The Baroque Era: The End of the Story

Annibale Carraci and Caravaggio are the two artists who should be credited with the integrity of the Baroque tradition. These important figures of art history brought strength and power to Italian painting which has been classified as "artificial and often complicated in style" in the late 16th century.

In the 17th century, Rome was the artistic capital of Europe. The Baroque style spread to what was then known as Flanders, France and Germany. In some countries, it became extravagant in style and in other countries it was modified to suit more conservative tastes. In France, Louis XIV used the arts to promote his imperial presence. His palace at Versailles represents a grand amalgamation of architecture, sculpture, painting and decoration.