Middle Ages

As the term denotes, it is the period between the decline of the Roman
Empire and the Renaissance. It was a period that is characterized by ignorance
and darkness. Another dominant characteristic of the period was that the Church
was the central figure and authority of the period. Since the Church was the most
important figure, the most important products of the early Middle Ages would
have to be copied of the Christian scriptures.

The printing press came later after the Middle Ages, so copies of the
scriptures were done by hand. These copies were also done with illustrations and
decorations which highlight the religious focus of the period. During this time,
great cathedrals were also built.

These cathedrals can be categorized into two periods: Romanesque (1050 –

1200), inspired by the old Roman Empire; and Gothic (1200 – 1500), which had
more northern flavor from the Goths – Vulgar and Barbarian.

Renaissance Art

During the Renaissance Period, artists values the “individual” as a subject of

arts. The influence of humanism shifted the focus of some artworks during the
Renaissance Period to empower the “individual”. Most artworks emphasized
naturalism, which was also an influence of humanism since there was a great
emphasis of the proportionality of the human body.

This technique provided a three dimensional perspective of most

Renaissance paintings. Renaissance artists also gave importance to non-religious
themes or subjects. This was also brought by the privatizations of the art during
the Renaissance Period, however most artworks remained religious in its focus
and theme.

There was also a revival of Roman theatrical plays. Special occasions at the
courts of Italian princes. They plays were done in such way that showcased grand
and lavish entertainment for the audience. Aside from the song and dance
numbers, they invested in elaborate stages and costumes for the actors.
 Baroque and the Rocoro

The term “baroque” is

derived from the Portuguese
term barocco which is
translated as “irregularly
shaped pearl”.

Although it was a period

following the Renaissance, it
can be said that a lot of
artist have developed styles
and techniques different
from their Renaissance
predecessors. Most artists
used colorful palettes and
ornamentation in their
works. This was a time when
Italy in particular,
strengthened not only their
religion but also other
aspects like politics and art.

Motion and space were

taken into consideration by
artist like the use dramatic
lighting and the concept of
time.

Aside from art, music also flourished during the Baroque Period. This is because
people believed that music could serve as powerful tool to communicate
messages that can evoke certain feelings among its listeners. Baroque music was
able to clearly distinguish from soft and solo from ensemble.
Eventually the influence of Baroque music spread outside Italy and reached other
parts of Europe. Other well-known Baroque their works, tried to evoke certain
emotions from their audience, they began to make more complex musical
compositions and performance. However, it can be noted that initially, this kind
of music was limited only to powerful like the Church and individuals like the
patrons. Eventually, such performances would be made accessible to the middle
class and the masses.
What is the difference between Rococo and Baroque?

Rococo developed out of Baroque. Both styles feature elaborate ornament and decoration, and
both were used in large structures with a social or cultural status. ... Baroque architecture is serious,
dramatic, and heavy. On the other hand, Rococo is light, airy and decorative.

How does Baroque differ from Renaissance

As I mentioned before, while the key word for the Renaissance is “stabilize,” the key word for
the Baroque is “dramatize,” but with the concept of drama also comes a noted instability or intense
energy, and the artists of Star Trek employ some tactics that were well known in Baroque Europe

. Why is it called baroque?

Derived from the Portuguese barroco, or “oddly shaped pearl,” the term “baroque” has been widely
used since the nineteenth century to describe the period in Western European art music from about
1600 to 1750.