The Baroque Era: Art, Music, and Literature

Have you felt so jealous that you considered ending your very existence? Well, that is how Borromini, an architect of the Baroque Era, felt, and exactly what he did. His life is a symbol for the Baroque Era: full of passion, movement, and novel ideas. He had talent, but he was jealous of what he did not have and tormented by ideas of losing his fame to a man named Bernini. Because he was so competitive Borromini created some exquisite architecture that still exists today. Although he ended his life prematurely, his gift and influence as an architect lives on.

Borromini is most famous for his Church of San Carlo all Quattro Fontane. The beautiful curves accentuate developments of the time and the corinthian columns reflect a more classical and familiar style. What Borromini has done is to bring in the new while utilizing the old; this way, citizens feel comfotable examining his architecture while learning to appreciate newer styles.

The interior is also blooming with flamboyance and innovative creativity. From looking at this building, it is hard to imagine how a man so talented could be so jealous of another.

This is Bernini's David. It is much different than the classic form sulpted by Michelangelo. Here, David is in the act of slinging a stone toward Goliath's head. The expression in his face and accuracy of the anatomy is astounding. Bernini's talent, good looks, and charm won him patrons and much attention that Borromini never had.

The most famous artists of the time were Caravaggio who is famous for his use of light, Caracci, de La Tour, Poussin, El Greco, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Gentileschi who was one of the first women to make a significant contribution in the way of art. There are others, but I feel that these few are a good representation of the diversity between artists even in one time period.

Caravaggio (above)

Caracci

de La Tour

El Greco

Vermeer

Rembrandt

Gentileschi

The most famous musician of the Baroque Era is Johann Sebastian Bach. He is one of the giants that held up many future musicians. The music of this time is characterized by a very steady tempo, polyphony, and more dynamics than in past music. Opera was also developed during this time.

Another famous musician of the era was Geroge Frideric Handel, known most for his Messiah. See the playlist towards the bottom if you're interested in hearing his and Bach's music.

Literature at this time was beginning to become more widely read due to the printing press. the Bible was translated and published so all who had money to buy one, could read it. John Milton wrote Paradise Lost, and John Donne wrote poetry in the metaphysical style. Here is one of my favorites: "No man is an island, entire of itslef; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's desath diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."