From the Baroque to the Postmodern Era

Running Head: Art Appreciation

From the Baroque to the Postmodern Era

From the Baroque to the Postmodern Era

Developed in Europe around the 1600’s, the Baroque art was not limited to two dimensional form and described as elaborate works of art, for example the Palace of Versailles. Baroque art commenced during very influential time in history (i.e., Elizabeth I, Newton and Louis XVI). These times were known as the “Renaissance Age” where art was emphasized in high society and aristocracy. The three painters I chose from this era are Pierre Puget, Nicolas Poussin and Peter Paul Rubens.

Nicolas Poussin was born in Normandy France in 1594. His works originated in France as a classic style painter; however, when moving to Italy on 1628-1629 he developed the Baroque art style where he created the “Virgin of the Pillar” for a Spanish church. During this era, the church had a very influential presence in the art world. This painting depicts the Virgin Mary, a baby in her arms, several babies around her and apostles reaching their hands up as if they were begging for forgiveness, the Virgin Mary pointing down to St. James the greater as if she was reprehending him and his followers. The church had a great influence in the overall society, art and living of people during this time period. This Oil on canvas painting of the Virgin of the Pillar can be view here http://www.arts-oilpaintings.com/artist_b/P/1040/PN1040_19.jpg

Pierre Puget was also from France born in 1620 in a town called Marseille, he was a painter, sculptor, architect and engineer. The Catholic Church was very influential in the types of arts that were being developed during this time period. The Virgin Giving the Scapular to St. Simon Stock was an example of the strong influence of the church and the time of Jesus during this era. The painting demonstrates a picture of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus floating on a cloud, giving a scapular to Saint Simon as he holds his...