As far as paintings and sculptures of this period are concerned, three main forms of Baroque are recognized:
• Baroque that was primarily associated with religious tensions within Western Christianity. As part of the Counter-Reformation program, the Catholic Church used art of the magnificent display for their campaign. The reason suggested for choosing this form of art was that the paintings should be both visually and emotionally appealing in order to influence the largest possible audience. The main representatives of this form of Baroque were Bernini and Rubens.
• Baroque that used revolutionary technique of dramatic, selective illumination of figures out of deep shadow-a hallmark of Baroque painting. In contrast to the traditional idealized interpretation of religious subjects, baroque realistically presented models from the streets. A key painter of this form of baroque was Caravaggio.
• Baroque that was developed mainly in Flemish countries and emphasized realism of everyday life. This form has been reflected in the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer.
The self portraits developed in the Baroque period are characterized by great drama, rich deep color and intense light and dark shadows. Baroque artists especially took care to choose the most dramatic point of action, in an attempt to evoke emotion and passion through their portraits. In general, Baroque art is elaborate, energetic and passionate characterized by immense use of curves and details.
Some of the famous painters of self portraits during the Baroque period were:
- Bernini ( Ecstasy of St. Teresa)
- Rembrandt (The Nightwatch)
- Vermeer ( Girl with Pearl Earrings)
- Caravaggio (David with the Head of Goliath)
- Judith Leyster ( The Proposition)
