The Oxford Handbook of Western Art

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 101 views

The Baroque Period, which spanned from approximately 1600 to 1750, was a time of great artistic innovation and experimentation. During this period, artists pushed the boundaries of traditional techniques and styles, creating works that were characterized by dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and a sense of movement and energy. In this article, we will explore four artistic techniques that were introduced during the Baroque Period: impasto, genre painting, sfumato, and tenebrism. We will also examine which of these techniques was not introduced during this period.

Impasto: A Technique of Thick, Heavy Brushstrokes

Impasto is a painting technique that involves applying thick, heavy layers of paint to the canvas. This creates a textured, three-dimensional effect that can add depth and visual interest to a work of art. Impasto was a key technique of the Baroque Period, and was used by artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt to create dramatic, emotionally charged works.

Genre Painting: A Focus on Everyday Life

Genre painting is a type of art that focuses on everyday life and scenes. This can include depictions of people going about their daily business, as well as scenes of leisure and entertainment. Genre painting was a popular genre during the Baroque Period, and was used by artists such as Pieter de Hooch and Johannes Vermeer to create works that were both realistic and emotionally resonant.

Sfumato: A Technique of Soft, Gradual Transitions

Sfumato is a painting technique that involves creating soft, gradual transitions between different colors and values. This creates a sense of depth and volume in a work of art, and can be used to create a range of effects, from subtle and nuanced to dramatic and expressive. Sfumato was a key technique of the Renaissance, and was used by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo to create some of the most famous works of art in history.

Tenebrism: A Technique of Dramatic Lighting

Tenebrism is a painting technique that involves using dramatic lighting to create a sense of tension and drama. This can involve using strong contrasts between light and dark, as well as creating a sense of depth and volume through the use of shadows and other visual elements. Tenebrism was a key technique of the Baroque Period, and was used by artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt to create works that were both emotionally charged and visually striking.

Which of the Following Techniques Was Not Introduced During the Baroque Period?

Based on the information above, it is clear that impasto, genre painting, and tenebrism were all introduced during the Baroque Period. However, sfumato was actually a technique of the Renaissance, and was used by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo to create some of the most famous works of art in history. Therefore, the correct answer is:

C. sfumato

Conclusion

The Baroque Period was a time of great artistic innovation and experimentation, and saw the introduction of a range of new techniques and styles. Impasto, genre painting, and tenebrism were all key techniques of this period, and were used by artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt to create works that were both emotionally charged and visually striking. However, sfumato was actually a technique of the Renaissance, and was not introduced during the Baroque Period.

References

The Oxford Handbook of Western Art. Oxford University Press, 2015.
The Art of Painting. Thames & Hudson, 2013.
The Baroque Period. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019.

Q: What is the Baroque Period?

A: The Baroque Period was a cultural and artistic movement that spanned from approximately 1600 to 1750. It was characterized by dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and a sense of movement and energy.

Q: What are some of the key techniques of the Baroque Period?

A: Some of the key techniques of the Baroque Period include impasto, genre painting, tenebrism, and chiaroscuro. Impasto involves applying thick, heavy layers of paint to the canvas, while genre painting focuses on everyday life and scenes. Tenebrism involves using dramatic lighting to create a sense of tension and drama, while chiaroscuro involves using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and volume.

Q: What is the difference between impasto and sfumato?

A: Impasto and sfumato are two different painting techniques. Impasto involves applying thick, heavy layers of paint to the canvas, while sfumato involves creating soft, gradual transitions between different colors and values. Sfumato was actually a technique of the Renaissance, and was used by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo to create some of the most famous works of art in history.

Q: Who were some of the most famous artists of the Baroque Period?

A: Some of the most famous artists of the Baroque Period include Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens. These artists were known for their use of dramatic lighting, intense emotions, and a sense of movement and energy in their works.

Q: What is the significance of the Baroque Period in art history?

A: The Baroque Period was a time of great artistic innovation and experimentation, and saw the introduction of a range of new techniques and styles. It was a time of great creativity and expression, and laid the foundation for many of the artistic movements that followed.

Q: How did the Baroque Period influence later art movements?

A: The Baroque Period had a significant influence on later art movements, including the Rococo and the Neoclassicism. The dramatic lighting and intense emotions of the Baroque Period were particularly influential, and can be seen in the works of artists such as Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Jacques-Louis David.

Q: What are some of the most famous works of art from the Baroque Period?

A: Some of the most famous works of art from the Baroque Period include Caravaggio's "The Calling of St. Matthew," Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," and Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring." These works are considered some of the greatest paintings of all time, and continue to inspire and influence artists to this day.

Q: How can I learn more about the Baroque Period and its techniques?

A: There are many resources available for learning more about the Baroque Period and its techniques. These include books, articles, and online courses, as well as museums and galleries that feature works of art from the period. Some recommended resources include "The Oxford Handbook of Western Art," "The Art of Painting," and "The Baroque Period" by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Conclusion

The Baroque Period was a time of great artistic innovation and experimentation, and saw the introduction of a range of new techniques and styles. By understanding the key techniques and artists of the period, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of the Baroque Period and its continued influence on art today.

References

The Oxford Handbook of Western Art. Oxford University Press, 2015.
The Art of Painting. Thames & Hudson, 2013.
The Baroque Period. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019.