Rant on Baroque Era.

Taking a break from Delacroix, I read the overview on the Baroque period in A History of Western Art. It was divided into Architecture, Sculpture and Paintings, then divided into countries, then finally subdivided into various artists. I don't intend to rewrite the whole chapter, so I'm just going to highlight whatever stuck out to me.

When reading the architecture section, and looking at the pictures of St.Peter's in Rome, and recalling how similiar it is to every other European building I've seen, I decided that I dislike how unnatural it all seems. I've seen Paris, Versailles and London, but there is often very little difference in the structure and facade of the buildings in these cities. Even in Belgrade and Athens (not really so much Athens, but it does have it's spots) the buildings are all in Baroque style. One interesting note, however, is that at Versailles, in the Hall of Mirrors, the mirrors aren't kept very clean. In any case, it seems that all of these impressive buildings aren't very impressive at all. I would describe them more as "egocentric" or to say the least "uncomfortably humanistic." Many of these churches and palaces were to accomodate one family, and I feel that it is a waste of money, and the only reason they even have them is to show off. (Although the French did try to get rid of this with Marie Antoinette in 1789, but only got an even greater meglomania in the form of Napolean. Even the gardens at the palace of Versailles are completely manmade, and don't seem very inviting.

The sculpture of the Baroque era can essentially be put into one word... "Bernini." I like the poses in his sculptures, and the ideas behind them, especially "Pluto and Proserpina." 'Nuff said.

Baroque painting is classified as Italian, Northern, French and Spanish. The Italian Caravaggio often (big surprise here) biblical scenes. In describing another one of his paintings Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All... go taking Latin for two years, thank you very much....) the book made a huge note about his homosexual lifestyle... which apparently makes the meaning of Amor Vincit Omnia, homosexual love conquers all. I thought it was strange for a textbook to deliver such a judgement, but hey... life's full of surprises. Gentileschi is a female artist who probably first helps the feminist scene rise through her man-hating paintings. The only Northern Baroque artist worth mentioning (largely in part to "Girl with a Pearl Earring") is Vermeer. His paintings just seem to be more lifelike than Rembrandt, Rubens and Vanitas put together... And I've seen several of the other artists' work in person... Spanish and French paintings did not particularly interest me, although I like how Velazquez encorporates a mirror into most of his paintings. I think that's almost like getting two paintings in one.