May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
22 minute read
Baroque art is a highly ornate and elaborate style of art, architecture, and design that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the mid-18th century. Originating in Italy, it quickly spread across Europe and became the first visual style to have a significant global impact. The term "Baroque" itself is thought to have come from the Portuguese word "barroco," meaning an "irregular pearl or stone," and was initially used in a somewhat derogatory way to describe art that seemed overly exaggerated or grotesque. However, the term has long since shed these negative connotations and is now used to describe a rich and diverse period in art history. The Baroque style is characterized by its grandeur, sensuous richness, drama, dynamism, movement, tension, emotional exuberance, and a tendency to blur distinctions between the various arts.
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Find a path to becoming a Baroque Art. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected seven 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
Baroque Art.
As part of the prestigious Oxford History of Western Art series, this book by Michael Kitson offers an authoritative overview of Baroque and Rococo art, examining its major developments and key works within the broader context of Western art history.
By Robert Enggass, a leading scholar in Baroque art, offers a comprehensive survey of Baroque art and architecture, exploring the period's key themes, styles, and major works.
This visually stunning book by Rolf Toman presents a comprehensive overview of Baroque art, showcasing the major works of architecture, sculpture, and painting from across Europe.
For a specialized examination of Baroque sculpture, this book by Jennifer Montagu, a renowned art historian, provides an in-depth exploration of the major works, techniques, and themes of the period.
For a specialized examination of Baroque painting in Italy, this book by Federico Zeri, a prominent Italian art historian, provides an in-depth analysis of the major works and styles of the period.
By Christopher Rowell provides a concise and accessible overview of Baroque and Rococo art and architecture, highlighting the key features and major works of the period.
By J.H. Elliott, a renowned historian, offers a broader perspective on the Baroque period, examining the cultural, social, and political context in which Baroque art flourished.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/b557m0/baroque
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