THE baroque sculpture it elevated art to the intensity of perfection. It is part of the Baroque movement, which began in Rome around 1600 and spread throughout Europe.
In addition to sculpture, the baroque style influenced painting, architecture, music and literature. This movement was driven by the Catholic Church and integrated the counter-reformation into art.
For this reason, the clergy encouraged artists to present works that openly induce drama in the representation of religious scenes.
The central aim was to reinforce Catholic belief in the most convincing way possible.
In sculpture, the baroque directly affected objects. Melodrama is evident in the religious scenes, spiritualism and, above all, aesthetic perfection.
Sculpture of Saint Longuinho, by Bernini
General features
- Omnipresence and dynamism
- Unlimited intensity
- Evidence of violence and drama
- Combination of sculpture and architecture
- Creation of an inaugural unique artistic language in the way of sculpting
- Systematization of the horizontal line on the statues to complement the upper parts of the buildings
- Extravagant effects, with strong curves and luxurious decor
Baroque in Brazil
Baroque manifestations arrived in Brazil a century after they began in Europe. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, sculpture is a mixture of Portuguese, Italian, French and Spanish influence.
The crucifixion of Jesus in Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, by Aleijadinho
The main representative of baroque sculpture in Brazil is Antônio Francisco Lisboa, the cripple (1730-1814).
The sculptor from Ouro Preto (MG) is situated in a transitional period between Baroque and Rococo. There are scholars who classify it as a representative of Minas Gerais baroque.
In addition to Ouro Preto, baroque features are also found in sculptures in the Church and Monastery of São Bento, in Rio de Janeiro. The work was built between 1633 and 1691 and displays angels and birds carved in the Portuguese Baroque style.
In Rio de Janeiro, the main representative of the baroque is Valentim da Fonseca e Silva (1745-1813), known as Mestre Valentim.
Narciso, by Mestre Valentim, exhibited at the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
Baroque in Europe
The starting point of baroque in Europe was Rome. The so-called beginning of the Baroque is mainly observed in Italy, between 1600 and 1625. Also in Italy are the main manifestations of high baroque, which took place between 1625 and 1675.
The period called late Baroque is observed, especially in France, between 1675 and 1725. The end of the movement, which is now called rococo, also has great adhesion in France, being registered between 1725 and 1800.
Bernini
Gian Lorenzo Bernini he was considered the most brilliant Baroque sculptor and one of the most important and innovative architects who worked during the movement.
He was responsible for the greatest sculptures in Rome in the Baroque. Served for eight popes. The sculpture "The Ecstasy of St. Teresa" is considered his masterpiece.
Bernini's The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Baroque Architecture and Painting
THE baroque architecture it occurred in different ways in most European and Latin countries.
Among the characteristics of Baroque architecture are the need to demonstrate the exuberance of the religious scenes and the imposition of the biblical scenario on the observer.
already the baroque painting it is characterized by mystical realism, emotional content and sensuality.
Read too:
- Baroque
- Baroque Characteristics
- Baroque art
- Baroque style
- Baroque in Brazil
- Baroque in Portugal
- Exercises on Baroque
