Baroque period was the time when arts- painting, music, ARCHITECTURE and literature were greatly affected.

It covered the period between 1600-1750. In 1500s and 1600s, affluent and powerful European monarchs built elaborate palaces to display the opulence of their state. The Palace of Versailles was built with elaborate architectural ornamentation.

Baroque style is characterized by ornate and grotesque forms and ornamentations. Baroque art had become the medium for spreading the message of the Counter Reformation. The Baroque style emphasizes unity in architecture, sculpture and painting. The Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome displays one

unified form of art. The master of the three arts during the period was Giovanni Bernini. He worked for years to finish the Basilica. His masterpiece is The Baldacchino, (1656-66) the tower above the high altar in Saint Peters Basilica.

Baroque architecture is characterized by heavy sculptural embellishments and rich ornamentation. The classical columns were twisted and a variety of motifs such as scallops and scrolls in sculpture became part of the building design. Nature was incorporated but presented in formal arrangements.

Fountain, cascading water falls, terraces and trees were part of the landscape. Baroque architecture displays opulence and gives the feeling of grandeur.