European 16th -17th century

Arts and Sciences

Tendencies
• Importance of Counter-Reformation : move away from
serenity, order, simplicity towards violent emotions, turmoil,
exaggeration
• Absolute monarchies: buildings showing the power of the
state (Versailles) and at the same time rise of a powerful
bourgeoisie patronizing the arts
• Interest for nature and broadening interest of human mind
for new horizons facilitated by Scientific Revolution
Baroque Style, Spanish and Dutch Golden Age and French
Grand Siècle.
 Baroque Style

St Ignatius of Loyola Church- Rome Bernini Ecstasy of St Theresa French baroque furniture
Spanish Golden Age

El Greco El Expolio 1577 Juan Carreño De Miranda Velasquez Las Meninas 1656
Saint Anthony Of Padua With The Christ Child 1656
Dutch Golden Age
Ruisdael The Windmill
1670

Rembrandt Night Watch 1642 and Self Portrait

with Velvet Beret 1634
French Grand Siècle: Louis XIV and Versailles

Rigaud Louis XIV 1701

• Baroque style born in Italy then moved to Spain, Flanders, Southern
Germany and Austria
• Intricate curves, sumptuousness are main characteristics
• Spanish Golden Age: started under Philip II. Unique painting style with
El Greco, Velasquez, Murillo and Cervantes for literature
• Dutch Golden Age: essentially paintings : portraits (Rembrandt, Hals),
everyday life (Vermeer) landscapes (Bruegel, Ruisdael) still life (Van
Aeslt, J. Weenix)
• French Grand Siècle: central role of the King in architecture (Le Vau,
Mansard and Le Notre for landscaping), sculpture (Coysevox) painting
(Le Brun, Mignard); regularity,, order, magnificence.
Imitated throughout Europe
Sciences
Scientific Revolution: Copernicus,
Brahe,, Kepler
Progress in mathematics: Descartes,
Pascal, Leibniz, Newton
Development of tools: microscopes,
telescopes barometers, clocks
Astronomy and movements of planets:
Kepler, Galileo Galilei, Newton
Physics: laws of motion, attraction,
refraction of light, atmospheric
pressure
Medicine: blood circulation (Harvey)
.
New Attitudes
• Attitude to Past With Newton modern civilization did something the
ancients had not been able to do. It explained motion and the
heavens. There was now a sense of skepticism about beliefs held on
old authority.
• The Powers of Reason This led to a new confidence in the powers of
reason, and perhaps a move away from faith, even if it was not
rejected.
• Natural Law The old attitude of seeing a NATURAL LAW at work in
Universe was confirmed in the new Newtonian world view.
• Can-do approach A can do-approach and the idea of progress had a
part in the Industrial Revolution
• Few practical effects except on navigation, map making and artillery
• But belief in the idea of progress
• Traditional knowledge should be forgotten
• Use of criticism
• Search of the mind and free discussion can apply beyond natural
sciences: politics and religion
• As a result absolutism will be questioned as well as divine authority of
the Church (miracles and Revelation)