Arguably one of the most famous classical aesthetics, Baroque is a famous music and art style that grew popular in Western Europe from 1600 -1750. Baroque has many defining characteristics, often depicting dramatic and tense scenes. Baroque art is commonly described as a mixture of classicism and naturalism. Annibale Carracci and Caravaggio are among some of the first artists to popularize this aesthetic. Other artists explored the Baroque aesthetic through different forms of art. Gian Lorenzo Bernini was a famous sculptor who designed the Baldachin, an altar used in the Vatican City. Antonio Vivaldi was a famous baroque music composer, born in 1678 in Venice, Italy. During his lifetime, Vivaldi wrote 500 concertos, and 73 sonatas, cementing his music as the staple of the Baroque aesthetic. His most famous piece, The Four Seasons, is one of the most famous classical pieces to come out of the Baroque period.
Annibale Carracci – River Landscape
This painting by Carracci reperesents a very dramatic and picturesque view of a river running through a valley. You can see this influences of classicism and naturalism in this early Baroque painting.
Baldachin, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
A baldachin is a canopy that is usually placed over an altar or tomb, this one by Bernini contains many beautiful Baroque characteristics such as the four dramatic and detailed and golden columns.
Italian Composer Antonio Vivaldi
If you are interested in listening to The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi, follow this link: https://youtu.be/GRxofEmo3HA.
Upcycle Project: Violin Lamp
I grew up learning how to play several classical instruments, and Baroque music has been a significant part of my life. For my upcycle project, I have decided to turn a broken violin into a fully functional lamp, as I feel that it would be a very fulfilling and interesting project.
To turn this violin into a lamp, I will first be cutting off the top of the scroll, and placing a 3D printed adapter on top. The adapter will be used to connect the light bulb, and hold the lamp shade. I plan on salvaging an old lamp to combine with the violin. From this lamp I will use the bulb, and the wiring. I plan on going to a thrift or antique store to find a lamp shade that better fits the Baroque aesthetic. I may also need to 3D print or laser cut a bridge for the violin as it is currently missing one. A bridge is a small wooden component found in the middle of the violin that is key for tensioning the strings on the violin.
Furthermore I plan on making some visual changes to the violin, such as painting it a darker shade to make it better fit the baroque aesthetic. The violin lamp will also need a stand that has a matching style.
Sources:
Information:
“About the Baroque Period.” About the Baroque Period – Music of the Baroque, www.baroque.org/baroque/#:~:text=Derived%20from%20the%20Portuguese%20barroco,from%20about%201600%20to%201750. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
“Baroque Art and Architecture.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/art/Baroque-art-and-architecture. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Images:
Carracci, Annibale. “River Landscape, 1589 – 1590 – Annibale Carracci.” Www.Wikiart.Org, 1 Jan. 1590, www.wikiart.org/en/annibale-carracci/river-landscape-1590.
“Baroque Art and Architecture.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/art/Baroque-art-and-architecture. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
2 Comments. Leave new
Hi Delos,
This is an amazing idea. So much care goes into making violins its a shame to see broken ones just get thrown out. This project fits perfectly with the classical aesthetic. It could be cool to replace the strings with string lights. Just something I thought of while reading your post. I am looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I think you will give this old violin a great new look!
Hi Mila, I think replacing the strings with string lights is a really cool idea. I will definitely consider that!