Wölfflinin

Wölfflinin refers to a concept or theory attributed to the Swiss art historian Heinrich Wölfflin. Wölfflin is most famous for his work on the stylistic differences between the Renaissance and the Baroque periods. He developed a set of five pairs of concepts, or "formal categories," to analyze and distinguish these two artistic styles. These pairs are linear versus painterly, plane versus recession, closed versus open form, multiplicity versus unity, and clearness versus unclearness.

Linear style, characteristic of the Renaissance, emphasizes clear outlines and the distinctness of individual forms. In contrast, the painterly style of the Baroque dissolves these sharp edges, focusing on the overall impression of color and light, often blurring distinctions. Plane refers to compositions that are spread out in a shallow, stage-like space, typical of the Renaissance, while recession suggests a deeper, more receding space in Baroque art.

Closed form in Renaissance art presents figures and objects as self-contained units, often centered and balanced. Open form in Baroque art, however, allows forms to extend beyond the frame or to interact more dynamically with the surrounding space, creating a sense of movement and expansion. Multiplicity, found in Renaissance works, emphasizes the equal importance of individual elements within the composition. Unity, in Baroque art, subordinates individual parts to a larger, overarching whole, creating a more unified and often dramatic effect. Finally, clearness, associated with the Renaissance, strives for lucidity and straightforward representation, while unclearness in the Baroque allows for ambiguity and a greater reliance on the viewer's interpretation. Wölfflin's analytical framework provided a systematic way to understand the evolution of artistic style.