The Baroque and Rococo art movements were greatly influenced by the religion and politics of their time. These movements show a mix of strong emotions and fancy decorations.

Baroque Art (1600-1750)

1. Religious Influence:

   • The Catholic Church played a huge role during this time, especially because of the Counter-Reformation.
   • The Church asked artists to create about 75% of the artworks to show God’s glory and power.
   • Artists like Caravaggio and Bernini used dramatic lighting and strong emotions to tell religious stories.

2. Political Influence:

   • Kings and queens, like Louis XIV of France, wanted grand art to show their power.
   • Around 90% of the royal palaces and public buildings built during this time had a Baroque style meant to amaze and impress people.

Rococo Art (1700-1760)

1. Religious Influence:

   • During this period, the Catholic Church had less influence, and themes moved away from religion.
   • The Protestant Reformation meant the Church only commissioned about 40% of the art, which allowed more personal and emotional themes to develop.

2. Political Influence:

   • The rise of the middle class brought a change towards lighter and more playful art, especially at the Court of Louis XV.
   • About 60% of Rococo artists focused on personal themes, showcasing the lifestyles of the rich, which appealed to the growing middle class.

Conclusion

Both Baroque and Rococo art show the strong emotions and fancy styles of their time. They were shaped by the religious feelings and changing politics of the era. These artworks are important because they tell us about the culture of the 17th and 18th centuries.