Essay about 17th Century Culture - 2079 Words

Many important pieces of literature were produced during the 17th century. One of the most prominent literary voices in history was William Shakespeare. He wrote and produced plays many famous tragedies during the early 1600’s such as Twelfth Night, Measure for Measure, Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear which many believe it was one of his best. Miguel de Cervantes became a legendary author when he penned the novel, Don Quixote de la Mancha. This lengthy and popular story â€Å"is considered a valuable work not only to literature buffs, but also to those interested in understanding what life was like in Spain during the reign of Kings Phillip II and III† (Taylor 101). On the other side of the world in Japan, â€Å"Kabuki emerged as a genre of†¦show more content†¦There is little to argue about when suggesting that the Baroque period of art and architecture during the 1600’s â€Å"was characterized by a positive, vigorous, and passionate styleâ⠂¬  (Gerdes 253), enveloped in lavish splendor, glorifying the imagery of highborn aristocrats, religion, and homoeroticism. The theatrical, grandiose, and ornate style was heavily influenced by Christianity, life, love, symbolism, allegory, and morbidity. The artist Michelangel Merisi da Caravaggio a leading artist during this period used a â€Å"combination of religious scenes in everyday locales filled with rough looking common people† (Kleiner 549) along with the intensity of the dramatic Baroque passion for richness in color and texture. One of Caravaggio’s most famous pieces of art was the Entombment of Christ, and David with the Head of Goliath, for which â€Å"he painted his own head as the victim, with blood drips from his freshly severed neck, sparing nobody the gory facts of decapitation† (Harris 49). The disturbed genius was also interested in the fresco painting of the Renaissance and this is perhaps what enticed Caravaggio to paint the Creation o f Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The history of the Baroque period cannot be discussed further without mentioning the Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, whose â€Å"Baroque paintings rose to universal significance and appeal† (Gerdes 264). His style created gorgeous movement and fluidity characterized byShow MoreRelatedWilliam Shakespeare s Othello At The Globe Theater Essay1404 Words   |  6 PagesIn this drama study, an analysis of the racial xenophobia and anxiety of Anglo-Saxon culture in the 17th century performance of Othello at the Globe Theater. Othello, published in 1604, was performed at the Globe Theater in England, which provides a racially xenophobic cultural setting based on English class values as a basis for the play. Early 17th century England was an isolated island that interpreted privilege and class status on white racial perceptions that often demonized or subjugated peopleRead MoreAnalysis Of English Renaissance : Three Important Things922 Words   |  4 Pageshats with the feathers in them. Although, I do believe these were all very common things during this time period, it wasn’t the meaning behind the renaissance. 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Unspoken rules are what make a group who they are. The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter both have perfect examples for the relationship between unspoken rules and belonging. Also, these works take place in the 17th century around the same area. This creates almost the same setting for both stories where the unspoken rules will be almost identical. The knowledge and ability to follow the unspoken rules will lead to your belonging. Webster’s Dictionary defines unspokenRead More Changes in the Social and Political Fabric in 16th and 17th Century Europe1112 Words   |  5 PagesThe sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were periods of questioning and searching for truth. The practice of challenging traditional institutions, including the Church, was revolutionary. Individuals began to use reason to guide their actions and opinions and realized the oppressive nature of the Catholic monarchy. Individuals strove to act in their own best interest and in the name of what was true to them. 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