Page View
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
This material may be protected by copyright law (e.g., Title 17, US Code).| For information on re-use, see http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/Copyright




