It was the instance of the Baroque period that light was used purposefully and

DRAMA & extensively in interiors. The manipulation of light and light sources in this era

CONTRAST was driven by artistic trends, like chiaroscuro, by innovations in glass

production, but also by social imperatives that led to a desire for dramatic and
opulent display. Baroque era architects integrated fenestration and artificial
light sources that capitalized on illumination which in turn created a sense of
movement and emotion in an insentient space. light is not a static painting nor
a sculpture. It could be done by the juxtaposition of strong projections, which
are complemented by abrupt and deep recesses. Another way of doing this
would be by breaking the surface, making it irregular. The main architectural
elements that aided in this were the small carved decorations that would
shelter both light and shadow in their carvings, giving off from afar the
sensation of movement. Another way of accomplishing light manipulation would
be by the simple combination of different materials that would create the
breaking of surface. Each material takes on light and shadow differently.
Therefore, through the use of multiple materials, the architect could create a
play of light and shadow with high contrast. In essence, all of the methods in
which light was used during the Baroque period, whether it was natural or
artificial, are part of a legacy of interior design methods that helped to
establish design practices in the modern era. Manipulation or light was one
element of the grandeur and drama that define the Baroque era but its
definition must include the tangible manifestation of a conflicted universal
sensibility inherent in the 17th and 18th centuries: light against dark, reality in
opposition to illusion, grandeur versus asceticism.

thecollector contributor. (2021, August 27). 9 characteristics of baroque architecture (16th-18th century). TheCollector.
Retrieved March 26, 2022, from https://www.thecollector.com/baroque-architecture-characteristics/

Heroek. (2021, March 02). Baroque architecture and design: Use of light. Retrieved March 26, 2022, from
MADRIAGA, JARED MADRIAGA https://discover.hubpages.com/living/Baroque-Architecture-and-Design-Use-of-light
AR. DIVINA RILLERA
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