The Baroque and Caravaggism Paintings

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The Baroque and Caravaggism paintings
Among the types of art works practiced by people in ancient times are; paintings, sculptures and building designs. This paper aims at comparing two types of Art work; The Baroque and Caravaggism. These were types of paintings which existed in Northern Europe in many years ago (Kleiner 696). The purpose of this paper is to clearly explain the similarities and differences of both Baroque and Caravaggism types of paintings. Their characteristics in terms of subject, genre and medium are also discussed in length.
Baroque paintings reflected cultural and political issues emerging across Europe. The Baroque artists included; Peter Paul Rueben, Anthony Van Dyck and Ribera, Zurbaran and Velazquez of Spain. In addition, Baroque painting entailed absolutism and religion. There was a group that supported church and the divine right of kings (Ellenberger et al 225). Secondly, another group belonged to the new Protestant religious movement who wanted a reform. This group also included some people who believed in personal self-determination. On the other hand, Caravaggism type of painting was performed by an Italian artist called Michelangelo Merisi, also referred to as Caravaggio. Caravaggio paintings involved inn-keepers, sturdy peasants and gamblers (Kleiner 694). They dressed as saints and Church Fathers but they sometimes represented reality in its most crude and harsh aspect. Both Caravaggism and Baroque artists exemplified naturalism, classicism and genre in their work.
Baroque was characterized by a variety of styles. However, the two unique styles were, an emotional content and grandeur. The artists used mural painting styles to display a painted scene. They painted vast and busy scenes on the walls which appeared to produce upon the spectator, a trompe ‘Ioeil impression so that ceiling and walls may open out in an existing way (Ambrosini et al 43). Both Baroque and Caravaggism forms of paintings had dramatic, violent, tormented styles paintings suited to an age of strong aesthetic contracts.
Baroque painting entailed study of effects of light. Most of the work was designated by use of light and shadow. Baroque’s painting was not lit in a uniform manner but in patches. There were dark areas alternated with an intense light which appeared when intense light struck the details on painting. In addition, Baroque entailed traditional painting on canvas (Kleiner 697). On the other hand, Caravaggio final analysis Renaissance painting was a colored drawing and had an overall lighting. Its canvas was a leopard’s skin of strong light and deep, intense shadow with symbolic lights. While Caravaggio rejected idealization on painting that composed to satisfy more on the taste for gracefulness and harmony, Baroque accepted idealization and realism.
Caravaggio pieces of work included; The Calling of Saint Matthew (1599-1600) Rome, The martyrdom of Saint Mathew (1599-1600)Rome, Conversation of Saint Peter (1601) Rome, Crucifixion of Saint Peter (1601) Cerasi Chapel Popolo, Death of the virgin (1601-6) Paris ,The Entombment of Christ (1601-3) ,Amor Vincit Omnia (1602) Gemaldegalerie SMPK, Berlin .On the other hand Baroque masterpieces included; Samson and Delilah (1610) ,National Gallery, London, Descent from the Cross(Reuben) (1614),Cathedral our Lady, Antwerp, Judgment of Paris, (1636),National Gallery, London, The Night Watch (1642,) ,Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg. Baroque importance in art work is that it allowed artists to control focus of painting, on the other hand, Caravaggism facilitated to greater emotional depth and characterization and finally, its treatment of ……….