17th Century Art in Europe Flashcards
Gianlorenzo Bernini
DAVID
Gianlorenzo Bernini
1624
This sculpture shows David in motion throwing the stone at Goliath
Its dynamic movement, realistic depiction, and emotional intensity set it apart from earlier Renaissance portrayals of David, marking a clear break with classical tradition and embracing the energy and theatricality of the Baroque style
VIEW INTO
THE DOME OF THE
CHURCH OF SAN
CARLO ALLE
QUATTRO FONTANE
1599 - 1677
Borromini was a master of Baroque architecture, and his design for San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is considered one of the most influential and original of the period. The Baroque era emphasized drama, movement, and emotion, and Borromini’s work was defined by his ability to manipulate architectural forms to evoke these elements
The dome of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane is one of the most significant elements of the church’s design, and it reflects Borromini’s genius in both structural innovation and visual impact. Unlike traditional domes that create a smooth, rounded structure, Borromini’s dome is unconventional, with a concave, undulating form
THE
CALLING OF ST.
MATTHEW
Caravaggio’s The Calling of Saint Matthew is a groundbreaking painting in its use of realism, dramatic light, and emotional depth. Caravaggio’s approach to depicting religious subjects as human beings with all their flaws, combined with his ability to manipulate light and shadow, creates a powerful, immersive moment of spiritual transformation. This work is not just a religious scene; it is a moment of existential choice, representing the intersection of divinity and humanity
THE
CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL
Caravaggio
33 CE
One of his most powerful and emotionally charged paintings, showcasing his masterful use of light, shadow, and realism. This work depicts the dramatic moment when Saul of Tarsus (later known as Saint Paul) is struck by a blinding light from heaven on his way to Damascus, leading to his conversion to Christianity. It is a prime example of Baroque art, with its focus on intense emotions, spiritual drama, and realism
Artemisia
Gentileschi
JUDITH
BEHEADING
HOLOFERNES
The painting represents a scene from the Book of Judith in the Old Testament, in which Judith infiltrates the camp of the Assyrian general Holofernes. After getting him drunk, she decapitates him in his tent, saving her people from his invasion. The moment captured in the painting is the exact moment of the decapitation, with Judith holding the sword and Holofernes’ head
Diego
Velázquez LAS
MENINAS (THE
MAIDS OF
HONOR)
The central point of this painting is the little blonde girl, young Infanta Margarita Teresa, surrounded by her ladies-in-waiting (the “meninas”), as well as her entourage, including a court dwarf, a dog, and two chaperones. What makes the painting so intriguing, however, is its complex and layered composition, which invites questions about the role of the artist and the viewer in the scene
Inigo Jones BANQUETING HOUSE,
WHITEHALL PALACE
One of the most significant architectural achievements of early 17th-century England. It stands as a pivotal work in the development of English classical architecture and marks the introduction of the Palladian style in Britain. The building was commissioned by King James I as part of the royal palace at Whitehall, London, and designed by Inigo Jones, the leading English architect of the time. It remains an iconic example of English Baroque architecture
INTERIOR, BANQUETING HOUSE,
WHITEHALL PALACE Ceiling paintings of the
apotheosis of King James and the glorification of
the Stuart monarchy
The interior of the Banqueting House at Whitehall Palace is most famous for its ceiling paintings, which were commissioned by King James I and painted by the renowned Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens between 1629 and 1630. These paintings are not only remarkable works of art but also highly symbolic, reflecting the political and royal propaganda of the time. They glorify the Stuart monarchy and emphasize the divine right of kings, a central belief during the reign of the Stuart family
Johannes Vermeer,
Girl with a Pearl
Earring,
c. 1665, oil on
canvas, 44.5 x 39
cm. The Hague,
Mauritshuis
Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring (c. 1665) is one of the most iconic and celebrated works of art from the Dutch Golden Age. Often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of the North,” this painting has captivated audiences for centuries with its mysterious aura, its exquisite use of light, and its remarkable portrayal of a young girl. It is housed in the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands
Indigo Jones Banqueting House
Created in 1619 - 1622
One large hall divided by a balcony, with antechambers at each end
In 1630, Charles I commissioned Peter Paul Rubens—who was in England on a peace mission—to decorate the ceiling. Jones had divided the flat ceiling into nine compartments, for which Rubens painted canvases glorifying the reign of James I
