Baroque Era

The Baroque era was representative of an artistic style which began in Rome in approximately 1600 (1592 – 1720).  Painting, architecture and sculpture embraced this style and eventually, this style of art became popular throughout the rest of Europe. This style is described as dramatic, colorful, massive and theatrical.  It also greatly influenced dance and music.   The music of this period was ornate and heavily ornamented while the dance was mainly a simple step (English country dance or The French Noble style)

The style grew out of the religious tensions of the 1600’s.  The Catholic Counter-Reformation Art of this period were greatly influenced by the Baroque era.  Catholic emperors and the Vatican in general used this style to show their power, grandeur and to reassert themselves.  Baroque art in more protestant countries had less religious focus and attracted the middle classes of the country.  During this period, palatial structures were built consisting of extravagant staircases and elegant reception rooms.Undoubtedly, the baroque era was one of the richest and most diverse periods in history