Romanticism and Baroque Architecture

Romanticism was a time of enlightened thinking. People began to view their world around them as beautiful and open for discovery. It began in the second half of the 18th century and was strengthened during the industrial revolution. With this new way of thinking came a rebellious revolt against most political and social standards set by the Age of Enlightenment.


Baroque architecture began in the late sixteenth century and the major aspects of its style are new explorations in form, light, shadow, and dramatic intensity. "Whereas the Renaissance drew on the wealth and power of the Italian courts and was a blend of secular and religious forces, the Baroque was, initially at least, directly linked to the Counter-Reformation, a movement within the Catholic Church to reform itself in response to the Protestant Reformation. Baroque architecture and its embellishments were on the one hand more accessible to the emotions and on the other hand, a visible statement of the wealth and power of the Church. The new style manifested itself in particular in the context of the new religious orders, like the Theatines and the Jesuits who aimed to improve popular piety." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baroque_architecture) Architects that had the most influence on Baroque architecture were Gianlorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini and the painter Pietro da Cortona. Each of these visionaries added their own piece of thought to Baroque architecture and evolved it into the well known form seen today. The most well known areasto see this style of architecture today is in Germany and Mexico.

Berlin Cathedral (bekah286.pbworks.com)

Mexico City (thefirstpost.co.uk)