Social and Historical Contexts - Seventeenth Century: Baroque Rome and the Catholic Counter-Reformation

8 important questions on Social and Historical Contexts - Seventeenth Century: Baroque Rome and the Catholic Counter-Reformation

When and where did secular commissions start to become more popular?

During the Baroque (17th century) and mainly in the northern countries, whereas the south was still dominated by the Church (especially Rome).

What was the reason for the growing popularity of secular works outside Italy?

Due to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation of 1517, the Catholic Church lost most of its power in these areas, causing a reduction in popularity regarding religious/Catholic images.

What truly marked the start of the Baroque in southern Europe?

Mainly the Counter Reformation, the response against Luther's Protestant Reformation which had to be undone in the eyes of the Pope. In order to do this, artists where commissioned to create art in a new style that would most definitely convince the people of the power of the Church.
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Which rules were created by the Council of Trent regarding the new propagandistic Baroque art?

1. Stories should be depicted clearly, simply and intelligibly, with the martyrs' suffering clearly showing. No nudity, however.
2. The artists should stick to the Scriptures in a precise way.
3. The 'emotional stimulus to piety' meant that the faithful were supposed to have an emotional response upon seeing these artworks.

Which great artists were employed by the Catholic Church to support the Counter-Reformation?

1. Caravaggio, with his lifelike and often horrifying depictions of the suffering of Christ and other saints.
2. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a sculptor known for his 'heavenly' looking sculptures.

How did Baroque painters attempt to persuade viewers of the strength of the Catholic Church?

Through tenebristic (extremely dark) backgrounds, empathic gestures and expressions, striking colour palettes and dynamic compositions.

How did Baroque sculptors attempt to persuade viewers of the strength of the Catholic Church?

Through empathic gestures and expressions, deeply carved drapery/facial features and dynamic compositions.

How did Baroque architects attempt to persuade viewers of the strength of the Catholic Church?

Through undulating (wavy) façades, a lot of decorative features, interplay of light and shade.

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