Art History: Rembrandt and Bernini

Baroque Period

• The Baroque period was a cultural and artistic movement in Europe, lasting from the early 17th to the mid-18th century.
• The term "Baroque" comes from the Portuguese word "barocco," meaning "irregular pearl or stone".

Diego Velázquez

• Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez was a Spanish painter.

• He was known for using a limited palette, mixing colors skillfully to achieve various hues.

• His early works were painted on canvases with a red-brown ground.

• He painted directly from life, greatly influencing Spanish portraiture.

• Velázquez was a significant figure in baroque art.

• He was born in Seville in 1599 and died in 1660.

• He was married to Juana Pacheco and had two daughters.

• He was a student of Francisco Pacheco.

• He was the only artist to continue to earn a salary.

• Contributions:

  • Painted many portraits of the Spanish Royal Family.
  • His paintings were highly influential on 19th-20th-century artists, including realists and Impressionists.
  • Velázquez was an important Spanish painter of the 17th century.
  • He is considered a giant of Western art.
  • His artwork often displays strong modeling and sharp contrasts of light, evoking dramatic lighting techniques.

• Some of his famous works:

  • Las Meninas
  • Portrait of Juan de Pareja
  • The Triumph of Bacchus
  • The Surrender of Breda
  • Infanta Margarita Teresa in a Blue Dress
  • Old Woman Frying Eggs

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn

• Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn was a Dutch painter, draughtsman, and printmaker of the Dutch Golden Age.

• He is considered one of the best artists of the Dutch Golden Age.

• He was highly skilled at portraying people in various dramatic and nuanced emotions.

• Contributions:

  • Successfully transformed the etching process, making it a true art form.
  • Renowned for using light and shadow in his paintings to achieve strong realism.
  • Created portraits of his contemporaries and biblical scenes.
  • His self-portraits are also noteworthy.

• Some Famous Works:

  • Self-portrait
  • Danaë
  • The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp
  • The Night Watch
  • The Return of the Prodigal Son
  • The Jewish Bride

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

• Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian sculptor and architect working during the Baroque period.

• He was equally adept in other media, such as painting and drawing, and architecture.

• He was a worthy successor of Michelangelo, excelling in sculpting.

• Recognized as a major figure in architecture and is credited with shaping the Baroque style of sculpting.

• He was born in Naples in 1598 and died in Rome in 1680.

• Contributions:

  • Created dynamic and exuberant artworks that epitomize the Baroque style.
  • Designed numerous secular buildings, churches, chapels, and public places in Rome.
  • Developed stage sets and plays.
  • Designed a wide variety of decorative art objects, such as lamps, tables, mirrors, and coaches.

• Some famous works:

  • Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
  • Apollo and Daphne
  • Neptune and Triton
  • David
  • Bust of Costanza Bonarelli

Test your knowledge on two of the most influential artists in art history: Rembrandt and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This quiz covers their key contributions, styles, and notable artworks. See how well you know these iconic figures and their impact on the art world.