Baroque 17th Century

The Baroque is a style of art which emerged in Italy during the Counter Reformation. Following the Council of Trent, the Catholic Church decided to commission work that was more accessible to the ordinary citizen. Artists, therefore, began to make works that were more colourful, dramatic, and that involved the spectator. This was in an attempt to re-engage people with Catholicism.

Examples:

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), The Ecstasy of St Teresa, 1645-8
Caravaggio (1573-1610), The Taking of Christ, c. 1602