The creation of this collection was inspired by Baroque art, which refers to the highly decorated style that was popular in Europe during the 17th and early 18th centuries. I find it interesting that the term "baroque" derives from the Italian word "barocco", which means bizarre. Intense and warm colors, strong contrasts of light and darkness were used to direct the viewer's attention to the central figures. Baroque paintings embodied a realistic approach to the human figure, often painted directly from life, with elements of drama, contrast, movement, exuberant detail, deep color, dramatic light, sharp shadows, and dark backgrounds. To enhance the artworks and elevate the status of the portrait and its subject, two techniques were commonly used. First, artists would accumulate figure drawing and painting studies to depict facial expressions. And second, portraits would be set in a historical or dramatic context. Throughout the Baroque period, women were often portrayed as either saints or sinners, representing purity or wicked temptresses. The Baroque ideal of beauty depicted women with thick eyebrows, clear reddish lips, and rosy cheeks. A portrait is not just a mere record of someone's features but a representation of a specific individual, capturing their essence and saying something about who they might be. Do you really find the beauty of these women bizarre?
Discover "Barocco" collection.