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Rembrandt Jerome In His Study

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The Baroque From 1600-1750 the world shifted from Renaissance art to a new period, the Baroque. This art combined the technique, skill, and grand scale of the Renaissance with the emotion and intensity of Mannerism. Not only were artistic geniuses produced but art expanded into everyday life as well. Religious scenes and figures continued to become more realistic and human looking. Artists began painting everyday scenes full of everyday people. Even portraits became more lively and exciting. Three pieces of art exemplify this period, "The Nightwatch", "The Kitchenmaid", and "St. Jerome in His Study". Representing Baroque art first is Rembrandt van Rijn's "The Nightwatch". This painting shows a captain giving his militia company their marching orders. In "The Nightwatch", Rembrandt shows off his amazing technical skill with lighting and color, a key characteristic of the Baroque era. Another key Baroque trait is livening up portraits as van Rijn does here. No one in the painting is merely posing, but instead, is engaging in a conversation, preparing their weapons, or watching their captain. This fluidness combined with the expert lighting and color proves that this painting is truly Baroque. …show more content…

Characteristic of the Baroque period is the subject matter of the painting, a maid working in the kitchen. The maid stands in the kitchen pouring milk from a pitcher into a bowl. On top of a table rests a basket of bread and window on the left provides the light for the picture. Like Rembrandt, Vermeer also excelled in the lighting department. He also excelled in the Baroque style of painting everyday scenes. The painting is not merely a boring portrait but a moving masterpiece. The shadows, spots, and nail on the wall along with the lighting of the bread and pitcher testify to the painting's Baroque

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