Baroque Art: Styles, Council of Trent, and Urbanism

Baroque Era Art

It is more accurate to discuss art from the Baroque era rather than Baroque Art itself.

The Baroque period encompasses artistic styles from approximately 1590 to 1750.

During this time, various styles coexisted and evolved over the decades.

Council of Trent (1545-1563)

The Council of Trent was a conference of ecclesiastical dignitaries and theologians convened to discuss and settle matters of church doctrine.

The organization of the council was a reaction to the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther.

Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther, a professor in Saxony, posted his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg church in 1517.

He called for changes in the church's practices, such as ending the sale of indulgences.

Protestant Reformation & Art

Protestantism opposed religious images, particularly large paintings and sculptures, which they considered idolatry.

This led to the destruction of some older artworks.

New works focused on scenes of daily life or biblical episodes, often with moralizing purposes.

Counter-Reformation & Art

The Counter-Reformation was a reaction against the severity of Protestantism.

It aimed to spread the Catholic faith, promote devotion, and demonstrate the possibility of achieving heavenly glory.

The Church controlled the content of artworks, emphasizing decorum.

The importance of the Mass led to increased construction of chapels.

Churches were built with larger central naves to involve the faithful in ceremonies.

Bernini and the Counter-Reformation

Santa Teresa de Ávila by Bernini is a key example of this period.

With the Counter-Reformation, Rome became a major center of power.

The Popes promoted extensive construction projects in the city.

Notable projects include the Basilica and St. Peter's Square.

Bernini's designs include:

• The Baldachin of St. Peter (1624-33)
• The Colonnade of St. Peter’s Square (1656-1667)

The Role of Architecture

Architecture was considered the most noble of the arts.

In the Baroque period, it was not just about constructing buildings.

Baroque architecture significantly influenced the urban planning of major cities like Rome, Paris, and London.

Paris: Le Grand Siècle

Key figures of this era include Henri IV, Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Richelieu, Mazarin, and Colbert.

Kings and ministers played a significant role in designing the modern city.

Architecture and urbanism were used to showcase the greatness and power of Paris and France.

Examples include:

• Place des Vosges (1605-12) - Henri IV
• Les Invalides (1670-79) - Louis XIV
• Sorbonne Chapel (1635-42) - Richelieu. The ancient University of Sorbonne.

The construction of grand and imposing places aimed to demonstrate power for eternity, similar to the Greek Acropolis.