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What Are The Similarities Between Baroque And Baroque Eras

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Introduction
European design has evolved over the centuries from the Renaissance era of the 15th century to Baroque era of the 16th century right through to the Rococo era of the late 1700’s. Even though the style might have changed, some elements can be traced across all three periods.
This essay will explore the similarities and differences in the aforementioned eras by singling out 4 different examples from these eras and how these influenced or affected the society and patrons who commissioned these artworks at that time.
Emphasis will be placed on specific examples that best demonstrate the style of each era. The image examples used in this essay are firstly the ceiling of the Sistine chapel and the bronze David by Donatello. Both …show more content…

After the peak of the Renaissance era of 1600 Rome, there was a move towards a style that was more dramatic and celebrated the church and the elite. This style melodramatically reaffirmed the emotional depths of the catholic faith and glorified both the church and monarch (History of Art, 1933:284). Baroque is distinguished by the grander sense of space in architecture, intense emotion and movement in painting and sculpture. Opulence and grandeur is often displayed in the ostentatious interiors homes of the elite and the church was highly decorated.
Some similarities between Baroque and Renaissance eras, is the strong use of light and shade to create depth and realism.
The word Baroque derives from the Portuguese word “barocco” which seems to imply an irregularly shaped or imperfect pearl. Which is quite ironic since Baroque design was anything but imperfect.

Rococo
The style of the Rococo period can be characterised as being playful and asymmetrical as opposed to that of Baroque. Though there are similarities between the two stylistic periods, Rococo design is more ornate and motifs usually resemble shells and stones and the intricate designs are often gilded with gold and other precious metals. The colour palette is muted and emphasis is placed on the design rather than the

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