Baroque Architecture | Origin and Artistic Characteristics

Baroque architecture (Baroque) – a style that expresses the religious art of the artists. So do you know what Baroque art architecture is? Where does it originate from and what are the outstanding characteristics of this style? Let's SmartDecor Learn more and gain more knowledge for yourself to choose and combine harmoniously with other styles.

1. Origin and history of Baroque architectural style

The Baroque style of architecture originated in Italy in the late 16th century. At that time, this architectural style was commonly used to express the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. It is characterized by new discoveries in form, light and shade, and the level of drama. During the Baroque era, architecture became more complex and elaborate. Baroque architecture went against the rigid Renaissance architectural art inherited from ancient Greece and ancient Rome.

Baroque architecture emphasized drama and was associated with religious content.
(Source: Collected)

The word “Baroque” comes from the Portuguese “Barroco” and the Spanish “Barrueco” which means irregular or oddly shaped gems, “anything that does not follow the standards of proportion, but follows the whims of the artist”. Therefore, the Baroque style makes it difficult for people to grasp the specific rules and direction of its development.

2. Characteristics of Baroque architecture

Baroque architecture is characterized by the power of the church and the authoritarian government, associated with religious wars. During the Baroque era, architecture became more complex and elaborate in churches.

If the architectural characteristics of the Renaissance period were quite rigid because they were inherited from ancient Greece and Rome, the Baroque style is completely opposite. This style is characterized by ornate, splendid decorative motifs, recreating ethereal scenes and inspiring the supernatural.

Focus on lighting to create strong contrasts

The Baroque period was one of the first periods in which artists paid attention to light. Finishes were chosen based on how light would reflect. They also combined areas of strong light and dark shadows to create contrast and drama. You can see this effect in areas of buildings that are intentionally dark as well as in paintings. This effect is known in the art world as Chiaroscuro.

The image inside a temple is made by the artist using natural light to highlight the subject.
(Source: Collected)

Baroque architecture creates complex spaces and mysterious light streams that shine everywhere, making it impossible to find the source of the light.

Domes and motifs have characteristic oval shapes

The characteristic of this type of architecture is easily recognized by its characteristic oval shapes. They appear everywhere from simple to complex details, curving in small hidden corners above.

Horizontal image of the church dome (Source: Collected)

Small windows are rectangular and large windows are also designed with characteristic oval shapes.

2-tier stacked column 

One of the characteristics of Baroque architecture is the large, stacked columns. 

Front image of the religious building with large columns stacked on 2 floors (Source: Collected)

Embossed motifs with extremely rich patterns

Baroque style motifs and colours were quite rich and often gilded, plaster or stucco, faux marble finishes or embossed interiors (quite common towards the end of this period).

Baroque architecture is gilded and carved in relief.
(Source: Collected)

In short, Baroque architecture is one of the fundamental architectural styles of the previous century, the origin of the styles of the following century, especially neoclassical style with stylized and stripped of the frills in classical design and architecture. To learn about other unusual styles. You can visit the page Blog of SmartDecor or leave information click here. Hope this article will help you have a clearer view of interior design styles.