French Baroque - The History
The art and architecture style prevalent in Europe from late 16th
century to early 18th century is known as Baroque artistic style. Its
widespread popularity is closely associated with Roman Catholic Revival.
As opposed to the sobriety of Renaissance Art, this art form used
intense colors, lubricious lines to depict the scenarios full of drama
and action. These paintings were simple and obvious, having direct
appeal on the emotions of the observer. This was greatly encouraged by
Catholic Church to connect art to illiterate common person, contrary to
the Mannerism of the 16th century, meant only for the intellectual and
the well-versed section of people. Due to its stark deviation from
French Classicism, this form of art came to be known as 'Baroque' -
French translation of Portuguese 'Barroco,' meaning irregular pearl or
false jewel.
French
Baroque style appeared in early 17th century, in the reign of Louis
XIII and Marie de Medici. However, during that period, this art form had
distinct influence from Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Baroque. Under
Louis XIV, France developed its own art style, termed as French Baroque.
Its onset is closely associated with the famous proposal by Italian
artist Gian Lorenzo Berini to redesign the east front of Louvre. Louis
XIV rejected the proposal, as it was not in 'French' taste. Louis'
emphasis on producing luxury goods in France, instead of importing the
same, led to the better quality of artisans in the country. All the
schools of art, including architecture, painting, and sculpture, were
taken to a new height during this phase.
The Artworks
The Palace of Versailles being transformed from a hunting lodge to
the official residence of the King is the epitome of glorification of
French Baroque. Lot of famous paintings from Louis XIV's collection,
such as Les Bergers d'Arcadie and The Judgement of Solomon (1649) by
Nicolas Poussin (1594-1665), Seaport at Sunset (1639) by Claude Lorrain
(1600-82), Peasant Meal (1642) by Le Nain, and Happy Family (1642) by
Louis Le Nain are maintained at Louvre Museum, Paris, France.
The Artists
o Le Nain brothers - Antoine (1599-1648), Louis (1593-1648), Mathieu (1607-77)
o Claude Lorrain
o Simon Vouet (1590-1649)
o Nicolas Poussin
o Jean de Beaugrand (1584-1640)
o George de La Tour (1593-1652)
o Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659-1743)
Conclusion
During Louis XV's regime, French Baroque gave way to Rococo style,
which was a merger of complex Baroque forms with Oriental designs. Since
its evolution to Rococo in 18th century, French Art had major influence
in the development of European Art. Besides Louvre, other western
countries also have significant French Baroque collection, like National
Gallery (London), National Gallery of Scotland, and Museo del Prado
(Madrid) to name some. The intensity and dynamism of French Baroque is
regarded as the most compelling period of Western Art.
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of
Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years
experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery
featuring original art from all over the world. Please visit the website
at
http://www.Labedzki-Art.com It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited.
