Baroque
The Baroque art movement, spanning from the late 16th century to the early 18th century, is characterized by its dramatic intensity, emotional exuberance, and intricate detail. Originating in Rome, it was a response to the Protestant Reformation, serving as a tool for the Catholic Church's Counter-Reformation efforts. Baroque art is distinguished by its use of chiaroscuro, dynamic compositions, and grandeur, often conveying a sense of movement and tension. Themes frequently explored include religious fervor, the power of the divine, and the grandeur of the natural world. Prominent artists such as Caravaggio, Peter Paul Rubens, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini exemplified these characteristics through their works. The movement significantly influenced the development of Western art, laying the groundwork for the subsequent Rococo and Neoclassical styles, and leaving a lasting impact on architecture, sculpture, and painting.