Italian Baroque, characterized by sweeping forms, sinuous curves, scrolls, floral motifs and other complex decorative elements, dominated the arts in general at the beginning of the century. Gradually, a distinctively French artistic vocabulary, imbued with classicism, toned down this exuberance and became established throughout Europe. In the second half of the century, under the splendor of Louis XIV, Paris replaced Rome as the artistic capital.
Annette Girardon