Examine the impact of monarchical patronage on the Baroque movement.

The question requires that candidates examine the interrelationship between monarchical patronage and the Baroque movement which impacted many areas of the arts including architecture, art, music, dance. Some may argue that monarchical patronage was immensely important particularly for Baroque architecture, citing Louis XIV and Versailles, Frederick II’s palace of Sans Souci, or in Russia the Peterhof and Winter Palace as classic examples of Baroque architecture. Monarchs also supported the making of furniture in the Baroque style as well as the manufacture of porcelain to furnish their palaces. Similarly, monarchs throughout Europe were important in supporting the careers of Baroque composers such as Bach, Handel and Purcell amongst others. However, some argue that in the case of architecture particularly, the Church was equally important. There may be reference to the large number of Baroque churches to be found throughout Italy from Venice (Santa Maria della Salute) to southern Italy (Palermo Cathedral). Similarly, in Spain the Church’s response to the Reformation saw the building of churches in the Baroque style to inspire awe and devotion. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates examine the interrelationship between monarchical patronage and the Baroque movement.