Your assignment is to write an essay in which you answer one of the following questions:
- What is similar about and what distinguishes French and Spanish painting from each other? Pick at least one example from each as you compare and contrast historical backgrounds, form, iconography and potential artistic precedents.
- What debt does Inigo Jones’ English Banqueting House owe to French and Italian architecture? Why is the importation of Baroque architecture to England so important? Discuss by citing precedents from Italy and France in developing your answer.
- Discuss the vibrancy and immediacy in Baroque art and architecture, from the well planned Baroque conceit at Versailles to Velazquez’s Los Borracchos to the spontaneity of Rembrandt’s and Ruben’s portraits. Do not neglect background, form and iconography in developing your answer.
Make sure to demonstrate your mastery of the presentations and Smart History assignments for this entire module.
