The Baroque period, spanning the 17th century, was characterized by dramatic expression and  grandeur. Emerging in Europe, this movement was deeply influenced by the Counter-Reformation, as the Catholic Church sought to use art as a means of  inspiring devotion and awe. Baroque artists mastered the interplay of light  and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, to create a sense of depth and intensity in  their works. Motion and emotion were central to Baroque compositions, with subjects often captured in dynamic poses. The use of intricate details and theatricality allowed Baroque art to convey stories and evoke powerful  feelings, making it a defining era in the history of art.