How to Recognize Baroque Architecture

In 17th-century Europe, the Renaissance was drawing to close and new political and spiritual ideas were emerging. Power, both secular and religious, was soon held by a small number of people across all of Europe. These people were flush with the money that Imperial Colonialism provided and invested heavily in building new civic buildings, churches and palaces. The style used--known as Baroque--became common throughout most of Europe and much of eastern North America.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for signs of wealth. Baroque architecture was born out of an abundance of wealth and power. The buildings are lavishly decorated and often very large. This served to show off the wealth and influence of the person who commissioned the building.

    • 2

      Check the building for a large number of windows. This style prided itself on the use of natural lighting even when deep inside a structure. Tall narrow windows were common, as they allowed direct sunlight to enter the building through much of the day.

    • 3

      Notice any towers that come off the main building. Baroque buildings often have large towers that stand much higher than the main building. These towers are typically symmetrical, especially in western European architecture. Eastern European Baroque often has the towers capped with pear domes.

    • 4

      Examine the outer entrance for a façade. A façade is a large, superfluous area that is nothing more than a shell for decoration. It will be several feet thick with no windows and an overabundance of decorations. Façades typically cover the entire front entry area of the building.

    • 5

      Find art and decorations in out-of-the-way places. Statues and frescoes often decorate Baroque buildings; usually in large numbers. These decorations can be found even in areas that are not commonly traveled, such as behind columns and in the corners of rooms.

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