Baroque

Baroque is a Western style of architecture, music, dance, painting, sculpture, poetry, and other arts that flourished in the 17th century. It followed Renaissance art and Mannerism and preceded the Rococo (Late Baroque) and Neoclassical Styles. The Catholic Church encouraged Baroque to counter the simplicity and austerity of Protestant architecture, art, and music. The Baroque style used contrast, movement, exuberant detail, deep color, grandeur, and surprise to evoke awe.