17th centuryReputable sourceWell documented
The Baroque
On the timeline · around 17th century · The Old Masters
What happened
The Baroque style of the 17th century embraced drama, movement, and emotional intensity, using bold contrasts of light and dark, vivid realism, and dynamic composition. Artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Bernini created work that gripped the viewer, often in the service of the Catholic Church or absolute monarchs.
Why it matters
Baroque art brought a new theatrical power and emotional immediacy to painting and sculpture, and its masters are among the most celebrated in the Western canon.
Sources
- Tate. Baroque · Reputable source