Art Appreciation
Running Head: Baroque Works of Art
IP 5
Running Head: Baroque Works of Art 1
Baroque Works of Art
The Baroque period of art was from the 1600’s to the 1700’s. This period in art history began with the Catholic Church launching an internal reformation to establish clear definitions of the church’s theologies, as well as their doctrines. A sector of the church’s reform was to educate the members. One way in which this was accomplished was by the implementation of art. Religious art had to be redirected to present inspiration, persuasiveness, and evoke spiritual emotion. Three artist of the Baroque art period that made contributions were Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Peter Paul Rubens. Each of these artists created powerful religious images that were strong in their statements. In 1600, Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio was commissioned to paint two portraits of Rome’s patroned saints, Peter and Paul (“Caravaggio: The Conversion on the Road to Damascus” n.d.). Although, Caravaggio did not have a personal philosophy about art, he did however, created his art with the identical components that were evident in his personal character (“The National Gallery” n.d.). His artworks were brimming with violence, arrogance, and rebellion, all of the elements that made for dramatic and controversial images. The image of ‘The Conversion of St. Paul’ was an outstanding representation of the actual moment when St. Paul was converted. It was stated in the Biblical book of Acts of Apostles that Paul had heard the voice of Christ and lost is sight temporarily. This oil painting portrays this act excellently. Paul is lying on is back stunned with his eyes closed after falling off the horse (Preble, 2011, p. 263). He is appearing as though he is in awe while his hands are in the air at the bright light
Running Head: Baroque Works of Art
IP 5
Running Head: Baroque Works of Art 1
Baroque Works of Art
The Baroque period of art was from the 1600’s to the 1700’s. This period in art history began with the Catholic Church launching an internal reformation to establish clear definitions of the church’s theologies, as well as their doctrines. A sector of the church’s reform was to educate the members. One way in which this was accomplished was by the implementation of art. Religious art had to be redirected to present inspiration, persuasiveness, and evoke spiritual emotion. Three artist of the Baroque art period that made contributions were Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Peter Paul Rubens. Each of these artists created powerful religious images that were strong in their statements. In 1600, Michelangelo Merisi Caravaggio was commissioned to paint two portraits of Rome’s patroned saints, Peter and Paul (“Caravaggio: The Conversion on the Road to Damascus” n.d.). Although, Caravaggio did not have a personal philosophy about art, he did however, created his art with the identical components that were evident in his personal character (“The National Gallery” n.d.). His artworks were brimming with violence, arrogance, and rebellion, all of the elements that made for dramatic and controversial images. The image of ‘The Conversion of St. Paul’ was an outstanding representation of the actual moment when St. Paul was converted. It was stated in the Biblical book of Acts of Apostles that Paul had heard the voice of Christ and lost is sight temporarily. This oil painting portrays this act excellently. Paul is lying on is back stunned with his eyes closed after falling off the horse (Preble, 2011, p. 263). He is appearing as though he is in awe while his hands are in the air at the bright light
Running Head: Baroque Works of Art
References: “Peter Paul Ruben’s Biography”. (2013). Retrieved from: http://www.myreproductions.com/peter_paul_rubens_biography.php Preble. “Preble’s Artforms: An Introduction to the Visual Arts. (2011). (10th ed.). Pearson. Retrieved from: