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The definition of the Baroque age, meaning the set of complex cultural and artistic expressions that developed in Europe during the 17th century, is still subject to debate among critics and historians. In one of its most commonly accepted meanings, Baroque describes some aspects of 17th century art, with sumptuous Roma at the centre, that upset the proportions and static harmony of the Renaissance - already undermined by Mannerism during the previous century - through the use of curves, strange movements of forms, the daring optics of illusionism and theatricality. Bernini, Borromini, da Cortona and Rubens were, among others, decisive examples. In addition to these manifestly theatrical expressions, however, the art of the 17th century also included quite different trends such as the naturalism in the works of Caravaggio, classicism in the works of the Carraccis and of Poussin, the intimacy of Vermeer and the pictorial atmospheres in the works of Rembrandt and Velazquez. A...
