Baroque Art and Architecture

The Baroque period spread from Italy to Spain in the 17th century. 

In architecture, artists used strong curves and richly detailed adornments. 

Churrigueresque architecture:

This is an architectural style used in Spain in the late 17th century to the middle of the 18th century. It was made popular by a Spanish architect called José Benito de Chuirriguera. It involves elaborately decorated facades of buildings.

Here are some examples.

The Obradoiro facade of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela:


Royal Hospice of Madrid:



And in Mexico, the Cathedral of Zacatecas:

Image credit:   By Jvitela - Own work, GFDL,


Sculptors and painters transmitted a sense of movement and strong sense of contrast between light and dark.


Sculptors like Alonso Cano and Gregorio Fernández used polychrome (many coloured) wood.


Saint John of God, Alonso Cano


Concepció Immaculada, Alonso Cano



Pieta, Gregorio Fernández


Santa Teresa, Gregorio Fernández


Baroque painters in Spain:


Baroque Painting Spain from Gema - IES Villa de Vallecas