Final answer:
The Baroque period lasted from approximately 1585 to 1730, beginning in Italy and influencing European art with its dramatic and emotional intensity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Baroque period spanned from the late 16th century to the early 18th century, approximately from 1585 to 1730. Originating in Italy, it spread across Europe, leaving an indelible mark on art forms such as painting, sculpture, music, and architecture. Prominent figures like Caravaggio, Gentileschi, and Bernini played pivotal roles in defining the distinctive styles of the Baroque era. Characterized by dramatic intensity, emotional depth, and grandeur, Baroque art sought to inspire and evoke powerful responses from its audience.
The period's influence extended beyond the visual arts to encompass music, where composers like Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi crafted compositions marked by ornate complexity and emotional expressiveness. The Baroque era, with its emphasis on dynamic theatricality, has left a lasting legacy, shaping the trajectory of artistic expression throughout the late Renaissance and early modern periods.