ABSTRACT
Baroque forms had wide influence but never dominated art or architecture. A variation on the powerful presence of classicism in architecture, the new creations inspired graceful curves, dramatic use of light, a sense of splendor in churches, and dramatic subjects and execution in painting and music. That influence affected some political life as well, creating extravagant and theatrical surrounding for monarchs in France, Spain, Austria, and some German lands. In contrast, the Dutch Republic remained austere in political presentations, in the midst of artistic splendor, a powerful philosophical and scientific presence, and commercial wealth. The contrast between Baroque forms in Italian art and those in Dutch art summarized the differences. In music, the development of opera had a major presence and affected the whole of culture as it brought so many different efforts together for a single purpose.
