The Baroque: Grandeur of popes revived by affirmation of their supreme
authority in Council of Trent, and by vigorous campaigns of new
Counter-Reformation orders (especially Jesuits) for the expansion of
the political influence of the papacy and for the firm entrenchment of
Catholicism in Flanders, South and West Germany, Austria and Poland as
well as in Italy and Spain.
Increasingly powerful absolute monarchy in France, (Louis XIII, XIV),
organizing all branches of activity under the state, from industry to
art and literature (foundation of the academies). Predominance of
classicism in all the arts. France the dominant political and
military power on the continent, but less important commercially and
industrially than England and the Netherlands.
Intellectual context: Resurgence of philosophical discussion (Spinoza,
Descartes) and scientific investigation, notably in astronomy
(Galileo), physics and mathematics (Newton), physiology (Harvey), and
optics. Perfection of telescope and microscope.
Architecture: An international style of great range and power
characterized by great variety in individual expression.
Subordination of parts to total dynamic organization of masses in
space, for dramatic climax. Manipulation of light and shade enhanced
by sculpture, frescoes on walls and ceilings, altarpieces, rich
decoration.
Italy: A monumental style, particularly under Bernini, in which
buildings are created for popes, kings, Roman nobility. Classical
types and forms used for highly dynamic and dramatic large-scale
schemes, integrating building with surroundings and with whole city
plan. Also small-scale buildings for intellectual monastic orders.
Inventive modification of classic vocabulary used with taste and
precision in free combinations. New concept of fluid space and
malleable mass (Borromini). Imaginative and sophisticated variations
on themes of solid geometry.
Key works:
1. Replanned streets of Rome, mostly Domenico Fontana, 1580s [
124]
2. Gianlorenzo Bernini (1598-1680): St. Peter's Square (piazza S.
Pietro), Rome, begun 1656 [
125 reconstruction of Bernini's project;
111 exterior view]; figs. 535, 542--544.
3. Bernini: Cornaro Chapel in Sta. Maria Vittoria, 1646; fig. 541
4. Francesco Borromini (1599-1667): S. Carlo alle Quattro Fontane,
1638-66 [
119 lower facade;
120 interior view]; figs. 547--550.
Works in context:
Terms: