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know anything about 1700-1900s styles of paintings? please help!!

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Posted by milesofstars

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I'm doing a project for school that I will be graded on and gives me a qualification, so it's pretty important. I can do anything for the project as long as it is something I can research and have decided to make a painting inspired by historical styles translated into modern art.

I would like to take inspiration from Baroque and Impressionist styles, something dark and with a focus on a focal figure(s), but also not sharp and detailed as Renaissance and Baroque styles are. Does anyone have any random niche info about this or know of a style/ artist with paintings similar to what I'm describing? Even some sources about historical art or to help find more art would help since I don't know how very much yet! Thanks!!


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Liam's profile picture

Reply by Liam

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I think this was before the time you're sticking between but it is relevant to the art style you're focusing on - Baroque.


One of the most influential artists in the baroque movement was Caravaggio - he is often hailed as a pioneer in the movement. He lived until early 1600s (I wanna say like 1610, feel free to fact check that) so outside of your time frame. Just a fun fact, he once murdered someone after a dispute over (I think) either a debt one of them owed the other. He would've likely been sentenced to death for the murder so he fled. As a fugitive, he made wonderful paintings lamenting the dark, intense feelings he felt in his later years and showing how life on Earth was like in a nihilistic and somber feel. He certainly used the murder he committed as inspiration.


"The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist" by Caravaggio portrays a dark scene seconds before the crime is fulfilled. The choice of lighting not only sets the tone of the piece, but helps showcase the intense emotion on the faces of those involved or witnessing the horrific act. If you notice the emotion isn't that of triumph or celebrating justice, rather showcasing guilt or remorse for what they are about to do to Saint John. I would say it would also serve as a means for him to express the guilt and pain he felt as a fugitive of the murder he committed earlier in his life rather than just a random scene he just concocted. 


Hope this helps in some way :)


Edit: I went back and reread your post and realized you wanted something similar but distinct from baroque and I gave you simply baroque lol my apologies. Hope the comment helps even still lol


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milesofstars's profile picture

Reply by milesofstars

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its alright that it was a little out of my timeframe, i still find it super interesting, all replies are appreciated! =)

i actually did some research into Baroque and through that discovered Caravaggio but i love finding out more about him and his work so its still very helpful!! and the information about The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist is VERY fascinating to me and its persuading me to look further into how his mental state affected his work since i have an interest in psychology and art..

thank you!!


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