The religious and political conflicts of 17th-Century Europe were reflected in the art, literature and political thought of the time. Art produced during the movements of Mannerism and baroque aroused the emotions. Political thinkers debated concerns about power, order and the purpose of government.
Follow the Web Quest below to learn about 17th-Century European Culture. Be sure to complete the accompanying worksheet.
17TH CENTURY ART
Mannerism
Baroque
- Define Baroque
- List 3 main characteristics of Baroque painting
- Use the website for #2 to describe the main difference between baroque and Renaissance art.
- Who was Gian Lorenzo Bernini?
- What is the name of one of Bernini's most famous designs, where is it located, and what is its purpose?
- For how long did Bernini work in St. Peter's and what was his last work there?
- One of the most famous Baroque artists is the Italian painter Caravaggio. Look at his painting "The Conversion of St Paul" then discuss which Baroque characteristics you see in the painting. (for an explanation of what is going on in the painting, click on the "more" hyperlink at the top of the art page).
- Read about Artemisia Gentileschi and answer the questions below. Click on the letter next to the question for your link to the answer:
a. Who was Artemisia's father and what did he do for a living?
b. What Baroque artist was a friend of the Gentileschi family & influenced Artemisia?
c. Was there discrimination against women in the art world? Give an example to support your answer.
d. Look at "Susanna and the Elders." What, according to the author, is the main difference in how Gentileschi painted Susanna and how her male counterparts did? Why was this?
e. Artemisia Gentileschi is called the first feminist painter because many of her paintings portrayed men, submissive, at the hands of strong women. What traumatic event in her life may have influenced her paintings this way?
THINK About It...
Look closely at Caravaggio's and Gentileschi's "Judith Beheading/Slaying Holofernes." It is the same subject matter and both are strong examples of Baroque style. However, the emotion and drama of the moment are different. Compare the artistic style (i.e. which Baroque techniques do you see in each), then contrast the emotion portrayed in each using facts to explain why they are so different.
17TH CENTURY POLITICAL THOUGHT
- What is the name of the most famous book Thomas Hobbes wrote?
- According to Hobbes, what is a “social contract” and how does it work?
- In Hobbes' theory, what will happen once the power is given to the state?
- What is the name of the radical book in which John Locke anonymously expresses his views about government?
- According to Locke, what was the government morally obliged to do and how would it accomplish it?
- What type of government did Locke favor?
THINK About It…
In your opinion, whose political ideas were more compatible with absolutism? Support your answer with 2 facts you read.
