Baroque Spectacle
 
Visual Analysis due on Canvas next
Tuesday, October 8th!
Hans Holbein, The Ambassadors, 1533.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Baroque period
1600 - 1750
Characteristics of the Baroque Style:
  • Interest in light and space
  • Rich use of color and dramatic contrasts
  • Innovative illusionism
  • More emphasis on emotion than reason
  • Multi-media extravaganza
 
Caravaggio, Entombment, 1603 - 1604.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
"New Realism" of Caravaggio
Caravaggio, Conversion of Saul, 1601.
Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo with Caravaggio's Crucifixion of St. Peter, 1601 on the left and Conversion of Saul, 1601 on the right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Caravaggio, The Incredulity of Thomas, 1601 - 1602.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tenebrism and Chiaroscuro
 
chiaroscuro = contrast between light and dark
 
tenebrism = use of strong chiaroscuro and artificially illuminated areas to create dramatic contrast of light and dark in a painting
 
  • Boldly illuminated figures set against dark backgrounds

  • Single light sourc that isusually outside of the picture plane
  • Use of unidealized bodies and non-professional models
  • Theatrical and dramatic composition
 
Those who followed Caravaggio's style
were called "the Caravaggisti"
 
Caravaggio, The Calling of St. Matthew, 1599 - 1600.