The Baroque: St. Peter's to St. Paul's, Part 2

The Baroque style was the first international art style of the western world. Originating in Rome, it quickly spread across continental Europe and into England, adapting its dynamic, dramatic energy to unique geographic regions and local patrons. In this course, we begin in France with Louis XIV, the builder of the Palace of Versailles, who harnessed the theatricality of the Baroque through painting, sculpture, and architecture to promote himself as the "Sun King" and absolute ruler. From there, we travel to the Dutch Republic where the rise of the open art market sparked an explosion of styles catering to more modest tastes and means. Our last stop is England where the Baroque style dominated court portraiture, and architecture played a central role in the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire of 1666. This course uses the Hybrid format which allows students to participate remotely and/or in the classroom. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to videos for the duration of the course.