Which of the following was a common feature of Baroque paintings?

Dramatic spatial and lighting sequences are a hallmark of Baroque paintings, which often emphasize tension, movement, and emotion. Artists of the Baroque period, such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt, used chiaroscuro—a technique that contrasts light and shadow—to create depth and volume, enhancing the drama of the scenes they depicted. This technique not only highlights the subject but also draws the viewer’s eye into the composition in a powerful way.

Baroque painters frequently employed dynamic compositions and extreme contrasts of light and dark to evoke emotions and create a sense of realism that resonates with the viewer. The dramatic use of light, often illuminating key figures or elements within a scene, helps to convey a narrative and evoke a certain atmosphere, which is a defining characteristic of the Baroque style.

In contrast, other options feature elements that may not be as representative of Baroque painting. For instance, interior scenes filled with tiny figures could be more characteristic of genres seen in later movements, while extensive use of pastel colors is more associated with Rococo, a style that followed the Baroque. Additionally, a focus on abstract concepts does not align with the Baroque emphasis on realism and emotional expression through detailed, concrete imagery.