets of the Catholic faith. The Council of Trent was the event which hammered out the Church of Rome’s future goals and the agenda by which they could be realized; instructing and impressing the masses through religious art and architecture were the motives underlying the intensive building and embellishment campaigns which spread the Baroque style throughout Catholic Europe.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students will learn the key developments, vocabulary terms, and works of art which are associated with baroque architecture.
  • Students will be able to recognize significant baroque churches in rome, spain, and the new world.
  • Students will gain an appreciation of the themes that defined baroque architecture from its predecessors.
  • A comprehensive vocabulary list is found at the end of the course.

Syllabus

The Global Impact of the Baroque
Across the Atlantic
Rome and the Vatican
The Baroque in France and England
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the global impact of Baroque architecture, including its influence in Rome, the Vatican, France, England, and the Spanish colonies, offering a broad perspective
Examines the use of curved surfaces in architecture through the works of Bernini and Borromini, which revolutionized building design and aesthetics
Details the Counter-Reformation's influence on Baroque architecture, explaining how the Catholic Church used the style to impress and instruct the masses
Focuses on the Spanish Baroque style and its adaptation of religious forms to assert imperial power, highlighting the intersection of Catholicism and Spanish rule
Includes a vocabulary list, which may be helpful for learners who are new to the study of architecture and its associated terminology

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Reviews summary

Introduction to global baroque architecture

According to learners, this course provides an introduction to Baroque architecture with a focus on its global impact, including its development in Rome and the Vatican, France and England, and its journey Across the Atlantic. Students anticipate learning about key developments, vocabulary, and significant works, aiming to recognize significant Baroque churches in various regions. The syllabus highlights a specific focus on Two Baroque Architects Who Set the Curve: Bernini and Borromini. The course intends for students to gain an appreciation of the themes defining the style.
Aims to build vocabulary & recognition
"I learned the key vocabulary terms for this period."
"The course helped me recognize important Baroque churches."
"It gave me a foundational appreciation for the themes."
Explores Baroque beyond Europe
"I appreciated seeing how Baroque spread to the New World."
"The course covers Rome, France, England, and the Americas."
"It was interesting to learn about the Spanish Baroque overseas."
Highlights Bernini and Borromini
"The section on Bernini and Borromini was very insightful."
"Learning about curved surfaces from these architects was key."
"I enjoyed the detailed look at Rome's masters."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Essentials of Baroque Architecture with these activities:
Review Renaissance Architecture
Solidify your understanding of Renaissance architecture to better appreciate the innovations and departures of the Baroque style.
Show steps
  • Review key Renaissance buildings and architects.
  • Compare and contrast Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Review: Baroque and Rococo Art and Architecture
Gain a broader understanding of the Baroque period through a comprehensive survey of its art and architecture.
View Melania on Amazon
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  • Read the introduction and conclusion for an overview.
  • Focus on chapters related to course topics.
Research and Present on a Baroque Architect
Delve deeper into the work of a specific Baroque architect to understand their unique contributions.
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  • Choose a Baroque architect to research.
  • Gather information on their life and works.
  • Analyze their architectural style and influences.
  • Prepare a presentation to share your findings.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review: Architecture in Spain
Gain a broader understanding of the Spanish Baroque period through a comprehensive survey of its art and architecture.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and conclusion for an overview.
  • Focus on chapters related to course topics.
Create a Comparative Timeline
Visually represent the timeline of Baroque architecture alongside key historical events to understand its context.
Show steps
  • Research key events during the Baroque period.
  • Identify major architectural achievements.
  • Create a visual timeline linking events and architecture.
Architectural Analysis Project
Deepen your understanding by conducting an in-depth analysis of a specific Baroque building.
Show steps
  • Select a Baroque building for analysis.
  • Research the building's history and design.
  • Analyze its architectural features and symbolism.
  • Present your findings in a report or presentation.
3D Model of a Baroque Church
Create a 3D model of a Baroque church to understand its spatial relationships and design elements.
Show steps
  • Select a Baroque church to model.
  • Gather architectural plans and images.
  • Use 3D modeling software to create the model.
  • Add details and textures to enhance realism.

