Category:Baroque

Ba*roque", a. Etym: [F.; cf. It. barocco.] (Arch.)

1. Baroque refers to an artistic style which began around 1600 A.D. in Rome, Italy and spread throughout most of Europe. It refers to a style of the 17th and 18th centuries which included much ornamentation and elaborate styles in all forms of art. The Roman Catholic Church encouraged this style to promote the idea that the arts should communicate themes in direct and emotional involvement.

2. Defn: In bad taste; grotesque; odd. This word was used originally as a derogatory name for excessive detail, but now refers to the particular style of the 17th and 18th centuries.