As the Reformation accelerated in the 1500s, one goal was to simplify Christianity by removing artwork from churches. The Catholic church, in a move to keep and expand its followers moved in the opposite direction by introducing Baroque art to make its churches more wonderful. Given that Germany was one of the main battlegrounds of the Reformation, Catholic churches in Germany became elaborate attractions to people with an otherwise simple life. The Baroque style was soon adopted for secular buildings, but with fewer Christian images (a derivative style called Rococo). |
