Baroque

Term describing a style in art and architecture. Originally developed in Italy in the late 16th century.

Baroque architecture is characterised by basic symmetry with asymmetrical ornamentation and a combination of many art forms: architecture and painting, music and performance (often with a blurring of boundaries and attempts to play with the perception of the spectators). “Stone and mortar were often blended with statuary and painting; indeed it was difficult to see where one art left off and the other began” (Guisepi [page??]). Probably the most famous example of Italian baroque architecture is St Peter's Cathedral in Rome, designed by Giovanni Bernini (1598-1660).

Sources:

"Baroque architecture." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 2013. [1][please indicate access date] http://qanda.encyclopedia.com/question/baroque-81044.html [please format web source in accordance with the English Seminar's style sheet]

Guisepi, R.A, ed. The Baroque Era In The Arts. Web: http://history-world.org/baroque_era.htm (16.06.2013)

http://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ig/Historic-Styles/Baroque.htm (16.06.2013)