The Baroque: St. Peter's to St. Paul's, Part 1

Emerging from the 17th-century Catholic Counter-Reformation in Italy, the Baroque period became the first truly international art movement. Characterized by its dynamic and dramatic energy, the style adapted to unique geographic regions and patronage as it spread across Europe and England. In this course, we explore the art cultivated by the Catholic Church as a direct response to the Protestant Reformation. Our primary focus is the groundbreaking sculpture and architecture of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the revolutionary paintings of Caravaggio, both of whom established the standards for this new style. Finally, we trace how absolute rulers fostered the development of this highly ornate movement as it evolved and took root in Spain and France. This course uses the Hybrid format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.