Comparing The Baroque Period: The Divide Between Northern And Southern Europe

The Baroque period was marked by a growing divide between Protestants and Catholics. In the north, Protestantism was taking a solid hold. With it came disdain for mixing religion and decoration, and secular artwork became more popular as a result. In the south, Catholicism was still in its prime. Unlike Protestants, Catholics viewed artwork as glorifying God, and the Catholic Counter-Reformation would become successful. This divide between northern and southern Europe is important to remember when studying the artwork of this era. Although often compared with each other, there are a few notable differences between Leonardo da Vinci and his northern counterpart, Albrecht Durer. Unlike Leonardo, whose most common creations were drawings and paintings, Durer made engravings and prints as well. Durer’s foothold in the artistic community came as a result of his experience of being a printmaker’s apprentice. Durer’s use of

Decorations were viewed as earthly distractions, and so Protestant churches often appeared dreadfully dull compared to their embellished Catholic counterparts. Lucas Cranach the Elder’s Law and Gospel demonstrates in part the difference between the two sects, although biased in favor of Protestants (653, Kleiner). Salvation through faith was valued above doing good works and living a sinless life. Caravaggio was among the most influential artists of the Baroque era. Using rich lights and darks with high contrast to depict emotional scenes of drama, Caravaggio’s style was quintessentially Baroque. He also innovated through his use of naturalism in his paintings (681, Kleiner). Instead of being depicted surrounded by luxury, the biblical characters painted by Caravaggio were often in places that appeared more realistically dark and dirty. Due to his innovations and infamy, it is little wonder that Caravaggio would inspire artists like Artemisia