Question

A portrait of Mrs. Elizabeth Freake and Baby Mary. A woman holds her baby on her lap in a chair.

Why would the painting above be considered Baroque?
a.
The dresses of the woman and child are extremely ornate and fancy.
b.
Emotion is present in the face of the mother and there is a strong contrast between the figures in the foreground and the dark background.
c.
The details of rich patterns and fabrics create emotion in the image.
d.
The painting was done by an extremely famous Baroque artist.

Answer 1

The most appropriate answer would be:

b. Emotion is present in the face of the mother and there is a strong contrast between the figures in the foreground and the dark background.

This option highlights key characteristics of the Baroque style, which often emphasized dramatic expression, emotional depth, and contrasts in light and dark (chiaroscuro).