What characteristic defines the Baroque art movement?

The defining characteristic of the Baroque art movement is its dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, coupled with a heightened emotional intensity in the artwork. This approach created a sense of movement and depth, allowing artists to convey passion and dynamic energy in their pieces. The Baroque style often featured grandiose subjects, intricate detail, and theatrical elements, all aimed at evoking a strong emotional response from the viewer.

Artists from this period, such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt, exemplified this technique by using light not just to illuminate their subjects but to enhance the emotional narrative and bring certain elements into sharp focus, creating a powerful interplay between light and shadow. This emphasis on drama and emotion marks a significant departure from the more restrained and tranquil qualities of earlier art movements, such as the Renaissance.