Art Captions

Author notes

0034. Christ in the house of Mary and Martha

CornTown

on Feb. 18, 2010

The Baroque period began in Italy during the early 1600's as a counter to mannerism. Figures became far more relaxed in their poses which also helped to make figures appear more realistic. Other changes were the use of intense blacks known as chiaroscuro and a higher degree in facial emotion.

The Dutch Baroque artists were known however for their classical landscapes and use of natural light and weather. Some however, strove to create art on a much grander scale than mere landscape. Dutch artist Pieter de Bloot focused his work on copying the styles of Italian religious painting. Due to his grand subject matter, Bloot's art never caught on and he died in obscurity. Even today, very few people remember his name.