Final answer:
The Baroque period, characterized by drama, movement, and emotion, diverged from the restrained styles of the past and brought forth a range of diverse artistic expressions that changed European art.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Baroque period, a variety of artistic styles flourished throughout Europe, changing preconceived notions about art and architecture. Initially, the term 'Baroque' was used pejoratively by eighteenth-century critics who found the art from the 1600s bizarre and overly complex, especially when juxtaposed against the more restrained Neoclassical style.
The Baroque era was marked by a shift towards dramatic, emotion-laden, and sometimes grandiose visual expression in different art forms, including painting, sculpture, and architecture. This period introduced novel approaches to art, emphasizing movement, tension, and sensory experience, a stark contrast to the harmony and balance characteristic of Renaissance art.
Art from this era displayed various themes and styles, ranging from the realism seen in Protestant countries to the emotionally charged and ornate works commissioned by the Catholic Church. Innovations in technique led to more dynamic compositions, an intense play of light and shadow, and a sense of movement in visual storytelling. Whether it was the hyper-realistic sculptures of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the serene interiors of Johannes Vermeer, or the colossal altarpieces depicting religious fervor, the Baroque sensibility permeated through different artistic expressions and left a remarkable legacy that defined the cultural landscape of the seventeenth century.