Baroque Architecture

Characteristics:

- period: 1600
- the term baroque means ‘grotesque or deformed pearl’;
- Baroque Architecture was influenced by the classical Renaissance tradition;
- symmetry and harmonious proportions;
- new sense of dynamism and grandeur;
- emphasizes bold masses and curved shapes, strong lines and rich colors;
- decoration: senses in a theatrical, three dimensional, almost grotesque way.

Buildings:

- use in places, churches, public and government buildings, commercial buildings and military installations;
- the main representatives of this movement in England are Castle Howard planned by Sir John Vanbrugh, Westminster Abbey planned by N. Hawksmoor and St Paul’s Cathedral planned by Christopher Wren.