Baroque

Lit areas and deep shadow contrast, while diagonal flow makes forms and space appear active.

Visual traits

• Strong light-dark contrast
• Diagonal composition
• Active form

Expected changes

• Lit areas are more likely to stand out from dark surroundings
• Diagonal placement is more likely to suggest movement

Definition

It combines contrast of light and shadow, diagonal composition, and active form to strengthen tension and volume in a scene. It does not designate a particular artist, work, country, or religious subject.

In more detail

It dynamically relates figures, objects, or landscape in the frame and shows a difference between lit and dark areas. Subject, period setting, clothing, and narrative remain separately selectable.

Includes

• Strong light-dark contrast, diagonal movement, and dramatic spatial effect

Excludes

• Imitation of a particular artist or work
• A particular country or religious subject
• Lighting that is merely dark

What this does not imply

• A particular person, work, or region
• A particular religious or historical narrative
• A particular medium

Variability

The strength of contrast and amount of movement can vary with subject and scene.

Usage

• Use light-dark contrast and diagonal flow
• Specify subject and narrative separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Verify separate evidence when referring to a specific artist or work

Typical uses

• Emphasize a figure or object through contrast
• Create movement through diagonal composition

Possible failure modes

• Contrast becomes uniform and weakens tension
• Composition becomes static and flat