Final answer:
The Baroque art period is most associated with religious themes, reflecting the Counter-Reformation's influence and the Catholic Church's desire to express religiosity through art. With its dramatic and elaborate style, Baroque art captured intense emotions, movement, and utilized chiaroscuro to emphasize the dramatic effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the choices provided for themes commonly associated with Baroque art, the correct answer is b) Religious themes. Baroque art emerged in Europe around the 17th century and was characterized by its dramatic, elaborate, and intense compositions. This art period was heavily influenced by the Counter-Reformation of the Catholic Church, which sought to use art to communicate religious themes and inspire devotion. Additionally, Baroque artists often captured moments of intense emotion and depicted scenes with a strong sense of movement and energy.
Beyond religious subjects, Baroque art also included grand historical themes, detailed portraits, and still life, all rendered with a heightened sense of realism. The Baroque style is known to break away from the balance and harmony of the Renaissance, utilizing dynamic compositions, strong contrasts of light and shadow which is known as chiaroscuro, and often asymmetrical designs to evoke emotion and grandeur.