11 CHARACTERISTICS of BAROQUE architecture

The baroque architecture It is an artistic style that arose from late 16th century in Italy and lasted until the 18th century. Its origins go back to the Counter-Reformation, being a way of making an appeal to the faithful through a very sumptuous style of construction, design and art that attempted to represent the glory and grandeur of the Church Catholic

In this lesson from unPROFESOR.com we offer you the main characteristics of baroque architecture so you can distinguish the aesthetics of baroque architecture.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Europe is experiencing turbulent times, being the Baroque, a word that means imperfect pearl, a response to that hazardous situation as a sign of the power, wealth and strength of those most prominent countries, especially the Catholics.

Thus, religious leaders influenced culture and especially art, being the churches and cathedrals those ideal scenarios to show their power and their ideology. The architects took up the notions of beauty from the Renaissance, but in a more ornamental way.

The Baroque began in Italy where Pope and other rulers began to build following the baroque style, extending followed by the rest of Europe and South America, although in each country the style acquired subtle differences.

In general, the Baroque sought to create spaces full of theatricality and effectism, introducing dynamism, movement, contrast and drama outdoors and, especially, indoors.

The Baroque phases are Early baroque, from 1590 to 1625, the Full baroque, from 1625 to 1660 and the Late baroque, between 1660 and 1725, ending this last phase with the Rococo.

One of the obstacles when it comes to differentiating architectural styles is that many of the relevant buildings of this era are usually the result of a mix of styles. It must be borne in mind that these works lasted for decades, even for more than a century, and, throughout that time, elements of various styles were incorporated. To distinguish the constructive elements of the Baroque we must bear in mind that the main characteristics of baroque architecture. Here we discover them.

1. Baroque architecture stands out for using large domes, usually located in the center of the building.
2. The decoration takes center stage and becomes more and more elaborate and intricate, reaching certain doses of extravagance and sumptuousness.
3. The Golden it is extended as a way of underlining the sacred and sumptuous character of the works, being notable in the case of sculpture, both inside and outside. The gilding of the works extends to the sculptures, reliefs, altarpieces, moldings, and so on.
4. All kinds of architectural and / or decorative elements are used to achieve a feeling of movement or dynamism. Thus, curved walls, vaulted ceilings, niches, arches, scrolls, sculptures, reliefs, trompe l'oeil, etc. are used.
5. Another characteristic of Baroque architecture are the double sloping sloping ceilings.
6. In the case of Spanish Baroque, the call Herreriano or Habsburg, It has in El Escorial its greatest example, being its notable influence. Thus, contained or severe exteriors are imposed, while inside the sumptuousness is unleashed. Elements such as the towers crossing the facades, the roof with a spire and the slate roofs are also repeated.
7. With regard to the churches, the models are simplified and the plan of a single nave with chapels in the buttresses is followed, the so-called jesuit plant, and a certain austerity to the exterior, while the interiors are filled with golden altarpieces and with a certain complexity in designs, motifs, decorations, and so on.
8. Baroque architects and artists are authentic masters of light, being one of the first artistic movements to pay attention to the effects of light. Thus, the finishes, the decoration and many other constructive and decorative details are chosen according to the light and the effects to be created. Light and chiaroscuro are used to show contrast and generate drama.
9. The themes of the works are usually religious, always treating the sculptures, altarpieces and decorative motifs with opulence, being abundant of victories and divine characters.
10. Regarding the town planning, the Baroque is characterized by its search to integrate spaces into a whole, both from the landscape and urban point of view. A moment in which numerous plans for the regulation of large cities appear, with Rome being the prototype of the capital city. A regulation carried out by the architect Domenico Fontana and in which the city is regulated according to a network of large articulated roads around centers such as squares or buildings significant. The basilicas intertwine and become meeting and starting points.
11. The italian influence It is also notable from the middle of the seventeenth century, conceiving the facades as altarpieces, with a more decorative style. A trend that lasted until the first decade of the eighteenth, coinciding in time this more ornamental trend with another more restrained. That late Baroque will be called Rococó or, in the case of Spain and South America, Churrigeresco.