Part of a series, which describes the social, political, religious and intellectual climate in which the visual arts developed in a particular period this book introduces Baroque art and architecture which flourished in Western Europe between the Renaissance and the age of neo-classicism. It originated in about 1520 and soon adopted special characteristics in France, Germany, Spain, England and the Netherlands. Leading architects, Bernini, Borromini, Fischer von Erlach and Wren produced such outstanding structures as St Peter's in Rome, Vienna's Karlskirche, St Paul's in London and the great palace of Versailles. Among the greatest painters of the period were Carvaggio, Carracci, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Lorrain. The author explains how originating in Paris, 200 years later the lighter more intimate Rococo style was seemingly better suited to tapestry, porcelain and furniture, but it is well typified in the many elegant churches of southern Germany, as well as in the paintings of Boucher, Fragonard, Watteau and Tiepolo.