The Cultural Impacts that Shaped Baroque Art

Peacock Scholarship

Public Deposited

Abstract

Society and the world around an artist impacts the art that they create. As society shapes itself around major factors, art is used to reflect this. This is especially visible during the era of Baroque art. During this time, changes in the sociological landscape greatly influenced the creation of Baroque art as it is understood today. These major anthropological factors include the political landscape of the era, the economy, and religious tension. The 17th century, the era of Baroque art, saw religious tension between the Protestants and the Catholics crescendoing, as the events of the Thirty Years War took place, leading to a war between the two. Along with this, the economies of the era varied, leading to a difference between the Baroque Art of Italy, which had an economic crisis, and the Dutch Republic, which was prospering. The number of absolute monarchies increased and colonization of the Americas and East Asia began in earnest. This reflects itself in Baroque art through the subjects covered, the size of paintings, and the colors used.

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