The Baroque period in architecture, like the Renaissance, was distinguished by design rather than structural innovation. Baroque structures were elaborately ornamented in contrast to the bareness of Renaissance architecture. The design components grew more expressive and dynamic, with an emphasis on energy rather than balance. Baroque buildings are found all over Europe and the New World.
Baroque style evolved around 1660 and lasted until about 1750. It was used for many different kinds of projects, from churches to private homes. In its most extreme form it became overly decorative and theatrical, which isn't very practical. But even so, Baroque style remains popular today, especially for large public works such as museums or theaters.
Renaissance architecture is one of the two major classical styles that developed after the Renaissance (the other being Neoclassical). Like the Renaissance, the Renaissance in architecture began in Italy but soon spread to other parts of Europe.
During this period, architects designed buildings by drawing plans that they then presented to building contractors for approval. They would then be given a budget to work with, and their job was done. This method of designing buildings was new at the time and helped create a sense of harmony and order across Europe.
Like much of European culture, politics played a role in the evolution of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
Other distinguishing characteristics of baroque architecture are grandeur, drama, and contrast (particularly in lighting), curvaceousness, and a bewildering assortment of rich surface treatments, twisting components, and gilded statues. Architects were unafraid to use brilliant colors and deceptive, brightly painted ceilings. The result is a church that is exciting to explore.
The word "baroque" comes from the Portuguese language and means "vast". This adjective describes art or architecture of the 17th century that is large-scale, overblown, and extravagant. The Baroque period in art began in Europe around 1625 and lasted until about 1750. During this time, great artists such as Caravaggio, Rubens, and Van Dyck produced dramatic works that still influence today's painters.
In churches built during the Baroque era, you will find huge naves, ornate altars with deep sculptured panels, and an abundance of gold. The main reason why so many churches were built during this time is because it was popular at the time for the upper class to show off their wealth by donating money for new churches. Also, since priests had much more power back then, they could command much higher fees for their services, which led to many more churches being built.
However, not all churches built during this time were exactly the same.
The Baroque is a very ornate and extravagant architectural, artistic, and design style that thrived in Europe throughout the 17th and first part of the 18th centuries. Its influence swiftly extended across Europe, and it became the first graphic style to have a substantial global impact. During its reign, anything was possible: giant sculptures, theatrical sets, paintings—you name it! —all designed in an exuberant and flamboyant fashion that still gives us inspiration today.
Baroque designers took inspiration from all kinds of sources, but most of all they were inspired by classical antiquity. Sculptures, paintings, and architecture all played their part in creating a world that had never been seen before. The key elements used by the artists were geometry, light and shade, and movement. They also used mirrors, lacquer, gold and silver paint, and iridescent materials such as mother-of-pearl or glass eyes to create illusions of depth and dimensionality.
Some examples of famous buildings dating from this era are the Santa Maria del Popolo church in Rome, Italy; the Church of San Silvestro in Capodimonte, Naples; and the Kaasbaan (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul, Turkey.
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