Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe - ARTH217 - Fall 2006

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED BOOKS RESOURCES

INTRODUCTION

The Baroque

Background

Mannerism to Baroque

Agnolo Bronzino
The Deposition
c. 1545-50

Mannerist characteristics

  1. elegant conception
  2. strangely inexpressive and detached
  3. agitated composition, full of incidents
  4. but, little sense of dramatic unity
  5. figures elongated and have energetic, angular postures
  6. arranged to create a decorative pattern
  7. no strong emotions
  8. shallow space
  9. forms tend to adhere to the vertical plane
  10. removes the event from the realm of flesh and blood
  11. Mannerist refinement and artifice prevail over nature and feeling

Peter Paul Rubens
Descent from the Cross
1611-12

Baroque characteristics

  1. grandeur of conception
  2. power of feeling
  3. both conception and feeling unite to produce an air of epic tragedy
  4. actions of figures are natural and appropriate
  5. grief and horror of those closest to Christ
  6. physical strain and effort of those lowering dead body
  7. night scene [evening?]
  8. but group around cross illumined by a supernatural light
  9. contrasting colours
  10. livid, bloodless colour of Christ's body
  11. vivid red of St. John's mantle