Dictionary
High Baroque in England

In England, the baroque style had a particularly strong impact on architecture. It was dominated by the strict, classical Palladian style which, like mannerism, had little lasting influence in England. Palladian architecture was inspired by Andrea Palladio’s (1508-80) antique, temple-like structures. His main works were the Venetian church, S. Giorgio Maggiore and Il Redentore, the Teatro Olimpico in Vincenza and the Villa Rotonda. Calm, harmonious Palladian architecture was also popular in France (Classicisme). In Italy, however, it was superseded by high baroque, Roman- style architecture in the early 17th century.
The main exponent of English Palladian architecture was Inigo Jones (1573-1652), whose style was imported from Italy. His masterpieces include the Queen’s House, the royal villa in Greenwich (completed 1635). Other key figures were William Kent, who was also a very successful interior and furniture designer, and Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723) whose success equalled, if not surpassed that of Jones. Wren was responsible for the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire in 1666, which included St Paul’s Cathedral, his main work.
English high baroque painting was highly influenced by Flemish art and the work of Van Dyck in particular, who moved to London in 1632. Flemish and Italian art also had a decided impact on English high baroque sculpture.