Introduction
Baroque art is characterized by dynamism (a strong sense of motion), which is augmented by extravagant effects (e.g. strong curves, rich decoration.)
The full-blown Baroque aesthetic ("full Baroque") was embraced in southern Western Europe. In northern Western Europe, a sort of classical-Baroque compromise ("restrained Baroque") was struck
The full Baroque aesthetic developed during the Early Baroque period (ca. 1600-25), then culminated during the High Baroque period (ca. 1625-60). Both periods were led by Italy. The restrained Baroque aesthetic culminated during the Late Baroque period (ca. 1660-1725). The Baroque age concluded with the French-born Rococo style (ca. 1725-75), in which the violence and drama of Baroque was quieted to a gentle, playful dynamism. The Late Baroque and Rococo periods were led by France.
Baroque architecture features curved and sculpted walls, vibrant colours and gilding, and the positioning of windows for dramatic lighting effects. The first of these characteristics is of particular note: whereas Renaissance architects coated flat surfaces in a classical veneer ("planar classicism"), Baroque architects freely moulded surfaces to achieve three-dimensional sculpted classicism.
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And while the surface of a Renaissance building is typically neatly divided into sections (in accordance with classical clarity and order), a Baroque surface is treated as a continuous, textured whole.
Churches are the primary form of Baroque architecture in Italy, while chateaus (country mansions) are the outstanding Baroque works of France.
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