Among all the diversity of things which give pleasure to people, art can be regarded as one of the most popular. Art has been already developing for many centuries and year after year people can observe the appearance of new art directions. These directions are conditioned by the social, economic and cultural provisions, which greatly affect the initial meaning and the nature of art. But still, art masterpieces from different eras preserved savagery and exclusiveness of certain historical periods. In general, the world of art is presented by different eras and époques and each of these periods has its own peculiarities and amenities, as they are connected with certain historical events and changes in life of society. Actually, these events and some social conditions predetermined the alteration in the meaning and value of art.
Baroque is one of the most interesting and beautiful art styles. There are a lot of works devoted to this style: “This mode of architecture was rooted from Renaissance architecture in Italy in the 1600’s when the creators got bored of the similar proportion and forms that were used during the past two centuries” (Snodin & Llewellyn, 2009). This style found its reflection in luxurious and impressive churches and castles with asymmetrical shapes and excessive decoration. Looking at works created in this style it is impossible to stay indifferent, as this luxury remains those far times when the beauty and turgidity were so popular among kings and representatives of king power. The Baroque movement fashioned architecture which applied classical ideas in a free-for-all abundance. “Another significant aspect of baroque planning and movement was devil open under Sixtus, the introduction of long vistas against obelisks” (Martin, 2003). But by the end of the third decade of the XVIII century the luxurious cascades of decorative elements of this style put the beginning for the vigilant and sometimes even strict meaning of proportion of this art period. It is the brightest example of how some political events can alter the nature and the main features of a certain art style.
One more significant era in art is Rococo. Compared with Baroque, this style is not connected with religion or any dramatic expression. “The main characteristic of Rococo style is paintings of untroubled aristocrats” (Schonberger, 2003). For example, they depict beautiful aristocrats decorated with velvet, stylish laces and different golden embroideries. They are depicted as high and fashionable, attractive and luxuries. The faces are always blushing and malleable, so effeminate and unendingly young. Moreover, the noblemen, as usual, are depicted in clothes like female coiffeurs, their lips are rouged and cheeks are blushing, habitually they are on very high heels. This movement depicts the life or aristocracy, free from routine problems, giving the preference to romance and mythology. The works of this style are characterized by playful lines and delicate colors. This demonstrates the way of life of the aristocracy, its indifference to problems and immense love for luxury. Looking at their nonchalance and lifestyle, demonstrated in the Rococo works, it is possible to say that this very kind of art is devoted only to the aristocracy, as its representatives can not imagine their lives in other conditions.
Needless to say that life conditions and some social and political changes influence the directions, meaning and nature of art and the way people perceive it. But it is the normal posture of affairs as life is changing and everything is changing with it.
Reference List
Martin, J.R. (2003). Baroque. California: Publisher Harper & Row.
Schonberger, A. (2003). The Rococo Age: Art and Civilization of the 18th Century. California: Textbook Publishers.
Snodin, M., & Llewellyn, N. (2009). Baroque: Style in the Age of Magnificence 1620-1800. New York: V&A.