European Art & Culture in the 17th Century

AP European HistoryMs. Tully

Focus Question

How did the artistic and literary achievements of this era reflect the political and economic developments of the period?

Mannerism

Break down of Renaissance principles: balance, harmony, moderation

Deliberate distortion

El Greco

El GrecoBaptism of Christ 1614

TintorettoThe Last Supper1594

ParmigianinoMadonna with the Long Neck1540

BaroqueBegan in Italy in late 16thC

Catholic Reformation

Classical ideals with spiritual feeling – drama, emotion

Palaces & churches magnificent, detailed

Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

Peter Paul RubensThe Last Judgement1617

Peter Paul RubensThe Disembarkation at Marseilles1625

Peter Paul RubensThe Lion Hunt1621

• Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680)

Piazza San Pietro1667

The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa1652

• Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653)

Judith Beheading Holofernes1620

French Classicism

17thC – France replaced Italy as cultural leader of EU

Classical values of High Renaissance

Grand portrayal of noble subjects

Nicolas Poussin

Nicolas PoussinThe Death of Germanicus1628

Dutch Realism

Coincided with Golden Age – lots of commissions

Portraits, group portraits, landscapes, genre scenes, still life

Realistic portray of everyday secular life

Judith Leyster (1609-1660)Judith Leyster

A Boy and the Girl with an Eel and at Cat

• Rembrandt (1606-1669)

Portrait of Remonstrant Minister Johannes Wtenbogaert1633

The Risen Christ Appearing to Mary Magdalene1638

Shakespeare & English Theatre

Elizabethan Era – Plentiful Theatre

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Numerous theatres – The Globe

Lord Chamberlain’s Company

Spain’s Golden Century

1570s – Prof. theatres in Madrid & Seville

Lope de Vega (1562-1635)

French Drama

Coincided with rise of absolutism

Wrote for elite audience

Clever, polished, correct writing & language

Jean-Baptiste Racine (1639-1699) – Phedre

Jean-Baptiste Moliere (1622-1673) - Tartuffe