Tag 17th Century Art

17th-century art, often called the Baroque period, was marked by various European artistic styles and developments. It saw the height of the Baroque style, characterised by grandeur, drama, and emotional intensity. Artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Vermeer created masterpieces showcasing mastery of light, shadow, and storytelling—the period also witnessed the rise of landscapes, still lifes, and portraiture, as well as the establishment of art academies and the patronage of powerful monarchs and religious institutions. 17th-century art left a lasting impact, shaping art history and influencing subsequent artistic movements.

The Night Watch, Rembrandt, 1642

Baroque

The Baroque period, a response to the Counter-Reformation, was characterized by a grand, ornate, and dramatic style in art. The Church, as the primary patron of Baroque art, aimed to inspire piety and devotion in the faithful. The period was a time of political upheaval and social change, including the Thirty Years' War. Baroque art, with its grandeur, drama, dynamism, and emotion, used dramatic lighting, intense colours, and exaggerated forms to create emotionally charged and theatrical works. This emphasis on drama and emotion is a key aspect of the Baroque period. The era was filled with famous artworks, including Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew and Diego Velázquez's The Triumph of Bacchus.

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