Final answer:
Baroque art was shaped by the Catholic Church's Counter-Reformation, the French monarchy's classical influence, and the Dutch Republic's merchant-driven realism, revealing each entity's ideals through dramatic, classical, and realistic styles, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideals and entities that influenced Baroque art in the 16th and 17th centuries were rooted in a combination of religious fervor, political power, and the bourgeoning merchant class. The Catholic Church's Counter-Reformation promoted a style that conveyed intense piety and emotional involvement to counteract the Protestant Reformation. It favored dramatic colors, the effects of light, and theatrical poses using techniques such as chiaroscuro and tenebrism. In the secular realm, the French monarchy, particularly during Louis XIV's reign, exerted a classical influence, creating a unique French Baroque style that was tightly controlled and revolved around the grandeur of the king, resulting in the Academy of Painting and Sculpture that prescribed a hierarchy in the arts. Lastly, in Protestant regions like the Dutch Republic, realism and an abundance of high-quality art emerged for the more commercially driven middle class, leading to a proliferation of still life and genre scenes that adorned private homes rather than churches.