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Baroque Period 2

BAROQUE PERIOD

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Baroque Period

The baroque is an artistic period that commenced around the 16th century and spread to European countries such as France, England, Spain, and others. The most instrumental elements during this artistic phase were the establishment of the baroque style. It is connected to the Catholic Church. The prominence of this art was encouraged by church believers. Some of the prominent artists during this period include portraiture artists, Anthony van Dyck, Philip IV, and Paul Ruben among others. Therefore, the arts related to politics and political power during the baroque period presented themselves differently across European countries because of their distinct cultural and political climates.

Portraiture is an example of art that showed political power during the baroque period. It showed a new breath of interest in the individual’s identity and everyday life. Examples of portraitures include Anthony van Dyck who has a significant effect on English portraiture. He adopted a more restraint element in terms of action and texture in his arts. On the other hand, portraits for Philip IV focused on establishing a connecting between God and the king. In this portrait, the King is God’s choice. The difference in representation between the two art works indicates the varying and unique ability of portraiture in showcasing political power.

Other famous baroque style painter is Peter Paul Rubens. In his works, art was seen as a necessary facet of propaganda because it tended to present the image of the monarch. It was once seen as a substitute for the king’s presence. Another example of portraiture that represented the ideology and feelings of the king is the Velazquez, Philip IV hunting, which was characterized by a particular element of austerity and restraint evident in both the pose and costume of the king. Although Velazquez identifies himself as a craftsman absorbed into his work, Ruben’s self-portrait does not show himself painting. In doing so, it is a clear indicator of how baroque paintings are portrayed different based on the political climates and cultural elements.

In conclusion, the arts associated with political power and politics during the baroque period emerged in different versions across European countries. In other words, arts in this period were dramatic, oblivious, direct, and intending to appeal to emotions and senses. Based on the analysis of the baroque period, it is clear that its portraits and arts were characterized by precise detail and motion used to produce exuberance, drama, and grandeur in painting sculpture music, dance, and literature