Experience the Splendor and Drama of Baroque Art and Antiques
Baroque art and antiques are among the most spectacular and expressive works of art ever created, reflecting the artistic, cultural and political movements that shaped Europe and the world from the 17th to the 18th century. The Baroque period’s emphasis on grandeur, complexity, and emotion has left a lasting impression on art history and culture. Whether you are looking for an oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens, a sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a clock by André-Charles Boulle, or a cabinet by David Roentgen, you will find all of the splendor of the Baroque era at M.S. Rau.Discover the Characteristics and Diversity of Baroque Art and Antiques
As a response to the Protestant Reformation, Baroque art and antiques were a product of the Counter Reformation and are characterized by a sense of grandeur, sensuous richness, drama, vitality, movement, tension and emotional exuberance. They often depict religious or historical scenes with theatrical effects and dynamic compositions and often employ light and dark contrast, movement, exuberant detail, religious themes, deep color and surprise to achieve a sense of awe.
Baroque art and antiques encompass a wide range of art styles and periods, each with its own distinctive features and innovations. Some of the most notable ones include:
Italian Baroque: The Italian Baroque style emerged in Rome in the late 16th century and spread throughout Italy and beyond. The High Baroque art movement was characterized by an emphasis on light and its effects, an attempt to represent infinity, and a focus on the theatrical. Some of the most famous Italian Baroque artists were Caravaggio, Bernini, Borromini, Pietro da Cortona, Annibale Carracci, Artemisia Gentileschi, Elisabetta Sirani, Guido Reni, Guercino, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Canaletto and Francesco Guardi.
French Baroque: The French Baroque period lasted from the early 17th century until the early 18th century, and was characterized by an adherence to classical principles of order, harmony, and proportion, as well as a preference for clarity and elegance over emotion and extravagance. Some of the most prominent French Baroque artists were Nicolas Poussin, Claude Lorrain, Charles Le Brun, Hyacinthe Rigaud, Antoine Watteau, François Boucher, Jean-Antoine Houdon, André-Charles Boulle, André Le Nôtre, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis Le Vau and Jacques Lemercier.
Spanish Baroque: The Spanish Baroque style flourished in Spain from the late 16th century until the early 18th century and was characterized by a strong influence of Catholicism, a realistic depiction of human emotions and suffering, a use of dark colors and dramatic lighting and a fusion of European and indigenous elements on the canvas. Some of the most renowned Spanish Baroque artists were El Greco, Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Zurbarán, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Juan de Valdés Leal, José de Ribera, Alonso Cano, Pedro de Mena, Gregorio Fernández and Juan Martínez Montañés.
Why Buy Baroque Art and Antiques from M.S. Rau?
At M.S. Rau, we are resolute in providing unrivaled service and satisfaction. Our promise extends to the authenticity and condition of every Baroque painting and antique piece we offer. Whether your quest is for a famous Baroque painter, or the joy of exploration within our expansive collection of Baroque art, M.S. Rau is your definitive destination.
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