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Speltz, Alexander / Styles of ornament: exhibited in designs, and arranged in historical order, with descriptive text.
([1906])

The Barocco ornament,   pp. [458]-508


Page [458]

THE BAROCCO ORNAMENT. 
radually as the Classic Style in consequence of the growing luxury and wealth
became degenerated, so also did the Renaissance. With the increase in wealth
and luxury in the period of the Renaissance grew also the craze after effect,
after the extraordinary — the Barocco, a craze which finally went so
far that the 
German Barocco Initial constructive parts were absolutely made sub(Petzendorfer
Schriftenatlas). ordinate to the decoration. From this mania 
for decoration in the Renaissance sprung the 
Barocco, and from this latter, by still further continued increase in the
decoration — the Rococco. 
 There is perhaps no style which has been so abused, being often designated
as the downfall of art, as the Barocco and Rococco. But, at the same time,
it cannot be denied that the Barocco gave expression to the fee1ings~ of
the time. It is only since the beginning of the last century that people
have begun to pay to this style the attention which it deserves, and to develop
it in accordance with modern ideas. The Secession, or the Jugend Style, attempted
to displace the Barocco, but not only was the attempt not successful, but
it really appears as if the Jugend must give way before the Barocco and the
style of the i8th and j9th century. There is no reason why the Barocco, when
properly studied, should not form the starting-point from which a new style
could originate. 
 As Classic Italy was the only country in which the Renaissance could originate
and develop, so was it also the only country in which its degenerate offspring
the Barocco could appear. Michael Angelo and Palladio must be regarded as
the originators of the Barocco Style, although truly it was their pupils,
who not understanding the ideas of their niasters, developed the most adventurous
forms, and looked upon the fixed rules of the Renaissance as fetters. Each
followed his own 


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