echoes of eloquence

echoes of eloquence

A Glossary of Baroque Era Language

ornate

a period of artistic and architectural history defined by its dramatic and elaborate style

protestant

art and architecture of the Baroque period created under Protestant rule; focused on secular subjects like portraits and still lifes; due to Protestant rejection of religious imagery

Sonnet x

poem by metaphysical poet, John Donne; the Baroque sonnet moved away from Renassaince focus on earthly love and beauty toward spiritual subjects

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tenebroso

dramatic painting technique using strong contrasts between light and dark originates from an Italian word meaning dark or gloomy

quarles

prolific English poet who lived during the Baroque era; best known for his book Emblems which exemplifies Baroque characteristics through religious poetry and thematic focus on transcience and mortality

dynamism

the use of energy, movement, and drama in art and architectureto evoke a strong emotional response originates from the Greek word "dynamis" meaning power

indulgences

document from the Catholic church that granted a remission of the temporal punishment due for sins that had already been forgiven originates from Latin word "indulgentia" meaning favor

ye

often used in Baroque poetry; used as an intentional archaism designed to evoke an older, more formal, or religious tone side note: I really struggled to find a word for the letter Y so I had to stretch a little bit and be creative on this one :)

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king louis xiv

known as the Sun King; ruled France from 1643 until his death in 1715 established an absolute monarchy and declared himself as the center of the universe

nuances

nuances of the Baroque era reveal a complex period, encompassing shifts in patronage

harpsichord

instrument of the Baroque era used as the foundation for the basso continuo; its bright tone is an essential part of the Baroque music's complex textures

farce

form of comedy in the Baroque era characterized by physical humor, stereotyped characters, and exaggerated situations originates from Latin word "farcire" meaning to stuff

william prynne

prominent English Puritan lawyer during the Baroque era; famous for being punished severely for his anti-theatrical work

vicar

a church clergyman during the Baroque era who acted as a substitute for a higher-ranking official such as a bishop originated from the Latin word "vicarius" meaning substitute

elizabethan

refers to the Elizabethan era (England 1558-1603) and the broader Baroque period (1600-1750)

gradation

technique of creating a gradual transition between tones, colors, and shadows; used to create a heightened sense of emotion and realism in painting originates from Latin word "gradatio" meaning climax

seraphim

represents a connection to the divine; used to inspire awe in religious art and music; believed to be the closest to God

metaphysical

style of 17th century English lierature; characterized by complex arguments, elaborate conceits, and unusual imagery

rembrandt

Baroque artist whose work is characterized by dramatic use of light and shadow and a blend of theatricality and realism

urbis

originating from Latin word for city; refers to urban planning and architectural development during the Baroque period

zeal

during the Baroque Era, the Catholic Church fueled a religiou zeal in response to the Protestant Reformation originates from the Greek word "zelos" meaning fervent passion or emulation

blasphemy

an insult against God or sacred things originated from Greek word "blasphemein" meaning to speak evil of

chiaroscuro

an artistic technique using strong contrast between light and dark for dramatic effect originates from two Italian word: "chiaro" meaning light or clear, and "scuro" meaning dark or obscure

labyrinthine

deliberately ornate style of art and architecture meant to create an immersive experience derived from the word "labyrinth" with roots in Greek mythology and language

Anathema

the formal act of excommunication and condemnation by the Catholic church originated from the Greek word "anathema" meaning a thing devoted

Jansenism

a rigorous Roman Catholic reform movement; advocating a theology emphasizing moral severity and the necessity of divine grace for salvation named after Cornelius Jansen; the term was coined by his Jesuit critics