One of the differences between Protestantism and Catholicism is that the first tries to be plain and unadorned, while the latter adopts a grandiloquent style, specially in the Baroque period. I was wondering what the main influences on the grandiloquent artistic style and the pompous rethoric that predominated during the Baroque period might be. Was Catholicism already grandiose even before the Baroque? What influenced the Baroque style?
hey I’m an art history student I’ll be starting my masters in Rome soon! I hope I can help or that I’m not too off the mark
Based on what I know, Baroque style was promoted by the Catholic Church as a way to combat the austere, maybe severe kind of style Protestantism pushed for.
I think the ornate quality of it is rooted in wanting to make the church going experience more immersive, whimsical, and mythical which aligns with early Catholicism. And probably to show off the money+power of the catholic church. I know the word has to do with jewelry and pearls that aren’t completely round lol