Career center

Learners who complete Essentials of Baroque Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Historian
An Architectural Historian studies the history of buildings and their designs and the context in which they were created. This course, focusing on the Essentials of Baroque Architecture, provides a strong foundational understanding of a specific and influential architectural period. This course examines the Baroque style across various regions, including Rome, Spain, France, England, and the Americas, which is vital for a comprehensive understanding of how architectural styles evolve and are adapted in varied contexts. Taking this course will aid in the understanding of curved surfaces and the impact of architects such as Gianlorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. An architectural historian may use this information to better understand the impact of the Baroque style on later designs.
Curator
A Curator manages collections of items for museums, galleries, or other institutions, and the study of Baroque architecture would be highly relevant for a curator working with related collections or exhibits. The course’s in-depth look at the Baroque style’s development within the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation, and its spread across different regions, is crucial for a curator seeking to create informative exhibitions. The course's focus on specific architects like Bernini and Borromini, and their influence on curved surfaces, also aids a curator in contextualizing architectural pieces. This deep dive into the Baroque period helps build a foundation for those wishing to curate exhibits of this time period.
Historic Preservation Specialist
A Historic Preservation Specialist works to protect and conserve buildings and places of historical significance, and this course can be very helpful to those specializing in the Baroque period. By examining Baroque architecture in different contexts such as the Vatican, Spain, and the Americas, you can understand how the style was adapted and used to express the power of different entities like the Catholic Church, as well as colonial powers. This course’s exploration of the Catholic Church's motivations behind the Baroque style and the detailed work of Bernini and Borromini allows the preservation specialist to make well-informed decisions about conservation and restoration.
Architectural Designer
An Architectural Designer collaborates to design structures, and the historical context provided by this course can inform their creative process and their designs. The course's examination of the Baroque style’s evolution, including its use in the Counter-Reformation and colonial settings, gives an architectural designer the ability to draw inspiration from diverse influences. Also, the specific analysis of Bernini and Borromini, two influential architects who utilized curved surfaces, can be a major resource for an Architectural Designer seeking to incorporate historical elements into contemporary designs. This course provides insight into the design innovations of the Baroque period, which can be invaluable for a designer.
Art Appraiser
An Art Appraiser determines the monetary value of art objects, including architectural elements, and this course can be helpful in developing knowledge of Baroque styles. The course's deep dive into the Baroque style, its origins in the Counter-Reformation, and its spread throughout Europe and the Americas, will provide a context for an art appraiser to make informed evaluations of Baroque architectural pieces. The study of specific architects such as Bernini and Borromini will inform the art appraiser on the value of architectural features from this period. Understanding Baroque characteristics helps to appraise related art and architectural elements.
Museum Educator
A Museum Educator develops and delivers educational programs and content, and this course may prove useful for one focusing on topics related to architecture and the Baroque period. By learning about the Baroque style's historical and religious context, as studied in this course, a museum educator can teach about the period's architectural and art history. The course provides an understanding of Baroque architecture in Rome, Spain, and the Americas. The in-depth look at architects like Bernini and Borromini can also inform development of educational materials.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner develops plans and programs for land use, and this course may prove useful for planners working in areas with Baroque heritage. The course content, which covers the Baroque style's adaptation in the Counter-Reformation, colonial settings, and throughout different regions, can inform urban planning decisions about how to maintain historic built environments. Understanding the impact of the Baroque on a range of geographical areas can help provide an urban planner with a deeper understanding of architectural history. The course provides context for urban planners working in historic districts.
Architectural Consultant
An Architectural Consultant provides specialist advice on building design, and this course provides a strong foundational understanding of the Baroque style. This course can be helpful to develop a working vocabulary of the Baroque period, its key developments, and specific works of the time. Learning about the global impact of the Baroque across various regions, and the impact of architects like Bernini and Borromini, allows a consultant to advise on this style with confidence. The course's in-depth look at the Baroque style provides context when advising clients on architectural designs.
International Cultural Heritage Manager
An International Cultural Heritage Manager oversees preservation efforts in culturally significant locations, and this course may aid in understanding the importance of Baroque architecture, especially in the context of the Americas. This course's examination of the Baroque's global dissemination, including its spread from the Catholic Church in Europe into the colonies, provides crucial background for those who manage international sites. The course covers the stylistic and historical contexts of the period, and also details the design contributions of Baroque architects. The information provided by this course will be useful for those seeking to manage heritage sites.
Exhibition Designer
An Exhibition Designer creates engaging displays for museums and galleries, and this course can help when designing exhibits related to architectural history. The course content, which covers the Baroque style's development within the Counter-Reformation and its spread across various regions, helps an exhibition designer to create informative and stylistically relevant displays that reflect the architectural period. The in-depth look at the work of specific architects, like Bernini and Borromini, can also help in the design of exhibitions. This course provides the vocabulary and context to present visually impactful exhibitions.
Set Designer
A Set Designer creates the visual environment for theater, film, and television, and this course can help give a foundation in the visual and historical aspects of the Baroque period. The course's exploration of the Baroque's development, its use in the Counter-Reformation, and its spread throughout diverse regions can be a useful resource to draw upon when designing a set that requires historical accuracy or inspiration from the style. The course's focus on architects such as Bernini and Borromini and the innovative use of curved surfaces further informs set design. This course provides a historical context that facilitates accuracy when designing sets.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor areas, and this course may be useful when working with landscape design for historical properties. The course’s exploration of the Baroque style in various contexts, as well as its spread from the Catholic Church in Rome to the colonies, can inform the landscape architect about traditional outdoor design principles of the Baroque period. The course also examines the work of Bernini and Borromini, which can help those working on projects with historically-linked outdoor spaces. This course can provide insights to assist with designs surrounding architectural works from this period.
Real Estate Developer
A Real Estate Developer manages the development of land for housing, business or recreational purposes, and this course may be useful in developing an understanding of the heritage value of properties in regions with Baroque heritage. The course's global approach to the Baroque, examining it in Rome, the Vatican, Spain and the Americas, shows how the style was adopted into different cultures, and can help a Real Estate Developer with an interest in historic properties to make informed decisions about renovation and construction that is sensitive to heritage preservation. This course can help contextualize the value of properties that feature the Baroque style.
Textile Designer
A Textile Designer creates designs for fabrics, and this course may be relevant if they are interested in the patterns and motifs of the Baroque period. The course, which covers the Baroque as it developed in the Counter-Reformation and spread throughout different regions, can provide context and inspiration for textile patterns. The course examines the visual elements of the style, which can be useful for inspiration. This course may provide a starting point for a textile designer interested in the Baroque style.
Travel Guide
A Travel Guide leads tours and provides information to travelers, and this course may be useful for tours that include Baroque architectural sites. The course covers the Baroque style's evolution, from its origins in the Catholic Church and its dissemination across Europe and the Americas. The course's in-depth look at specific architects like Bernini and Borromini can be woven into a tour narrative. The course provides a framework of understanding for those seeking to give walking tours of Baroque sites

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Essentials of Baroque Architecture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of architecture in Spain from its earliest beginnings to the present day. It offers detailed analyses of key buildings, placing them within their historical and cultural contexts. It is particularly useful for understanding the stylistic developments and the underlying ideas that shaped Spanish architecture. This book valuable resource for students seeking a deeper understanding of the course material.

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