Module 4: Seventeenth Century Art

This module examines the dramatic transformations in European art from the 17th to early 18th centuries, focusing on Baroque grandeur, Rococo elegance, and their social, political and religious contexts. You will explore how artists used movement, light, and ornamentation to evoke emotion and convey power, while understanding the interplay between cultural forces and visual expression.

Why This Module Matters

Baroque and Rococo art reveal how artistic innovation responds to societal change. By studying this module, you will recognize the ways artists communicated drama, emotion, and status, understand regional stylistic differences, and see the impact of religion and court culture on visual arts.

• Recognize key Baroque and Rococo stylistic traits and techniques.
• Understand how political, religious, and social contexts influenced artworks.
• Build analytical skills for interpreting dynamic compositions and elaborate decorative styles.

By the end of Module 4, you will be able to analyze movement, light, and composition in artworks, appreciate the interplay of style and context, and identify the characteristics that distinguish Baroque from Rococo art.

What You’ll Learn

• Baroque Drama & Grandeur
  Techniques for conveying movement, emotion, and narrative intensity.
• Rococo Elegance & Ornamentation
  Study of the decorative, playful, and refined visual language.
• Regional Variations
  Differences between Italy, France, Spain, and Northern Europe.
• Context & Influence
  Understanding how religion, monarchy, and court culture shaped visual expression.

What You’ll Do

• Examine Dramatic Composition
  Analyze artworks for movement, contrast, and visual storytelling.
• Study Ornament & Detail
  Explore Rococo intricacies and decorative techniques.
• Compare Regional Styles
  Identify stylistic differences across European centres.
• Contextual Interpretation
  Contextualize artworks within historical, religious, and social frameworks.

Module Content

This module covers the following topics:

• The Baroque: Drama, Light & Motion
• Rococo: Elegance & Ornamentation
• Italy & Spain: Regional Variations
• France: Courts, Patronage & Rococo
• Northern Europe: Innovation & Influence
• Comparing Baroque & Rococo
• Legacy of 17th & 18th Century Art

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 4, you will:

• Understand the characteristics of Baroque and Rococo art.
• Be able to analyze style, composition, movement, and ornamentation.
• Recognize regional differences and contextual influences on art.
• Develop skills to interpret dramatic and decorative artworks with confidence.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert tutors provide Module 4-specific guidance, helping you analyze Baroque and Rococo works, contextualize compositions within historical, religious, and social settings, and identify stylistic traits across regions. Through personalised feedback, tutors will deepen your understanding of movement, ornamentation, and dramatic effect, supporting your ability to interpret artworks with critical insight and appreciation.