AP Euro Unit 2: The Reformation (Chapter 3)
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Unit 2: AP European History Agenda
2.1 Context for 16th and 17th century challenges
2.2 Luther and the Protestant Reformation
2.5 The Catholic Reformation
2.6 16th Century Society and Politics
2.7 Art of the 16th Century (mannerism and Baroque)
this section in the book is WAY ahead (pages 166-168)
2.8 Causation in the Age of Reformation
Art of Unit 2
Mannerism (1520–1600)
Baroque (1600–1750)
Mannerism (1520–1600)
Analysis El Greco, Adoration of the Shepherds
Distorted, elongated figures: Typical of Mannerism and clearly seen in the twisting forms and exaggerated anatomy in this painting.
Unnatural lighting and color: El Greco uses stark, eerie illumination and highly saturated, sometimes acidic colors — hallmarks of Mannerist aesthetics.
Emotional intensity: Though Baroque also emphasizes emotion, El Greco’s version is more otherworldly and spiritual rather than theatrical and grounded in realism.
Lack of spatial coherence: The composition doesn’t follow clear Renaissance or Baroque rules of perspective, creating an abstract, vertical swirl of movement.
Baroque (1600–1750)
Analysis Caravaggio's Calling of Saint Matthew
Dramatic use of light and shadow (tenebrism): Caravaggio practically invents the high-contrast lighting style that becomes a Baroque hallmark.
Realistic figures: These aren’t idealized saints—they look like everyday people in contemporary clothing.
Theatrical moment: Christ’s sudden, silent gesture interrupts a mundane scene, injecting spiritual meaning into a gritty setting.
Emotional intensity and immediacy: You feel the tension and surprise in the moment.
Dynamic composition: The diagonals, gestures, and light direction create a powerful sense of movement and focus.
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