7 characteristics of French BAROQUE painting

The characteristics of French Baroque painting are that provides greater dynamism, the use of chiaroscuro, detail and realism, greater chromaticism... In a Teacher we tell you.

with the term french baroque painting reference is made to an artistic style that arose in France during the Baroque and that covered a period of time that goes from the 17th century to the beginning of the 18th century. A pictorial style influenced by artistic trends from Italy and which spread throughout Europe. An art that was characterized by its grandeur, its attention to detail and its opulence and being at the service of greatness from the reign of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, and one of the monarchs under whom culture flourished French.

In this article from unPROFESOR.com we tell you what are the characteristics of french baroque painting and what was the historical context of France during the Baroque and under the mandate of one of the great monarchs of the time, Louis XIV.

Between the main characteristics of French baroque painting the following are distinguished:

1. Dynamism and movement. French Baroque painting is characterized by the representation of dynamic and energetic scenes in which the figures are in motion and are represented with expressive gestures. It seeks to convey a sense of drama and action in all compositions.
2. Use of chiaroscuro. Chiaroscuro is one of the most common techniques among French Baroque painters. Artists used strong contrasts between bright lights and deep shadows to create dramatic effects and highlight the three-dimensional shapes of objects and figures.
3. Detail and realism. French Baroque painters devoted themselves to representing all kinds of details with the greatest possible realism and precision. Thus, the artists paid greater attention to the precise drawing of objects and figures, as well as ornamental and architectural details.
4. A great color is used, thus achieving a remarkable chromatic richness. The color palette used in French Baroque painting is the richest and most vibrant, using colors intense and varied with the intention of creating the most impressive visual effects and highlighting the beauty of the scenes.
5. It opts for religious and mythological themes. French Baroque painting focused on these themes by depicting biblical scenes, martyrs, saints, and other episodes from classical mythology, emphasizing emotion and drama.
6. Portraits of the nobility and royalty are also made. French Baroque painters carried out a large number of portraits of high society characters, especially nobles and royalty. Some refined and elegant portraits that sought to represent the power and greatness of those portrayed.
7. The compositions are among the most balanced. Despite the dynamism and energy that is printed in the works, French Baroque painting maintained a balanced and orderly compositional structure. The artists try to find a visual harmony through a careful disposition of all the elements and figures of the composition.

In unProfesor we introduce you to the main representatives of baroque painting so you can meet the most outstanding artists of the current.

Now that you know the characteristics of French Baroque painting, let's get to know the historical context of the Baroque in France to better understand when this movement arose.

During the period Baroque, from the 17th century to the beginning of the 18th century, France experienced some significant changes in both politics and culture. One of the most relevant reigns was the reign of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King for the splendor of his mandate.

Louis XIV ascended to the throne in 1643 and ruled until his death in 1715. An absolute monarch who turned France into one of the great powers of Europe, also marking the cultural and artistic trends of the entire continent. During his reign there were carried out constructions as beautiful and sumptuous as the Palace of Versailles, a palace symbol of the power and greatness of the monarchy and which was also reflected in the decoration, sculpture and painting.

French Baroque painting was especially noted for its balance, its elegance and the attention to detail and preciousness. The French painters of this time always tried to create works that reflected the splendor and greatness of that monarchy. and the French aristocracy, always drawing inspiration from religious and mythological themes and portraits of nobles and the monarch and his his family.