Famous Baroque Paintings

Among the most famous Baroque artists developed a style defined by exaggerated drama. They made use of bold colors, shadows, and brushstrokes.

The Calling of Saint Matthew Caravaggio

Italian artist Caravaggio created this revolutionary painting in the early 17th century. The artwork was commissioned to decorate the Contarelli Chapel at the San Luigi dei Frances Church in Rome. This impressive oil on canvas depicts the moment that Jesus calls on the tax collector Matthew to follow him. The story comes from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9): "Jesus saw a man named Matthew at his seat in the custom house, and said to him, 'Follow me', and Matthew rose and followed Him."

The Entombment of Christ Caravaggio

Italian artist Caravaggio created another impressive painting at the height of his career. In the artwork two men carry the body of Jesus. John the Evangelist, identified only by his youthful appearance and red cloak supports the dead Christ on his right knee and with his right arm, inadvertently opening the wound. Nicodemus (with the face of Michelangelo) grasps the knees in his arms, with his feet planted at the edge of the slab. The painting was originally commissioned to decorate the newly established church of Santa Maria in Vallicella for the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. A copy still hangs in the chapel of this church today while the original was moved to the Vatican Museums.

Las Meninas Diego Velazquez

Spanish artist Diego Velazquez was amon the most renowned Spanish painters in history. He created this painting of the family of King Philip IV of Spain. Velazquez was the court painter. In this amazing artwork both the King and the Queen can be seen in the mirror and the artist himself can be seen on canvas.

On canvas you can see the five-year-old Infanta Margaret Theresa surrounded by her entourage of maids of honour, chaperone, bodyguard, two little people, and a dog. Just behind them, Velázquez portrays himself working at a large canvas.

The Triumph of Bacchus Diego Velázquez (pictured above)

Spanish artist Diego Velazquez created this artwork which was commissioned by King Philip IV of Spain. The painting shows drinkers together with Bacchus, the god of wine. This combination of a mythological figure together with common people was quite revolutionary in Spain at the time.

The Night Watch Rembrandt

Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt captures a scene full of people in the middle of the night making use of amazing creativity with light and shadow. It’s a monumental artwork that depicts the local militia of Amsterdam as they were about to patrol the area. Captain Frans Banninck Cocq can be seen in black with a red sash and his lieutenant, William van Ruytenbuch in yellow with a white sash.

The Elevation of the Cross Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens created this artwork to decorated the Cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. The painting consists of three panels with the center panel depicting the crucifixion of Jesus.

Samson and Delilah Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens created this artwork with the story taken from the Old Testament in the Bible. The painting depicts Samson fallen asleep on Delilah's lap. A young man cuts Samson's hair. The pair is in a dark room which is lit by a candle hels by on old woman. The man snipping Samson's hair is crossing his hands, which is a sign of betrayal. Philistine soldiers can be seen in the right-hand background of the painting.

The Art of Painting Johannes Vermeer

Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer created one of the most intriguing paintings. It is focused on domestic scened in his house. The artwork depicts a woman dressed in blue posing as a model in the artist's studio. She is standing by a window and on the wall can be seen a large map of the Low Countries signed "I [Oannes] Ver. Meer", but not dated. The artist depicts himself with his back turned sitting at his easel painting the model.

Charles I at the Hunt Anthony van Dyck

Flemish Baroque artist Anthony van Dyck created this portrait while he was the English court painter. The painting depicts King Charles I of England standing near his horse during a hunt wearing aristocratic clothing. In the artwork the King is shown in lighter colors to the left of the painting, against a darker background. The servants are shadowed and the horse stands under a tree to the right. The artist eventually ended up being knighted for the remarkable collection of paintings he created in England.

A Dance to the Music of Time Nicolas Poussin

French artisti Nicolas Poussin created this artwork which was among the most famous paintings of the Baroque era. In the painting the old man on the right playing the lyre represents time and he accompanies four figures who are dancing in the central part of the painting. The figures in the sky are Aurora, the goddess of Dawn, and Apollo, the god of music and dance.